If the kinship caregiver is related to the child by blood, marriage, or adoption, he or she may apply to receive services from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission administers TANF services.

If the kinship caregiver’s family is certified for TANF, the household can be certified to receive a cash benefit and family medical assistance for the child.

The TANF worker explains to the caregiver that it is optional to apply for a child-only TANF grant, in which the caregiver’s income is not included in the benefit calculation and the benefit is provided only for the child.

The caregiver must inform the child’s caseworker if the caregiver plans to apply for the child-only TANF grant.