The Kinship Care Program helps non-parent relative caregivers such as grandparents, aunts or uncles meet immediate needs for clothing, shelter, health, safety and educational supplies in the 180-day transition period when a related child first moves into their home.

Eligibility for Kinship Care Assistance

The following criteria must be met to qualify for Kinship Care assistance:

• The transitioning children must be under 18 years of age.
• The caregiver must be a relative to the 5^th degree.
• The caregiver’s family income must be less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
• The children’s parents cannot live in the caregiver’s home.
• The children’s transition must have occurred within 180 days of application.

Apply and Learn More about Kinship Care

To speak with a DSS case manager about whether you are eligible for assistance through the Kinship Care Program, visit a Delaware State Service Center, call 302-255-9040 or email DHSS_DSSC@delaware.gov.

Apply online through the ASSIST self-service portal or complete a paper application:

• English
• Spanish

This state-funded program is limited to available funds. Kinship Care is provided through a partnership between the Division of Social Services and the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, both part of the Department of Health and Social Services.