Relative & Non-Relative Caregivers

Whenever children cannot safely remain at home with their parents, a relative or non-relative caregiver willing and able to provide care for the child is the next best alternative.

Relative Caregiver

If you are a relative caregiver, you can apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and SNAP food assistance through My ACCESS as soon as a child is placed in your care. Cooperation with Child Support Enforcement is required for both benefits.

Relative Caregiver Funds

You may be able to receive this benefit once a child is adjudicated dependent by a Florida court and other eligibility criteria are met (also based on Florida residency).
If you are already receiving TANF benefits when the child is adjudicated, your dependency care manager will submit a relative caregiver form to update the case and change the TANF funds to relative caregiver funds.
If you are not receiving TANF benefits when the child is adjudicated, your dependency care manager will provide the relative caregiver form, and you will apply for TANF through ACCESS Florida.
This is a child-only benefit, household income will not be included in the determination, and sibling income will not be included.

Non-Relative Caregiver

If you are a non-relative caregiver, you can apply for SNAP as soon as a child is placed in your care. Cooperation with Child Support Enforcement is required (all household income is included for family support determination).

Non-Relative Caregiver Funds

You may be able to receive financial assistance once a child is adjudicated dependent by a Florida court and other eligibility criteria are met (also based on Florida residency).
Your dependency care manager will complete a paper application with you and apply for you.

Level 1 Child-Specific Foster Home

This licensure type has been designated for relative/non-relative caregivers seeking to be licensed when a relationship with the child has previously been established.

Caregivers seeking level 1 licensure must meet all safety-related licensing requirements.
Some of the non-safety-related licensing requirements may be waived.
They are only applicable for placement of the child(ren) identified on the caregiver’s license.
Caregivers must complete fingerprint-based background screening of criminal records (same screenings required for placement of child with a non-licensed caregiver.)
Caregivers must complete a minimum of two pre-service educational resource hours.

Benefits of Level 1 Licensure

Benefits are received faster than with the relative/non-relative caregiver program.
Educational resources are provided to educate the family about the child welfare system and trauma.
Additional case management/caregiver support is provided.
Gateway into meeting one of the Guardianship Assistance Program’s eligibility criteria.

Information for Relative and Non-Relative Caregivers

You can apply for SNAP food assistance through My ACCESS as soon as a child is placed in your care. Cooperation with Child Support Enforcement is required.
If the children in your care receive any type of Social Security income or child support income, you will need to take a certified copy of the court order placing the child in your care to the Social Security office or the Child Support Enforcement office. You apply to become the payee of the child’s account to receive funds on behalf of the child in your care.
If you are determined eligible for any benefits, you will need to reapply at least every six to 12 months, depending on the benefits you receive. If the parent lives in the home, the caregiver cannot accept any type of cash assistance (TANF and relative/non-relative caregiver assistance) for the children, even if the court allows the parent to live in the home.
If you have been given a day-care referral, you will need to speak with someone at the Early Learning Coalition in your county regarding the referral.
If a child younger than age 5 has been placed in your care, you can apply for Women, Infants and Children assistance (WIC) to receive healthy foods and nutrition education by calling 321-639-5800.

Caregiver Input Information

Complete and give the caregiver input form to your dependency care manager, who will submit it to the court.
When completed by the caregiver, the form allows the court and the Florida Department of Children and Families to make informed decisions regarding the child’s best interest.
Additionally, you have the right to attend and speak at all court hearings.

Links and Resources

For more information on relative caregiver benefits, please contact 321-752-4650 or visit the TANF website.
To apply for the FL Department of Children and Families, Relative Caregiver Benefits, visit MY ACCESS.
Relative and Non-Relative Caregiver Handbook

Learn more about caregiving and helping children in our community by visiting our foster care page or contacting caregiversupport@brevardfp.org.