Life doesn’t always go as planned. More and more, grandparents are stepping into parental roles—raising grandchildren when parents are unavailable due to illness, addiction, incarceration, or economic hardship. While the love is unwavering, the financial strain can be real. That’s where Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for grandparents raising grandchildren may offer a much-needed lifeline.

Let’s break down how SSI works, who qualifies, and what options are available for financial help for grandparents stepping up to raise the next generation.

The Growing Role of Grandparent Caregivers

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, about 2.3 million grandparents are responsible for the basic needs of grandchildren under age 18. Of those, nearly 20% live below the poverty line.

This growing population of kinship caregivers often faces significant hurdles—limited income, rising healthcare costs, and the challenges of navigating benefit systems designed for traditional nuclear families.

If you’re a grandparent in this situation, you’re not alone. And there may be government support available through SSI and other financial aid programs.

What Is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides monthly payments to:

• People age 65 or older
  
  
• Blind or disabled adults
  
  
• Blind or disabled children
  
  
• People with limited income and resources
  
  

SSI is needs-based, meaning your eligibility depends on your income, assets, and living arrangements, not your work history.

When it comes to grandparents raising grandchildren, SSI can be a lifeline—but it’s important to understand who qualifies and how.

Can a Grandparent Receive SSI for a Grandchild?

Here’s where things get specific. While grandparents themselves may qualify for SSI if they meet age or disability requirements and fall below income limits, a grandchild will only qualify for SSI if they have a disability and meet the same financial criteria.

So, what does that mean?

• If you are over 65 or disabled and have limited income/resources, you may qualify for SSI, regardless of whether you’re raising a grandchild.
  
  
• If your grandchild has a qualifying disability and you are their legal guardian or custodian, they may qualify for SSI as a disabled child, even if you are not their biological parent.
  
  

SSA evaluates a child’s SSI eligibility based on household income. So if you’re supporting your grandchild and living together, your income and resources could affect their eligibility.

SSI for Disabled Grandchildren

Let’s say your grandchild has a medical condition that significantly limits their daily functioning. If they’re under 18 and meet SSA’s disability guidelines, they may qualify for childhood SSI disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration looks at several factors:

• Medical documentation of the child’s condition
  
  
• Whether the condition severely limits daily activities
  
  
• How long the condition has lasted or is expected to last (must be at least 12 months)
  
  

If approved, SSI payments will be made to the child’s representative payee, who is usually the primary caregiver (in this case, the grandparent).

For more info on childhood disability SSI, visit the SSA’s official page: SSA.gov – SSI for Children

What About Legal Guardianship?

To apply for SSI benefits on behalf of a grandchild, you don’t necessarily have to be the legal guardian, but it can make the process easier.

Being a legal guardian or having court documentation that you are the primary caregiver streamlines the application and helps establish that you’re responsible for the child’s financial well-being.

If you don’t have legal custody but are still the primary caregiver, you can still apply—it just may require more documentation.

Financial Help for Grandparents Beyond SSI

SSI isn’t the only form of financial support out there. If you’re raising a grandchild, here are other resources that may offer help:

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF provides monthly cash assistance to families in need, including grandparents raising grandchildren. In many states, you can receive a child-only grant, which doesn’t count the grandparents’ income, just the child’s needs.

Check with your state’s Department of Health and Human Services for eligibility rules and application details.

SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps)

If you’re providing meals for a grandchild, you may qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. These benefits are based on household size and income and can include both the grandparent and the grandchild in the calculation.

Medicaid and CHIP

If your grandchild doesn’t have health insurance, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) may provide free or low-cost coverage, regardless of SSI approval. In some states, grandparents can apply even without legal custody if they are the de facto caregivers.

4. State Kinship Care Programs

Some states offer kinship care subsidies, which provide monthly financial assistance to relatives who are raising children. These programs vary widely by location, so be sure to check your local state resources or talk to a legal professional familiar with family law and social security issues.

Common Questions: SSI and Grandparent Caregivers

Can I receive my own SSI and still raise my grandchildren?

Yes. If you qualify for SSI as a senior or disabled adult, having grandchildren in your care does not automatically disqualify you. However, any income support you receive (like child-only TANF or food stamps) should be reported to the SSA.

Will raising grandchildren reduce my SSI benefits?

Not necessarily. Your household situation might affect your benefits, but SSI eligibility is based on individual income and resources. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a disability lawyer to avoid mistakes that could reduce or delay your benefits.

What’s the monthly SSI benefit amount?

In 2024, the federal base SSI payment is $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples, but amounts can vary by state due to additional supplements.

The Role of a Disability Lawyer

Navigating SSI can be complicated, especially when it involves children, legal guardianship, or mixed household incomes.

A disability lawyer can:

• Help determine if you or your grandchild qualifies
  
  
• Assist in preparing the documentation and application
  
  
• Represent you during the appeals process if your claim is denied
  
  
• Ensure that all state and federal resources are explored for maximum financial help for grandparents
  
  

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

Raising a grandchild is an act of love, but it comes with financial and emotional challenges. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, know that programs like SSI for grandparents raising grandchildren exist for a reason—to offer support when families need it most.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Whether you’re applying for yourself, a grandchild, or trying to understand your eligibility, don’t try to navigate the Social Security system alone.

Contact Disability Attorney Services today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you access the financial assistance you deserve—so you can focus on what matters most: your family.