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Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KinGAP)

The Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KinGAP) provides up to $2,000 for guardianship legal expenses and up to $5,000 per year in education and training vouchers to relatives and non-relatives who are raising children. Assistance continues until the child reaches age 18 or 21, as long as the guardian remains legally responsible for the child.

Eligibility

  • Relationship: grandparent, other relative, non relative

Questions to ask the program

These are questions to ask the program, not a verdict on your eligibility. Confirm the current rules directly with the program.

  • Does the person receiving care live in New York? — Residency is usually the first thing a program checks.
  • Does your relationship to the person — grandparent, other relative, or non relative — count for this program?
  • Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name. — Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
  • What documents do you need from us to start an application?
  • Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?

What this record does not yet say

  • a direct application link

How to apply

  • The foster parent must apply for KinGAP to the local department of social services (LDSS) that has custody of the child and enter into an agreement with the LDSS.