Financial Strain of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Content reviewed against published AARP, ACF, Generations United guidelines
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Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed financial strain of grandparents raising grandchildren, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
More than 2.4 million grandparents in the United States are primary caregivers for grandchildren, and many face significant financial strain because this role was unplanned. Financial resources are available, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), kinship care subsidies, Medicaid or CHIP for the child, WIC, SNAP, and tax credits. Many grandparents are unaware of the benefits they qualify for, and connecting with local Area Agencies on Aging or kinship care organizations can help identify available support.
Key takeaways
- More than 2.4 million grandparents in the United States are primary caregivers for grandchildren, and many face significant financial strain because this role was unplanned. Financial resources are available, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), kinship care subsidies, Medicaid or CHIP for the child, WIC, SNAP, and tax credits. Many grandparents are unaware of the benefits they qualify for, and connecting with local Area Agencies on Aging or kinship care organizations can help identify available support.
- Usually normal when: You are managing expenses with available resources and the child's basic needs (food, shelter, healthcare, diapers) are being met.
- Call your doctor if: You cannot afford food, formula, or diapers for the child and need immediate assistance - contact your local 211 helpline or WIC office.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
Infants are expensive, and grandparents who suddenly become primary caregivers may not have budgeted for formula, diapers, clothing, and medical care. Immediate resources to explore include WIC (Women, Infants, and Children program) for formula and food assistance, Medicaid or CHIP for the baby's health insurance, local diaper banks, and one-time emergency assistance through community organizations. If you do not have legal custody, obtaining at least temporary guardianship will make it easier to access benefits, enroll the child in insurance, and make medical decisions.
6-24 months
As the child grows, expenses increase and may include childcare costs if the grandparent is still working. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Department of Social Services to learn about kinship care subsidies, which in many states provide monthly financial support similar to foster care payments. SNAP benefits can help with food costs. Many states have kinship navigator programs specifically designed to help grandparent caregivers find and access resources. The child may also qualify for SSI if they have a disability.
24-36 months
Long-term financial planning becomes important. Grandparents should explore whether they qualify for the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and dependent care tax credits. Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide free early education and can reduce childcare costs. Look into state-specific kinship care programs, which vary widely. Organizations like Generations United and the AARP Grandfamilies Resource Center maintain updated databases of state-by-state resources.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- You are managing expenses with available resources and the child's basic needs (food, shelter, healthcare, diapers) are being met.
- You have applied for and are receiving benefits the child qualifies for.
- You have a support network of other grandparent caregivers or community resources.
- Financial stress is affecting your physical or mental health and your ability to care for the child.
- You are unable to afford the child's medical care, prescriptions, or specialty appointments.
- You need help navigating the legal system to obtain guardianship or custody, which affects benefit eligibility.
- You cannot afford food, formula, or diapers for the child and need immediate assistance - contact your local 211 helpline or WIC office.
- The child needs urgent medical care but you lack insurance or legal authority to consent to treatment.
- Your own health is deteriorating because you are skipping your own medical care or medications to pay for the child's needs.
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Financial Strain of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.
Things to mention
- Financial stress is affecting your physical or mental health and your ability to care for the child.
- You are unable to afford the child's medical care, prescriptions, or specialty appointments.
- You need help navigating the legal system to obtain guardianship or custody, which affects benefit eligibility.
Observations to share
- Financial stress is affecting your physical or mental health and your ability to care for the child.
- You are unable to afford the child's medical care, prescriptions, or specialty appointments.
- You need help navigating the legal system to obtain guardianship or custody, which affects benefit eligibility.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- You cannot afford food, formula, or diapers for the child and need immediate assistance - contact your local 211 helpline or WIC office.
- The child needs urgent medical care but you lack insurance or legal authority to consent to treatment.
- Your own health is deteriorating because you are skipping your own medical care or medications to pay for the child's needs.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
Related Conditions
Legal Challenges When Grandparents Raise Grandchildren
Grandparents raising grandchildren often face significant legal hurdles because without formal custody or guardianship, they may lack authority to make medical decisions, enroll the child in school, or access government benefits. Approximately 2.4 million grandparents are primary caregivers in the U.S., and many operate without legal documentation. Establishing legal custody, guardianship, or at minimum a caregiver authorization affidavit is critical for the child's welfare and the grandparent's ability to provide full care.
WIC and Nutrition Assistance for Low-Income Families with Babies
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides free nutritious food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals to low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC serves approximately 6.2 million participants monthly. Eligibility is based on income (at or below 185% of the federal poverty level), nutritional risk, and state residency. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify. WIC provides formula, infant cereal, baby food, fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and whole grains.
Setting Boundaries with Grandparents About Your Baby
Setting boundaries with grandparents is one of the most common sources of conflict for new parents, but it is essential for your baby's safety and your family's wellbeing. Research shows that clear, consistent boundaries actually improve the grandparent-grandchild relationship long-term by reducing conflict and resentment. The most critical boundaries involve safety issues such as safe sleep practices, car seat use, food choices, and respecting your parenting decisions.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is financial strain of grandparents raising grandchildren normal?
When should I call the doctor about financial strain of grandparents raising grandchildren?
When is financial strain of grandparents raising grandchildren normal?
What causes financial strain of grandparents raising grandchildren?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about financial strain of grandparents raising grandchildren?
Is financial strain of grandparents raising grandchildren normal at 0-6 months?
Is financial strain of grandparents raising grandchildren normal at 6-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for financial strain of grandparents raising grandchildren?
Does financial strain of grandparents raising grandchildren go away on its own?
References
- [1]AARP. GrandFamilies Guide to Federal and State Resources. AARP
- [2]Administration for Children and Families. Kinship Care: Supporting Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children. ACF
- [3]Generations United. Grandfamilies: State Law and Policy Resource Center. Generations United
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of financial strain of grandparents raising grandchildren are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if you cannot afford food, formula, or diapers for the child and need immediate assistance - contact your local 211 helpline or wic office.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Behavior Concerns
Legal Challenges When Grandparents Raise Grandchildren
Grandparents raising grandchildren often face significant legal hurdles because without formal custody or guardianship, they may lack authority to make medical decisions, enroll the child in school, or access government benefits. Approximately 2.4 million grandparents are primary caregivers in the U.S., and many operate without legal documentation. Establishing legal custody, guardianship, or at minimum a caregiver authorization affidavit is critical for the child's welfare and the grandparent's ability to provide full care.
WIC and Nutrition Assistance for Low-Income Families with Babies
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides free nutritious food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals to low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC serves approximately 6.2 million participants monthly. Eligibility is based on income (at or below 185% of the federal poverty level), nutritional risk, and state residency. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify. WIC provides formula, infant cereal, baby food, fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and whole grains.
Setting Boundaries with Grandparents About Your Baby
Setting boundaries with grandparents is one of the most common sources of conflict for new parents, but it is essential for your baby's safety and your family's wellbeing. Research shows that clear, consistent boundaries actually improve the grandparent-grandchild relationship long-term by reducing conflict and resentment. The most critical boundaries involve safety issues such as safe sleep practices, car seat use, food choices, and respecting your parenting decisions.
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