Title IV-E Kinship Navigator Program

Federal program that assists kinship caregivers (grandparents, relatives) in finding and accessing services such as health care, legal assistance, financial aid, and family support. As of FY2026, P.L. 118-258 (enacted January 2025) restructured navigator-specific PSSF funding: HHS must reserve $10M of PSSF Title IV-B subpart 2 discretionary funds per year (FY2026–FY2029) for competitive kinship navigator grants (maximum 30 grants/year, 1–3 year terms, 25% match required), replacing the prior formula-based route for navigator-specific PSSF funds. Title IV-E funding (50% FFP) remains available for evidence-based models. As of January 2026, 11 states and 1 territory (Puerto Rico) have ACF-approved evidence-based kinship navigator programs.

Navigation and referral services to help kinship caregivers locate and access: financial assistance, legal services, health care, mental health services, housing, child care, education, respite, and other family supports. Services vary by state and local implementation. No direct cash payments; program connects caregivers to existing resources.

Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.

Eligibility

• Relationship: grandparent, other relative, non relative

Services

Navigation and referral services to help kinship caregivers locate and access: financial assistance, legal services, health care, mental health services, housing, child care, education, respite, and other family supports. Services vary by state and local implementation. No direct cash payments; program connects caregivers to existing resources.