Resources

• SCThrive - SC Thrive is a statewide nonprofit offering solutions to South Carolinians in need of resources, but facing a multitude of barriers. They host a statewide Contact Center where they assist with benefit applications for programs like TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, and many others. They can also put you in touch with local direct-service organizations for other types of support. Contact Center at 800.726.8774; scthrive.org

• SC Medicaid - Medicaid is a jointly funded, Federal-State program that offers health insurance benefits for low-income individuals. It covers children, the aged, blind, disabled and any other person that is eligible to receive federally assisted income maintenance payments. Grandparents do not need to have legal custody of their grandchildren for the grandchildren to receive Medicaid. Grandparents will need to prove that they are the primary caregiver. They will also need to show that their grandchildren are deprived of parental care, proof of their grandchildren’s ages, their relationship to the grandparent and the current living arrangement. In many cases, grandchildren being raised by grandparents qualify for Medicaid. Grandparents do not need to be receiving public assistance for their grandchildren to receive Medicaid under a child-only grant.

• SNAP - SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), also known as “food stamps,” helps families buy food needed for good health. SNAP is based on income and household size and helps individuals and families in need buy food. A child in kinship care counts as a household member even if kinship caregivers do not have legal custody of them. For more information about applying for SNAP, please call 1-854-444-3716.

• TANF- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefits provide temporary financial assistance to needy families with dependent children. The Child-Only option for TANF can provide money to kinship caregiver households. A child can be considered a family of one within your home. Since that child has little or no income, they may be eligible for TANF money. For more information about applying for SNAP, please call 1-854-444-3716.

• The Child Care Scholarship Program – the scholarship helps families pay for child care so parents and relative caregivers can work. The Child Care Scholarship Program payments can cover 52 weeks or more for children living with relatives, if the child is receiving a Child-Only TANF benefit. A co-payment may be required. The Child Care Scholarship Program is also available to families with an open Child Protective Services (CPS) case. To find local child care and voucher availability, visit scchildcare.org/

• Head Start - Free program for young children that uses fun activities to develop educational and social skills. Children living with kinship caregivers may be eligible for Head Start.

• WIC - Helps women, infants and young children. You might be eligible if the relative you are caring for is pregnant, recently gave birth or is a child under 5 years old. WIC provides healthy foods and other support free to those who qualify.

• BabyNet - For infants and toddlers under 3 years of age. Assesses for developmental delays and matches caregivers with early intervention services. If the child is involved with SCDSS, they should automatically be referred for BabyNet services.

• The South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA) enhances the quality of life for seniors in South Carolina. The SCDOA works with a network of regional and local organizations to develop and manage services that help seniors remain independent in their homes and in their communities to adjust to their new environment;

• Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are local aging programs that provide information and services on a range of assistance for older adults and those who care for them. Caregivers aged 55+ caring for minor kin children can qualify the Family Caregiver Support Program: flexible financial assistance that can be used for respite, childcare, academic support, etc. To get connected to your local AAA, visit: https://www.getcaresc.com/about/area-agencies-aging

• Local United Way and 211 - There are 25 independent, locally-governed United Ways across South Carolina. These United Way organizations fight for the Health, Education and Financial Stability of every person in their community. To find a local United Way in your area, visit: https://www.unitedway.org/

• Hosted by United Way, 211 is a free, confidential referral and information helpline and website that connects people of all ages and from all communities to the essential health and human services they need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 211 can be accessed by phone or computer. A toll-free call to 211 connects you to a community resource specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations that provide critical services that can improve—and save—lives. https://sc211.org/

On a statewide level, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina’s Kinship Council, established in 2014, is committed to bringing attention to the incredible strengths of kinship families and the challenges they face. Through this Initiative, we seek to increase permanency, stability and livelihood of kinship families so that children across South Carolina live in safe, loving homes. To see the leaders in your community who are part of the council, visit: Kinship Care | Sisters of Charity Foundation SC (sistersofcharitysc.com)

Legal Resources

If you are taking care of your relative's child, what rights do you have? While you are taking care of the child, what decisions can you make about schooling or about medical care? Depending on your kinship care situation, legal advice or representation may be available at little or no cost to you. Services may include establishing legal guardianship, power of attorney or starting the adoption process. 

• SC Legal Services (Legal Aid) South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) provides free legal assistance in a wide variety of civil (non-criminal) legal matters to eligible low-income residents of South Carolina. SCLS is a non-profit corporation, funded by grants from the federally funded Legal Services Corporation, the South Carolina Bar Foundation, local United Ways, state court filing fees, and other federal, state and local funding. Applications for legal assistance should be made through our statewide Intake Office. Click Apply for Service to request assistance. Assistance can also be sought through the local offices. sclegal.org/

• SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center fights for low-income South Carolinians to overcome social, economic and legal justice. They provide information on legal topics which affect those whom we represent and work alongside. We have authored a number of pamphlets, bulletins, brochures, papers and manuals on topics which include housing, education, immigration, consumer affairs, public benefits, health and family, with many translated into Spanish. All printed materials are online for consumer and professional use. scjustice.org/ For more information about legal services for kinship caregivers, please call 1-854-444-3716.