Services and Support for Kinship Families

Support Groups

Click here to see a list of Kinship Support Groups.

Financial and Medical Services

There are a number of different options for financial and medical assistance for kinship care families. Some assistance is temporary and other assistance may continue until a child reaches adulthood.

Health Insurance
Caregivers may apply for free or low-cost health insurance on behalf of the children in their care through the Medicaid program. Eligibility is based on the income of the children.

Health insurance for children is available to both children living with relatives and for children who are living with non-relatives. Eligibility is again based on the income of the children.

Cash Support
Cash assistance may be available to children through the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. The family can decide whether they are applying for benefits for themselves as well as the children, or solely for the children. If applying for benefits for the children, eligibility is determined based on the income of the children only, and it does not take into account the caregiver income. If applying for food stamps, determination will include the income of the entire household.

If you are approved for Relative TANF in Jefferson County you may receive a monthly payment of:

One child: $128
Two children: $269
Three children: $404
Four children: $539

There are also additional funds available per year as part of TANF. These funds may be used to help with other needs of the children you are caring for, such as: school supplies, clothing, furniture, or other needs. Access to these funds are determined on an individual basis and would need to be discussed with your TANF program specialist and/or your kinship caseworker.

* Quarterly payments and supportive services may change based upon available funds.

To qualify for services, you will need to complete the application paperwork.

Visit Colorado's PEAK Web site (https://peak.state.co.us/selfservice/) to check if you may be eligible or to check benefit status:

View list of resources for Kinship Families

Apply for Caretaker Relative Benefits

Contact the Kinship Support Unit

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Last Modified: Mar 9, 2011 01:47 PM