Connecticut DCF Subsidized Guardianship Stipend: Rates, Requirements, and How to Qualify
What the Subsidized Guardianship Program Is
Connecticut's DCF Subsidized Transfer of Guardianship — often called STOG — pays a monthly stipend to relatives who take permanent legal guardianship of a child who was in DCF custody. The payment matches the state's foster care board rate for the child's age and care level, and it continues until the child turns 18 (or 21 if they stay in school or job training).
This is not a program for every kinship family. It exists specifically for children who entered the formal child welfare system through DCF and whose relatives are transitioning from foster care to permanent guardianship.
Current Monthly Rates
The stipend equals the prevailing foster care board rate, adjusted by age and medical complexity:
| Category | Daily Rate | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Basic care, ages 0–5 | $27.29 | ~$819 |
| Basic care, ages 6–11 | $27.60 | ~$828 |
| Basic care, ages 12–17 | $29.95 | ~$899 |
| Medically complex Level 1 | $31.50 | ~$945 |
| Medically complex Level 2 | $42.00 | ~$1,260 |
| Medically complex Level 3 | $58.33 | ~$1,750 |
| Medically complex Level 4 | $86.10 | ~$2,583 |
Any income the child receives directly — Social Security survivor benefits, SSI — reduces the stipend dollar-for-dollar.
The kinship provisions of House Bill 5004 took effect October 1, 2026, adding DCF oversight requirements and authorizing a grant of up to $625 for kinship caregivers who accept an emergency placement. DCF must establish grant guidelines by January 1, 2027.
Five Requirements You Must Meet
Every one of these conditions must be satisfied. Missing any single one disqualifies the family:
The child lived with you for at least six continuous months while under DCF care.
DCF has formally determined that reunification with the biological parents is not feasible. This is an agency finding, not something you request.
You qualify as a relative. Related by blood, marriage, or adoption up to three generations removed — or a recognized family friend with an established relationship.
You are approved or licensed as a kinship foster caregiver by DCF. This means you went through DCF's approval or licensing process, including background checks, home study, and training.
The Superior Court for Juvenile Matters approves the guardianship transfer. A judge must sign off on the Motion to Revoke/Transfer Custody.
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The Sequence That Cannot Be Reversed
There is one procedural rule that destroys eligibility permanently if violated: the Guardianship Subsidy Agreement (DCF Form DCF-418-IG) must be fully signed before the court transfers legal guardianship to you. If the court order goes through first and the subsidy agreement hasn't been executed, the family permanently loses statutory entitlement to the DCF monthly subsidy.
Make sure your DCF caseworker and your attorney both understand this sequence. It is the single most consequential timing detail in the entire process.
How the Stipend Interacts With Other Benefits
- TFA child-only cash: The DCF guardianship stipend replaces or offsets TFA dollar-for-dollar. You won't receive both at full value.
- HUSKY Health: Children under subsidized guardianship receive categorical HUSKY A coverage — fully paid Medicaid with no income test.
- SNAP: The stipend counts as household unearned income when calculating your SNAP food benefit.
- Probate Court Kinship Fund: You cannot receive both DCF subsidized guardianship and the Probate Court's kinship or respite grants. They are mutually exclusive.
After Age 18
The stipend terminates when the young person turns 18 — unless they remain continuously enrolled in secondary education, college, an accredited vocational program, or a job-training course. If they stay enrolled, payments continue until age 21.
One-time legal expense reimbursement: relatives who took guardianship through DCF can receive up to $500 per child to offset court-related costs incurred during the custody transfer.
If You're Not in the DCF System
Many grandparents read about the $800–$900 monthly rates and assume they qualify, only to learn the program is limited to children who came through DCF foster care. If you're raising a grandchild informally or through a probate court guardianship without DCF involvement, the DCF stipend is not available to you — but the TFA child-only grant, HUSKY Health, SNAP, and the Probate Court's own kinship fund may be.
Our Connecticut kinship financial help guide maps every program to your specific caregiving arrangement so you know exactly which benefits apply and how to apply for each one.
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