Raising Grandchildren: Housing Issues

Find assistance to locate or improve your home in order to care for a child

by: Amy Goyer, from: AARP, August 31, 2011

Is there any special housing available for grandfamilies?

There are now several apartment complexes that have been created just for "grandfamilies" (grandparents or other relatives raising children). This type of public housing exists in Boston, Baton Rouge, La., Chicago and several other cities across the country. Contact your local Public Housing Authority to see if there is grandfamilies housing near you.

Grand Families Guide

Can I get any help with taxes on my home or utility bills?

You may qualify for property tax relief or rebates if you have a lower income and meet other criteria. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) program also helps people with low incomes pay their heating and cooling bills and some energy-related home repairs. There are also telephone assistance programs (Lifeline and Link-up) that help people pay their phone bills.

Go to AARP's Benefits QuickLINK and answer a list of questions. You'll get a report that tells you what programs you are eligible for, including property tax relief/rebates, LIHEAP and Telephone Assistance, along with forms to apply. If you can't get to a computer, call 1-888-GRAND-18 and ask for a referral to someone who can help you with a Benefits QuickLINK screening.