Benefits for grandparents and other relatives raising children
If you're raising a relative's child or considering whether to take on that responsibility, you may be entitled to government benefits. The amount of help you can get to pay for the child's needs can depend on whether you have a custody order, an adoption order, are informally caring for a child, or are a foster parent (a child has been placed with you by the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development).
Important: It's very important to speak to a lawyer or qualified community advocate before you get a custody order, sign an agreement to provide foster care, or adopt a child. They can help you with your application and tell you how your benefits would be affected. If the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) is providing services for the child, you must also consult with the responsible child protection worker for guidance.
Here are some websites that can help you find out which benefits you may be entitled to. See the Canada Revenue Agency website for general information about federal benefits. Also see the BC Federation of Foster Parents' website, which lists a telephone support line and contains information about providing foster care. The Parent Support Services Society can also provide you with information and advocacy services, as well as an updated brochure, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Legal Issues and Resources and the 200-page guide Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: A Legal Guide.
The first table below ("Who's eligible for benefits?") lists some of the benefits that may be available to people who are caring for a relative's child, and when you may be able to receive them. Be aware that there are financial and other eligibility requirements for some of these benefits. For more information, see the websites listed in the second table below ("Where can I find out more?")
Note: Many of the benefits listed below are available to non-relatives as well as relatives, but double-check with the appropriate agency to find out for sure.
Who's eligible for benefits?
| Benefit | Adoption | Custody order | Foster care (placement by the ministry) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Extended Family Program (replaced the Child in Home of a Relative Benefits in April 2010) offered by MCFD) | No | No* | No* |
| Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Children's Benefits (based on disability or death of a parent or other person who had care and control of the child and had contributed to CPP) | No | Yes** | No. Benefits go to the Public Trustee to be held for the child. |
| Income tax deduction for dependents with disabilities | Yes | Yes** | No |
| Child Disability Benefit | Yes | Yes** | No |
| Canada Child Tax Benefit | Yes | Yes** | No |
| Universal Child Care Benefit (for children under 6) | Yes | Yes** | Yes |
| EI Family Supplement | Yes | Yes** | No |
| Child Care Subsidy (for parents with low incomes or if recommended by MCFD) | Yes | Yes** | Yes |
| Regular Income Assistance Benefits (including PPMB and PWD benefits) | Yes, the child is considered part of your family unit under that legislation. | Not on behalf of the child, who's eligible instead for the Child in the Home of a Relative or Extended Family Program benefits (see above), which pays more than income assistance. The caregiver remains eligible for income assistance benefits for him or herself.** | No, but receipt of basic family foster care rate doesn't affect the caregiver's own eligibility for income assistance benefits. |
| Foster Parent payments and benefits | No, but there are some exceptions (like post-adoption assistance). | No | Yes |
| Maintenance (child support) from the biological parents of the children | No | Yes** (but is deducted from Child in the home of a Relative Benefits) | No (Any maintenance payments go to MCFD). |
| BC's Adoption Expense Tax Credit | Yes | No | No |
| BC's Children's Education Fund | Yes (if the child was born after January 1, 2007 and adopted by parents who live in BC, and the child later goes to post-secondary school in BC). | Yes** (if child born after January 1, 2007 to biological parents who lived in BC, and the child later goes to post-secondary school in BC). | Yes (if child born after January 1, 2007 to biological parents who live in BC, and the child later goes to post-secondary school in BC). |
* The MCFD interim policy and procedures (April 2010) limit eligibility for Extended Family Program benefits to caregivers who don't have guardianship of the child. They also require that the child's parents agree to allow the caregivers and child to participate.
** These benefits may also be available to caregivers who don't have a custody order.
Note: This table provides general information only and doesn't cover social benefits in particular situations. Rules change and there are exceptions, so please double-check whether this information applies to you.
Where can I find out more?
| Benefit | For more information |
|---|---|
| Extended Family Program | Ministry of Children and Family Development (for new applications) |
| Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Children's Benefits (based on disability or death of a parent or other person who had care and control of the child and had contributed to CPP) | CPP Children's Benefits and CPP Children's Benefits for Students Aged 18 to 25 |
| Income tax deduction for dependents with disabilities | My child has a disability. Is my child eligible? on the Canada Revenue Agency website |
| Child Disability Benefit | Child Disability Benefit on the Canada Revenue Agency website |
| Canada Child Tax Benefit | Canada Child Tax Benefit on the Canada Revenue Agency website |
| Universal Child Care Benefit (for children under 6) | Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) on the Canada Revenue Agency website |
| EI Family Supplement | Employment Insurance (EI) and the family supplement on the Employment Insurance website |
| Child Care Subsidy (for parents with low incomes or if recommended by MCFD) | Child Care Subsidy on the MCFD website |
| Regular Income Assistance Benefits (including PPMB and PWD benefits) | Your Guide to Employment and Assistance and the Income and Exemptions Policy page (scroll down and click on "Ministry of Children and Family Development: Feb. 1, 2005" to find information about foster care payments) on the Ministry of Housing and Social Development website |
| Foster Parent payments and benefits | Foster Care on the MCFD website |
| Maintenance (child support) from the biological parents of the children | To find out how to apply for child support, see the self-help guides for getting an initial family order on this website |
| BC's Adoption Expense Tax Credit | BC's Adoption Expense Tax Credit and Children's Education Fund on the Adoptive Families Association of BC website |
| BC's Children's Education Fund | Children's Education Fund on the Ministry of Finance website |
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