Grandparents in Need of Emergency Financial Assistance

Grandparents are in need of emergency financial assistance, according to the Pew Research Center. Across the US, one in ten children live with a grandparent. Of those children identified, 41% live permanently with a grandparent. Texas is a state that appears to be following the national trend.

Texas in Need of Emergency Financial Assistance for Grandparents

In fact, Texas is leading all other states. Over the past five years, the number of children in Texas living with a grandparent as their primary guardian has risen to 356,410. Of these families, 34% have lived below the poverty level at some point. Patricia Daniels is one such grandparent.

Ms. Daniels home-schools her grandson; she has cared for him since birth. But these are times of intense financial hardship for guardians like Ms. Daniels. Rather than focus on the negative, Ms. Daniels uses these moments to teach her grandchild how to prioritize needs versus wants. Her attitude is obviously infectious to her grandson, who knows how to joke, play and enjoy life.

According to experts at the AARP, situations affecting grandparents like Ms. Daniels are on the increase – a result of the rise in single parent homes, the poor economy, increasing substance abuse and incarceration. For a myriad of reasons, grandparents are facing second parenthoods and experiencing financial hardship as they struggle to both provide for their grandchild and make ends meet.

Grandparents throughout the nation who are currently in this situation should remember that they may qualify for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). If so, they may receive a monthly stipend to help with the care of their grandchild. In addition, the children may be eligible for Medicaid or one of several Children’s Health Insurance Programs. For help with food, grandparents may also visit the local food pantries and apply for food stamps.

Microgiving applauds those grandparents providing primary care for their grandchildren, who are on a fixed budget and very often unable to work. If you can help provide emergency financial assistance as a donor – or you might benefit from our assistance as a recipient, please visit our website.

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