BC Grandparent Raising a Teenager: Kinship Care Benefits and Youth Agreements

Teens Cost More and the System Reflects That

A teenager eats more, needs different clothes every few months, and has social costs — school trips, sports gear, a phone — that a younger child doesn't. BC's kinship care payment structure recognizes this by setting a higher rate for youth aged 12 and older.

Under the Extended Family Program, caregivers receive $1,726.33 per month for a child aged 12 to 19, compared to $1,549.20 for ages 0 to 11. Ask your MCFD worker to confirm when the updated rate will appear after the child's birthday.

The Canada Child Benefit also differentiates by age, though the split is at 6 rather than 12. Children aged 6 to 17 receive up to $6,748 per year (2025–2026), compared to $7,997 for children under 6. Since most teens entering kinship care are already past 6, this is the rate you're working with.

Youth Agreements: When the Teen Approaches 19

Do not assume an EFP agreement continues after age 19 or automatically qualifies a young person for a separate youth agreement. If your grandchild may need support beyond 19, ask the MCFD worker before their 19th birthday which separate transition supports they qualify for and how to apply.

The Transition at 19

EFP agreements end when the youth reaches age 19. The CCB rate table covers children aged 6 to 17; confirm the final eligible payment month with CRA. This creates a financial transition for kinship families.

Planning for the transition matters. In the year before the child turns 19:

• Ask the MCFD worker what separate transition supports the youth may qualify for
• Check official student aid and tuition-waiver eligibility directly; do not assume an EFP arrangement alone qualifies the youth
• Ensure the youth has their own SIN, bank account, and ID documents
• File the youth's own T1 tax return so they can access GST/HST credits and any other income-tested benefits as an independent adult

Specific Challenges With Teens

Teenagers entering kinship care often carry more complex trauma histories than younger children. They may have experienced years of instability before landing with you. Behavioural challenges, school disruptions, and mental health needs are common.

Ask the MCFD worker which counselling or therapeutic supports can be included in the care plan. Enhanced Out-of-Care (EOOC) support can provide additional funding for specialized services, ranging from $6,500 up to $26,000 annually for high-need cases.

If you're navigating teen-specific benefits, the transition to adulthood, and the EFP payment structure, the BC Kinship Financial Help Guide walks through each stage with application timelines and the key dates you need to track.

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