May 2022 Newsletter

We all know how hard it is to raise children. We all know how expensive it is to raise children as well. And these days it is especially challenging. If you are a grandparent/relative caregiver with guardianship of your grandchild and you have not applied for the TAFDC child-only grant before, now might be the time to consider applying for this resource. There have been several policy changes within the last 2 years at DTA to make this resource more accessible for you as guardians. Please read below to learn about the changes and how to apply.

If you need assistance or have questions about other resources that may help your family, contact the Kinship Navigator. Information is below.

POLICY CHANGE ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren was honored to collaborate with DTA Commissioner Amy Kershaw and her team at DTA to advocate for a major change in DTA policy regarding the TAFDC child-only grant. Relative caregivers are now able to sign a "Good Cause Waiver" and will not have to cooperate with the child support requirement in order to be eligible for the TAFCD child-only grant. No further explanation is required other than it is not in the child's best interest to pursue child support. This change in the child support consent waiver will hopefully remove a barrier for families considering applying for this resource.

To learn more, please read below:

Grandparents and other relative caregivers can claim "good cause" from cooperating with the child support enforcement requirement of the TAFDC child-only grant if they feel it is not in the best interest of the child in their care. Read the attachment for more details by clicking on the button below.

Child Support Flyer

TAFDC child-only grant is a financial resource for grandparents and relative caregivers to consider applying for. This economic assistance is a cash benefit that helps caregivers meet the basic needs of the children in their care. Click on the button below for more information about the TAFDC child-only grant and SNAP.

TAFDC child-only grant

Kinship Navigator

The Kinship Navigator Program is a fantastic resource for caregivers that will help you access services and resources. For more information, click on the button below:

Kinship Navigator

Free COVID-19 Home-Tests

The Centers for Disease Control announced earlier this week that you can now receive up to 8 free COVID-19 home-tests. To learn more, visit the link below:

Free COVID tests