Guide to Public Benefits for Grandfamilies

By: AARP Foundation Grandparent Program | Source: AARP.org | November 1, 2005

Many grandparents or others who are raising children of family members already live on limited incomes when the children come to live with them. Faced with growing expenses and shrinking incomes, they often have a hard time making ends meet. They may go deep in debt or they may need to dip into their retirement savings just to pay the monthly bills. Help may be available. The charts in this guide give information about many cash assistance, health, nutrition, and tax credit programs that could help grandfamilies.  

Each link below takes you to a chart that describes the state and federal programs within that category and tells how to contact the appropriate agency to apply.

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• Cash Assistance Programs
• Disabilities Programs
• Food and Home Energy Programs
• Foster Care and Related Support Programs
• Health Programs
• Tax Credit Programs

We also encourage you to visit Benefits QuickLINK offered by the AARP Foundation and powered by Benefits CheckUP, a service of the National Council on Aging. After answering a series of questions, it suggests programs for which you might be eligible. It’s easy-to-use and confidential.