TANF assistance differs from state to state for grandparents

By Karen Best Wright, www.RaisingYourGrandchildren.com

Grandparents who are raising grandchildren can apply for a child only TANF grant through their local department of social services. TANF stands for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, and for grandparents raising grandchildren qualification depends on the child's income and the fact that no parent lives in the home.

What is interesting or perhaps better put disturbing is the great differences in the amount a grandparent might receive depending on the state they live in. In New York, a grandparent can get as much as $400/month for one child and and an additional $150/month for each additional child. I had one grandmother from Texas email me that for her 2 grandchildren she received less than $200/month for both children from TANF. A grandmother from Virginia wrote that because she received $275/month in child support for both her 2 grandchildren, she did not qualify at all for TANF.

TANF is a joint federal and state program. That is why states vary in what they pay. But if you are not already receiving TANF for your grandchildren, it is at least worth looking into.

Karen Wright
A grandmother who loves her grandchildren

Comments

[Susan Adcox]

I understand that social programs are usually operated by the state for a reason. Conditions vary from state to state, and having the flexibility to fit a program to a state can be valuable. On the other hand, isn't it time that we guaranteed certain benefits to grandparents raising grandchildren? They are providing a valuable service to society as well as to their family.