Finding Help to Raise a Grandchild
Are you a grandparent raising a grandchild? More than 2.4 million grandparents are doing the same thing you are. They stepped in at a moment’s notice when their families needed help. They put their own plans on hold. They decided to take care of their grandchildren when the parents of those children could not.
These grandparents are probably a lot like you. The majority are younger than 60. Many feel all alone. And most don’t know where to get the help they need.
There are so many issues to think about when you begin to raise a grandchild. This overview will help you find some tips on how to best address these issues and learn who can help.
Your Legal Status
Some grandparents ask the courts to make them legal guardians for the grandchild they are raising. This allows them to make important decisions for the child. They can enroll the child in school. They can give permission for the doctor to treat the child. They can sometimes get help to pay the bills. Ask an attorney to help you decide what legal status is best for you and your grandchild.
Your Finances
Don’t use your savings to pay your extra bills. Instead, see if you can get assistance from government programs. They are here to help you. Your grandchild may be able to get social security. He or she may be eligible to get money from your state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Your family might qualify for food stamps. Ask the IRS about the Earned In-come Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit. Both programs can give you extra cash at tax time.
Your Housing
The home you thought was so cozy may seem too crowded after grandkids move in. Maybe you live in an apartment that doesn’t allow young children. Perhaps your landlord won’t let more people live in your apartment. Or maybe the home you own is just too small/ What will you do? Will you have to move? Where? All of these issues can give you a major headache. There aren’t any simple solutions. But there is some hope. Many groups around the country are working hard to develop special housing for grand-families. And financial products like reverse mortgages can give you the cash you need to make your home more comfortable and child friendly.
Your Grandchild’s Education
Check with your local school to find out how to enroll your grandchild. Some states won’t let you enroll a child unless you have legal custody. In other states, you only need to show that your grandchild lives with you. After your grandchild is enrolled, get to know the child’s teacher. Tell the teacher about your grandchild’s living situation. And be sure to speak up if you think your grandchild needs special services to help him or her do better in school.
Your Grandchild’s Health
A grandchild with a serious medical condition can bring hefty medical bills along when he or she comes to stay. But even a healthy grandchild needs regular check-ups and immunizations. These cost money. How will you pay the bills? You may be able to get help from the Medicaid program. Medicaid pays health bills for people with low incomes. Your grandchild may also be able to get benefits from the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Each state has a CHIP program. CHIP pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, shots, and medicines.
Your Health
Now that you are raising your grandchildren, you must take extra steps to protect your own health. If you do this you will feel better. You will also be able to “be there” for your grandchild for many years to come. Take time each day to relax. Ask for help from friends and relatives. Find a daycare provider so you can get a break from caregiving. Get regular checkups and take your prescribed medicines. Join a support group. And tell your doctors if you feel depressed. They can help.