Questions & Answers: Challenges for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
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Finances - Documentation - Birth Certificates - Legal
Child Care - Medical Care - Housing
We know that many issues may arise when caring for children. With this Questions and Answers section, a caregiver can feel confident that the information needed to answer even the most difficult questions is available.
Finances
Documentation
Birth Certificates
Legal
Child Care
Medical Care
Housing
Finances
Q. What financial assistance is available for grandparents raising grandchildren?
A. Texas Department of Health and Human Services provides financial assistance to families with dependent children. To determine eligibility for services contact your local office.
For more information, contact the Texas Department of Health & Human Services at 1-877-236-6500. Services are:
Other Financial Assistance:
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Q. Is my income counted to determine my grandchild's eligibility for services?
A. Yes and no. For most services, eligibility for programs funded by federal, state, or local programs is usually based on family income (example: Food Stamps). However, other programs (example: Child Only Grant) is for the child and based only on the child's income. Any income you have from working, Social Security benefits, child support, and/or a pension, will generally count whether you have legal custody or guardianship of the grandchild.
Note: We advise grandparents to apply for all services because there may be unknown exceptions that will help them qualify for the services.
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Q. I am a grandparent over 60 years old raising my grandchild. Where can I go for services for seniors?
A. The Area Agency on Aging of Dallas County sponsors the Aging Information Office at 211 which is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Other services include The Senior Source at 214-823-5700 or log on to www.theseniorsource.org, and AARP Grandparent Information Center at 888-OUR-AARP (697-2277) or log on to www.aarp.org/grandparents.
According to Census 2000, many younger grandparents, age range between 40-59 years, are also raising grandchildren and need assistance. Some services are available to all grandparents regardless of age.
To receive assistance and information, contact City of Dallas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Warmline at 214-670-1866. The Benefits Check-Up is a free Internet tool (visit the site at www.benefitscheckup.org/link/aarptexas) designed to help identify public benefits and prescription drugs for seniors 55+ years.
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Documentation
Q. As I seek assistance, what documents should I take with me to appointments?
A. It is best to call ahead to verify which documents are needed for the assistance you are seeking. Here are some documents that might be required:
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Birth Certificates
Q. How and where do I obtain birth certificates?
A. Each county is responsible for registering all birth certificates and can provide certified copies for $23.00 (cash only). Contact the Office of Vital Statistics at the City of Dallas at 214-670-3092 and Dallas County at 214-653-7478. The following information is needed:
Note: If the father is not listed on the birth certificate and the paternal grandparent is the one filing for the birth certificate, that grandparent will not be able to receive the birth certificate, unless legal documentation can be presented for custody of the grandchild.
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Legal
Q. I have a notarized statement from the parent to act as the temporary guardian for the grandchild. Can this statement be used as a legal document when seeking services for the grandchild?
A. Yes, but not for all services. The notarized statement is utilized at hospitals and school systems. However, some child care services do not accept the notarized statement but may grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Grandparents can petition for an exception by contacting the child care agency to appeal their decision to deny services.
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Q. Is there any low income legal assistance to help me with issues such as custody, power of attorney, or adoption?
A. Yes. Some free legal assistance and/or discounted fees are available from volunteer attorneys. Also, some private law firms have attorneys who will take cases on a "pro bono" (no charge) basis. Many of these free services are based on a low income requirement.
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Q. Can child support payments be transferred to me now that my grandchildren are living with me?
A. Yes. You will need to make an application with the Office of the Attorney General. They can help you decide what is possible in your situation. For further information contact: Office of the Attorney General at 800-252-8014.
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Child Care
Q. Can I get help to pay for childcare for my grandchildren?
A. Yes, depending on your family income. A requirement for childcare is that the grandparent or kinship caregiver must be working and/or attending an approved training program. The program pays a portion of childcare expenses, you will have a co-pay. Contact Child Care Group at 214-630-5949 or online at www.childcaregroup.org or City of Dallas Child Care Assistance Program at 214-670-8258 for further information to qualify for services.
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Q. Does the childcare services include the Head Start program?
A. Yes. Head Start is a child development program for preschool children ages 3 to 5 years. It provides activities for children to help them grow physically, socially, emotionally and mentally. You must income qualify for Head Start services. For more information call 972-283-6400 or visit them on-line at www.hsgd.org. Additionally, some Early Head Start programs are available for children birth to three years of age.
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Q. If I qualify for assistance to pay for childcare, can I choose the provider?
A. Yes. You can choose the provider you want but they must have space for your grandchildren and be willing to take the amount of money that you can pay for childcare.
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Q. What should I look for when choosing a child care facility?
A. It is important to visit several different facilities before you make a decision. At each facility speak with the staff who will care for your grandchild and talk with other families who use the provider. Pay attention to how clean the facility is, if staff supervise the children at all times how the children spend their time and if the program is regulated. Count the number of children and the number of adults in each classroom. Ask yourself if you would like to spend 8-10 hours every day in the program. For more information on choosing quality childcare please call Child Care Group Resource and Referral at 214-631-2273 or visit the website at www.childcaregroup.org for a quality care checklist and tip sheets.
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Q. What does it mean to be a Licensed or Registered "childcare provider?"
A. In the state of Texas child care facilities are regulated by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), Child Care Licensing Division and they must comply with "Minimum Standards." To view the minimum standards and check for compliance please visit www.dfps.state.tx.us or contact the agency by phone at 214-951-7902. If you see anything distressing when visiting programs please report it to the number listed above.
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Medical Care
Q. I cannot afford medical insurance for my grandchild. What is available?
A. Medicaid is health insurance for low income children which cover health care costs, including doctor's visits and eye care. Medicaid eligibility is based on the child's income, not the grandparent's.
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Q. What other medical insurance is available?
A. CHIP (Child Health Insurance Program) provides affordable and comprehensive health insurance. It covers children in working families that earn too much income to qualify for Medicaid but not able to afford regular health insurance.
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Q. How do the grandchildren qualify for Medicaid and/or CHIP health insurances?
A. Medicaid eligibility is based on the child's income status not the grandparent's. To qualify for CHIP, eligibility depends on the family's income.
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Q. Can I authorize medical care for my grandchildren even though I do not have legal custody?
A. Yes. A "Consent for Medical Treatment by a Non-parent" form can be provided by the grandparent seeking medical treatment for the grandchild. The form, signed by the parent, gives parental permission to the grandparent to obtain medical treatment for the grandchild. To obtain a medical consent form and further information, contact the Texas Legal Services Center: A free legal service for Texans at 1-800-622-2520 or log on to www.tlsc.org.
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Housing
Q. Where can I get affordable low-income housing for myself and my grandchildren?
A. Housing is available through local housing authorities, neighborhood housing development programs and housing coalitions. Eligibility is determined by the individual housing agency. Through the Dallas Housing Authority, applications are accepted in person on Mondays between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to noon. Applications for elderly and disabled persons are accepted on Fridays between 7:00 a.m. and noon. No applications are taken on nationally recognized holidays. The Housing Choice Voucher Program, (Section 8) is closed and currently unavailable.
For further information contact the Dallas Housing Authority, Applications and Assignment Department at 214-583-8900 or 214-583-8901 or log on to www.dallashousing.org.
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