Understanding the eligibility criteria for the Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) is crucial for relatives in Louisiana who are considering taking on the responsibility of caring for a child. This program provides financial assistance to help support children living with qualified relatives. Let’s break down the specific conditions that must be met to be eligible for KCSP.
To qualify for the Kinship Care Subsidy Program in Louisiana, families must satisfy all of the following requirements:
Qualified Relative Relationship:
The child must reside in the home of a qualified relative. This includes a wide range of familial connections, ensuring that children can be cared for within their extended family network. Qualified relatives are defined as:
- Grandparents (including great-great-great grandparents)
- Siblings (including half-siblings and step-siblings)
- Aunts and Uncles (including great-great aunts and uncles)
- First Cousins (including first cousins once removed)
- Nephews and Nieces (including great-great nephews and nieces)
- Legal spouses of any of the relatives listed above, even if the marriage ends due to death or divorce.
Child’s Income Limit:
To be eligible for KCSP, the child’s financial resources are also considered. The child’s monthly income must be less than $450. This income limit ensures that the subsidy program supports children who are genuinely in need of financial assistance.
Age Requirement for the Child:
The Kinship Care Subsidy Program is designed to support minor children. Therefore, the child must be under 18 years of age to qualify for the program.
Residency in Louisiana:
The child must be a resident of the state of Louisiana. This requirement ensures that the program benefits children living within the state.
Legal Custody Requirement:
The qualified relative seeking the subsidy must have legal custody of the child or obtain it within one year of being certified for the program. Legal custody can be established through court records or reliable documentation. Provisional custody by mandate is also acceptable. Provisional custody is a notarized authorization from the child’s legal custodian, granting the relative the authority to care for the child.
Relative’s Income Threshold:
The financial stability of the qualified relative is also assessed. The relative’s annual income must be less than 150% of the federal poverty threshold, based on the size of the relative’s family. All income sources are considered when determining eligibility, except for income received for children in foster care or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This includes income from employment, Social Security, Veteran’s benefits, and other regular income sources.
Exclusion of Other Payments:
Children receiving SSI or foster care payments are not eligible for the Kinship Care Subsidy Program. This is to avoid duplication of benefits and ensure that the KCSP is directed towards families not already receiving these specific forms of governmental assistance.
Child Support Assignment and Cooperation:
To ensure financial responsibility from all parties, the qualified relative must assign all rights to child support from the child’s parents to the state. Furthermore, they must cooperate with Child Support Enforcement to obtain child support for the child, unless there is a valid reason (good cause) not to do so.
Social Security Number Requirement:
The qualified relative must provide or apply for a Social Security number for the child. This is a standard requirement for government assistance programs to properly identify and track beneficiaries.
Parental Residence Restriction:
Finally, to ensure the program is serving its intended purpose of kinship care, the child’s parents must not reside in the home of the qualified relative. This condition clarifies that the program is for situations where relatives are taking on the role of caregivers in the absence of parents in the household.
By meeting all of these eligibility conditions, qualified relatives in Louisiana can access the Kinship Care Subsidy Program and receive crucial financial support for the children in their care. This program plays a vital role in supporting family-based care and ensuring children can thrive in a stable and loving environment with their relatives.
