by Patricia A. Coldiron

Created on: March 03, 2010

“As of October 2007, more than six million children were living in households headed by grandparents (4.5 million children)” according to the AARP.

Raising your grandchildren can be expensive, especially if finances are tight. There are many programs that you may be able to take advantage of to help with those extra expenses.

 School Lunch

If you have custody of your grandchildren, you may be able to save money if your grandchildren are eligible for the National School Lunch Program. Check with your child’s school to receive an application.

In 2008, The National School Lunch Program was offered in over 96,000 public and nonprofit private schools, and 30 million children were able to take advantage of low cost or  free lunches every day.

If your household income is at or below 130 percent of federal poverty guidelines, your grandchildren are eligible for a free lunch. A reduced price lunch is available if your household income is between 130 and 185 percent.

Students are served a nutritionally balanced lunch that meets one third of their daily Recommended Dietary Allowance of calcium, vitamins A and C, protein, and iron. Lunches contain no more than 30 percent fat, with a maximum of 10 percent coming from saturated fat.

Energy Assistance

If your household meets low income requirements, and you’re paying a high proportion of your household income for energy bills, you may be able to receive assistance from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

States that want to help these households with energy costs can apply for a LIHEAP block grant. Congress generated the method for fund distribution to states, based on the low income population and weather of each state. Home energy sources are defined by written policy as heating or cooling in residential dwellings.

To meet eligibility requirements, your household income cannot be greater than 150 percent of the poverty level, or 75 percent of your state’s median income. You won’t have to meet eligibility requirements if your household income is below 110 percent of the poverty level, but priority may be given to households with the most expensive energy costs, or needs related to their income.

 TANF

 If your household meets income qualifications, you may be able to eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which is a federal and state combined program. Each state will offer different types of financial assistance, and have different eligibility requirements. Households who meet low income qualifications can apply for benefits for the whole family, which might include daycare, cash assistance, and food stamps. If  your household doesn’t meet income qualifications, a grandparent can still apply for benefits for his grandchildren, which is referred to as a Child-Only Grant, and is based on the children’s income.

If your household is approved for TANF benefits, you will have a time limit, depending on the regulations of your state. If TANF benefits are only for your grandchildren, there will not be a time limit, but if your grandchildren are receiving any income, that would still apply. When you submit your application, you may need to provide proof that you are the grandparent, such as birth certificates. You can apply for TANF at your local Social Services office.

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