Resources for Grandparents

September 05, 2008

In early September, we celebrate National Grandparent's Day. A day set aside to recognize grandparents and what they mean to our families. Today, grandparents seem to be taking on a much greater role in their grandchildren's lives than they did 30 years ago when Grandparent's Day was first celebrated. According to AARP, 1 in 12 children live in households headed by grandparents or other relatives. As a result, many of these individuals are stepping in to the role of the child's primary caregiver. Many grandparents take on this role willingly, but face challenges. There are emotional, financial, and legal challenges that occur with the role of primary.

The first step to determining what kind of support is needed, according AARP, should be to resolve legal questions around custody, guardianship, or adoption. Without legal status, grandparents may not be able to enroll their grandchildren in school or make medical decisions for them.

Financial Assistance

If raising a grandchild, grandparents may be eligible for financial assistance from individual states. Sources such as Medicaid, foster care, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or Social Security may be available. If a grandparent has private health insurance, he/she should inquire about adding grandchildren to the policy. Local Department of Social Services can give information about eligibility for Medicaid or your state's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Income Tax Relief

Families may be eligible for various federal tax relief programs such as the child tax, health coverage or earned income tax credits. Tax laws and requirements change every year. It is best to get assistance when filing taxes to make sure the family is getting all the tax relief credits available. To find out more about the child tax and other tax relief, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov or visit your local IRS office for help in person.

Finding Child Care

If you need to find child care, call Child Care Aware at 1-800-424-2246, or look at the information on this website. Child Care Aware can help you locate your local child care experts - the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency in your area. The CCR&R will provide information about choosing high-quality child care, along with referrals to child care providers, information on state licensing, and other helpful information needed to find care for grandchildren.

Paying for Child Care

Grandparents may be eligible for child care financial assistance. See Child Care Aware's Finding Help Paying for Child Care brochure, available for free by calling 1-800-424-2246, or going to http://www.childcareaware.org/docs/pubs/110e.pdf.

Help In Your Community

Look for community resources that can provide support for you as well as your grandchildren. Parenting a grandchild is different from parenting your own children. The effects of these new roles impact everyone. Grandchildren may display psychological, educational, and behavioral problems. The children may be grieving or angry and confused by their parents' absence. You may be dealing with your own grief or anger or disappointment at finding yourself in the role of parenting a young child again. Seek out help - from your faith community, your grandchild's school, local support agencies, or individual counselors. You're not alone.

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