Kinship Care Pay Pennsylvania Guide – Kinship care in Pennsylvania provides essential support for relatives and close family friends raising children when parents cannot. Many caregivers wonder about kinship care pay in Pennsylvania—whether payments exist, how much they receive, and how to qualify. This comprehensive guide explains formal and informal kinship care, available financial support, application steps, and additional resources from trusted Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and county programs.
Pennsylvania prioritizes kinship placements under the Family First Prevention Services Act and state policy, but payments depend on whether the arrangement is formal (with county child welfare involvement) or informal.
What Is Kinship Care in Pennsylvania?
Kinship care is the full-time care, nurturing, and protection of children by relatives (such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings) or non-blood “kin” (like teachers, coaches, or family friends) who share a strong bond with the child.
In Pennsylvania, over 259,000 children live in relative-headed households, and more than 82,000 grandparents are primarily responsible for their grandchildren’s basic needs. Kinship caregivers often step in due to parental substance abuse, incarceration, illness, or other crises.
Pennsylvania law requires county Children, Youth and Families (CYF) agencies to consider kin first for out-of-home placements, making kinship care the preferred option for child safety and stability.
Informal vs. Formal Kinship Care: Understanding Your Options
Pennsylvania recognizes two main types of kinship care:
- Informal Kinship Care: No county CYF custody. The caregiver assumes legal responsibility (often through family agreement or court custody). No automatic agency payments, but caregivers can apply for public benefits like TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. Some local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) offer limited reimbursements for caregivers age 55+ (e.g., supplies, respite, or home modifications, subject to income guidelines).
- Formal Kinship Care: County CYF has custody and places the child with an approved kinship caregiver who becomes a licensed resource/foster parent. Caregivers receive the same foster care maintenance payments as non-kin foster parents, plus medical/dental coverage and support services. This is the primary way to access “kinship care pay.”
Formal arrangements offer more financial and service support but require approval and ongoing agency involvement.
Does Pennsylvania Offer Direct Kinship Care Payments?
Yes—but only for formal kinship care. There is no standalone statewide “kinship stipend” for informal caregivers beyond general public assistance programs.
In formal kinship care, approved caregivers receive a daily per diem (board rate) for the child’s room and board. These payments are tax-free and intended to cover the child’s basic needs (food, clothing, shelter). Rates vary by county, child’s age, and special needs but are equal for kinship and non-kinship foster parents.
Examples of current rates (as of 2025-2026):
- Philadelphia area (via agencies like A Second Chance, Inc.): Starting at approximately $21 per day per child.
- Luzerne County: $24 per day per child (plus medical, dental, and clothing support).
- Other counties: Rates often range $20–$40+ per day (roughly $600–$1,200+ monthly), with higher amounts for older children, special needs, or emergency care. Contact your local county CYF for exact 2026 rates.
Payments stop if the child is not in the home (e.g., runaway or visitation) and must be reported accurately to avoid overpayments.
Eligibility for Kinship Care Payments in Pennsylvania
To receive formal kinship care payments, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Pass background checks (FBI, child abuse, criminal history).
- Complete required training and home study/approval as a resource parent.
- Have stable income sufficient to meet your family’s needs (the child’s per diem supplements this).
- Live in Pennsylvania and be a relative or kin with a bond to the child.
Counties prioritize kin, and approval processes are streamlined compared to traditional foster care in many cases.
How to Apply for Kinship Care Pay in PA? Step-by-Step Guide
- Contact Your Local County CYF Agency: If a child needs placement, call your county Children, Youth and Families office immediately. They assess the situation and prioritize kin placements.
- Referral and Initial Assessment: CYF or a contracted agency (e.g., A Second Chance, Inc. in certain counties) conducts a home visit, safety assessment, and clearances within 24–48 hours.
- Complete Training and Approval: Attend orientation, pre-service training (often 15+ hours), and CPSL (Child Protective Services Law) training. Undergo a full home study.
- Receive Placement and Payments: Once approved, the child is placed, and per diem payments begin. Medical Assistance (Medicaid) covers health needs.
- For Informal Care: Apply for TANF/child-only grants via COMPASS (compass.state.pa.us) or your County Assistance Office. Call PA KinConnector for help navigating benefits.
Pro Tip: Start with the free PA KinConnector helpline at 1-866-KIN-2111 (1-866-546-2111) or visit kinconnector.org. Navigators provide statewide support for financial, legal, and benefit applications—formal or informal.
Subsidized Permanent Legal Custodianship (SPLC/PLC): Long-Term Kinship Support
After time in formal care (usually 6+ months), families can pursue Permanent Legal Custodianship (PLC) with a subsidy. The monthly payment cannot exceed the foster care rate and continues until the child turns 18 (or up to 21 if in school/work).
Eligibility includes federal Title IV-E or state-funded options. This provides permanency without adoption while offering ongoing financial support.
Additional Resources and Support for Kinship Caregivers
- Public Benefits: TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, SSI.
- Local AAA Programs: Reimbursements for older caregivers (55+) for supplies, respite, etc. (varies by county).
- Child Care Subsidies: Through CCIS for working or in-school caregivers.
- Support Groups and Services: Offered through A Second Chance, Inc., Penn State Extension, and local nonprofits.
- Legal Help: Pennsylvania Legal Services or standby guardianship options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kinship Care Pay Pennsylvania
Is kinship care pay the same as foster pay?
Yes—in formal arrangements, kinship caregivers receive identical per diem rates.
Can informal caregivers get paid?
Not directly from CYF, but through TANF and local programs. KinConnector helps maximize benefits.
How long do payments last?
For formal care, while the child is in placement. SPLC subsidies can continue post-permanency.
Are payments taxable?
No—foster/kinship board payments are not considered income.
Getting Started with Kinship Care Support in Pennsylvania
Whether you’re already caring for a relative’s child or considering it, kinship care pay and support in Pennsylvania are accessible through formal approval or public benefits navigation. Start today by calling your local CYF agency or the PA KinConnector helpline at 1-866-546-2111.
Pennsylvania’s system prioritizes keeping children with kin for better outcomes. With the right steps, you can access the financial and practical help you need to provide a stable home.
This guide is based on current information from PA DHS, OCYF, county agencies, and KinConnector as of 2026. Rates and policies can change—always verify with your local county CYF or KinConnector for the most up-to-date details specific to your situation.