Title IV-E Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP)

Federal program providing ongoing financial assistance payments to relative guardians who assume legal guardianship of children formerly in foster care. Payments support the care of children discharged from foster care to legal guardianship who meet Title IV-E eligibility requirements.

Monthly guardianship assistance payments to relative guardians. Payment amount is negotiated in the guardianship agreement and generally does not exceed the foster care maintenance payment the child would have received. May also include Medicaid coverage for the child. Payments continue until the child turns 18 (or 21 in some states).

Eligibility

• Relationship: grandparent, other relative