Free Support Services for Kinship Carers in Queensland

Time for Grandparents Program

The most targeted support service for informal grandparent carers in Queensland is Time for Grandparents, operated by UnitingCare Queensland and funded by the Queensland Government. It is specifically designed for grandparents raising grandchildren who are not receiving formal Child Safety allowances.

Phone: 1300 135 500

What they provide:

• Telephone support and information — a starting point when you don't know which agency to call or what you're eligible for
• Peer support groups — local groups across Queensland where grandparents in the same situation meet regularly. These are some of the only spaces where people truly understand what you're going through.
• Grandfamily respite camps — residential camps where grandparents and grandchildren can take a break together, with structured activities and peer connection
• Activity brokerage funding — money toward sports registration fees, school camps, nippers, dance classes and other extracurricular activities the child wants to do. This funding exists specifically because informal carers are excluded from the state's extracurricular activities boost.

Time for Grandparents is free to access and does not require any formal approval or court order.

COTA Queensland (Council on the Ageing)

COTA Queensland provides systemic advocacy for older Australians, including grandparent carers. They have been one of the strongest voices pushing the Queensland Government to close the informal carer funding gap.

For individual carers, COTA provides information and referral support, connecting you with relevant services and senior support networks.

Anglicare Southern Queensland

Anglicare runs foster and kinship care support programs across metropolitan and regional Queensland. For kinship carers, their services include:

• Grandparents-raising-grandchildren peer support groups
• Emergency relief — food vouchers, utility bill assistance, and material aid during financial crises
• Family support and counselling
• Case management for carers navigating complex situations

Contact details vary by region. The general Anglicare Southern Queensland line can direct you to your nearest office.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army operates family support and emergency relief services across Queensland. Kinship carers can access:

• Emergency food hampers and groceries
• Utility bill assistance
• Material aid (clothing, bedding, school supplies)
• Budget counselling
• Referral to other community services

Salvation Army emergency relief is available without formal carer status — you do not need a court order or a Centrelink determination to access help during a crisis.

Family and Child Connect

Family and Child Connect (FaCC) is a free, confidential community referral service funded by the Queensland Government. It operates as an early-intervention hub, connecting families with local practical help before things reach crisis point.

FaCC can link you with housing support, counselling, parenting assistance, and practical help in your region. They operate across Queensland and the service is available regardless of your care arrangement type.

Centrelink Grandparent Adviser Line

While technically a Commonwealth service rather than a Queensland one, the Grandparent, Foster and Kinship Carer Adviser line (1800 245 965) deserves a mention here because it is free, it is staffed by specialists, and it is the single most useful phone call you can make when you first take on care.

The advisers help you identify which payments you can claim, walk you through the forms, and coordinate the claim process. They can also refer you to other services.

Queensland Seniors Card and Concessions

If you are a grandparent of eligible age, a Queensland Seniors Card gives you access to:

• Reduced public transport fares
• Electricity and water rebates
• Vehicle registration discounts
• Discounts at participating businesses

An eligible Carer Concession Card may provide similar concessions. Check the Queensland Government's current eligibility criteria and card benefits.

Finding Local Help

The Queensland Kinship Carer Support guide includes a full directory of free support services with phone numbers, regional coverage, and what each service actually provides — so you can go straight to the right place without spending hours being redirected. The free checklist lists the essential phone numbers.

See more Queensland guides →