Program Spotlight: Grandparents Program Keeps Families Together

Stepping up to raise a grandchild or relative is a journey paved with profound love, deep dedication, and a unique set of challenges. Across our eight-county Lincoln Trail region, thousands of grandparents and relative caregivers are opening their homes and their hearts to step in when parents are absent, ensuring that the second generation has stability, security, and a cohesive family unit.

While raising grandchildren or other relatives brings immense rewards, it can also bring unexpected financial and logistical strain. This month, LTADD Community Aging and Social Engagement (CASE) Division is proud to spotlight our Grandparent Programs (part of the KY Grandparent and National Family Caregiver Support Program), a dedicated resource designed to ensure no grandparent or relative caregiver has to walk this path alone.

The KY Grandparent and National Family Caregiver Support Programs provide critical financial assistance, supportive resources, and resources/referrals to grandparents and relative caregivers who have taken on the role of primary caregiver for their grandchildren or relatives. The goal of the program is to alleviate the stressors of unexpectedly raising children again, allowing grandparents and relative caregivers to focus on what matters most: helping their grandchildren and other relatives to learn, grow, and thrive.

Eligible grandparents and relative caregivers can receive up to $500 per child per year to help alleviate the financial demands of essential needs.

Through state and federal caregiver funding, the CASE Division helps grandparents and relative caregivers navigate their roles by providing:

• Child Clothing & Personal Care: Financial assistance to purchase seasonal clothing, shoes, and personal care necessities for the children.
• Furniture Needs: Support to purchase essential household pieces, such as a bed or dresser, to give the child a comfortable and secure personal space.
• Information & Access Assistance: Direct access to case managers who assist in obtaining community resources, health education, and additional public assistance.
• Counseling & Support Groups: Referrals to peer support networks, training, and specialized counseling to help grandparents and relative caregivers manage the emotional and mental stress of caregiving.

To ensure that funds are directed to families in the greatest economic and social need, applicants must meet the following eligibility guidelines:

1. Age & Residency: The grandparent must be a resident in Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, or Washington counties.
2. Primary Caregiver Status: The grandparent must be the primary caregiver of the child who is 18 years of age or younger. The child must reside in the home, and the child’s biological parent cannot live in the same household.
3. Relationship: The grandparent or relative caregiver must be related to the grandchild by birth, marriage, or legal adoption.
4. Income Limits: This will be discussed with the case manager based on the criteria for each Grandparent program.  Based on eligibility, some programs may require income guidelines.  
5. No Duplicate Assistance: The grandparent/child cannot currently be receiving monthly Kinship Care assistance funds.

You don’t have to navigate these changes in silence. If you or a grandparent or relative caregiver you know is raising grandchildren in the Lincoln Trail region, reaching out to LTADD is the first step toward getting the support your family deserves.

• Call Us: Contact the LTADD Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 270-737-6082.
• What to Expect: An intake specialist will guide you through a few simple screening questions to verify eligibility in order to connect you with a dedicated case manager.

Thank you to all the incredible grandparents and relative caregivers in our community who continually pour their love and energy into keeping our families strong.