Millions of grandparents are raising grandchildren — often overnight, often alone. GrandFamily Guide gives you clear, plain-English answers on legal rights, financial aid, healthcare, and school enrollment. All in one place.
Choose a topic below to get plain-English guides, state-specific resources, and step-by-step checklists — no legal degree required.
Understand custody, guardianship, and adoption options. Know your rights when enrolling kids in school or making medical decisions.
Find TANF, kinship subsidies, food stamps, and tax credits you may be missing. Many grandparents leave thousands on the table.
Get your grandchild covered under Medicaid, CHIP, or your employer plan. Find low-cost clinics and mental health resources.
Enroll grandchildren even without legal custody. Understand IEPs, special education rights, and free school meal programs.
Caregiving is exhausting. Find support groups, respite care, and mental health resources for both you and your grandchildren.
Find grandfamily housing programs, emergency cash assistance, and food banks that understand kinship families.
Written in plain English by kinship care advocates. No confusing legal jargon.
Just became responsible for a grandchild? This step-by-step checklist walks you through the first 30 days — from emergency school enrollment to applying for financial assistance — so nothing falls through the cracks.
Read Full Guide →Most grandparents raising grandchildren qualify for multiple overlapping benefits — but few claim all of them. This guide walks through TANF, kinship stipends, the Child Tax Credit, and more.
Each option has very different legal implications, costs, and effects on benefits. This plain-English breakdown helps you decide what fits your situation — without a lawyer visit first.
The McKinney-Vento Act gives your grandchild the right to enroll in school immediately. Here's exactly what to say, what forms to bring, and what the school cannot legally demand from you.
Respite care gives you temporary relief while keeping your grandchild safe. Discover free and low-cost options in your state, and why taking breaks makes you a better caregiver.
Benefits, legal requirements, kinship stipends, and support programs vary significantly by state. Enter yours to see exactly what's available to you.
Monthly payments to grandparents caring for grandchildren outside the foster care system
Nonprofit attorneys who specialize in kinship guardianship at no cost to you
A dedicated case worker who helps you access every benefit available in your county
Temporary care relief services so you can rest, work, or attend to your own needs
Over 6 million grandparents are walking this same road. Hear from families who found the help they needed.
Your experience could help another grandparent find the help they need. We'd love to feature your story.
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