Millions of grandparents are raising grandchildren, often full-time, often without pay. If that sounds like you, there is financial help available that many families never learn about.
Here are six government programs worth knowing. Each one is real, and each one could make a meaningful difference on a fixed income.
1. Child Tax Credit
If you claim a grandchild as a dependent on your taxes, you may qualify for the Child Tax Credit, up to $2,200 per child, subject to income limits, according to the IRS.
But watch out for a common mistake. Federally licensed tax expert Peter Diamond warns that parents and grandparents often assume they can both claim the child, or that nobody does it correctly at all.
“The IRS does not care what position you take as long as it can be properly substantiated,” Diamond said.
Talk it through with your family before tax season to make sure someone claims the credit properly.
2. Head of Household Filing Status
This is one of the most underused tax breaks available. For 2025, the standard deduction for Head of Household filers is $23,625, compared to just $15,750 for single filers. That is a $7,875 difference that lowers your taxable income, per the IRS.
If you are truly running your household and supporting a grandchild, Diamond says you should be claiming this status.
“It comes down to facts and documentation,” he said. “If the grandparent is the one truly running the household and supporting the child, they should be claiming the benefit.”
3. Child-Only TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (most people know it as TANF) is not just for parents. Grandparents can qualify on behalf of a grandchild, and the money can cover food, housing, and child care.
Finance expert Andrew Lokenauth of Be Fluent in Finance says payments vary by state, but many families receive $200 to $500 or more per child each month.
“I’ve seen families miss out on hundreds of dollars per month because nobody told them this existed,” Lokenauth said.
4. Dependent or Survivor Social Security Benefits
If a grandchild’s parent is retired, disabled, or deceased, that child may qualify for Social Security dependent or survivor benefits, according to the Social Security Administration.
Lokenauth says the benefit is often $500 to $1,000 per month or more, tied to the parent’s earnings record. The key step is to contact Social Security directly and bring the required documentation.
5. SSI for a Grandchild With a Disability
If your grandchild has a documented physical or developmental disability and meets financial need requirements, they may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The SSA says the benefit pays up to $943 per month — and it goes to whoever is caring for the child.
Lokenauth’s advice: do not wait.
“File an SSI application quickly because the process requires medical documentation and takes time, but the financial relief is worth the effort,” he said.
6. LIHEAP and Local Assistance Programs
Raising grandchildren raises your household size and that can actually work in your favor. LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, uses income and household size to determine eligibility. Adding grandchildren to your home may qualify you for more help with utility costs.
Lokenauth also points to local Area Agencies on Aging and family resource centers as sources of utility credits and emergency funds that, as he puts it, “most people never tap into.”
If you are caring for a grandchild, you are doing something truly valuable. These programs exist to help make that a little easier. A good starting point is your local Area Agency on Aging; they can help you figure out which programs apply to your situation.