Louisiana FITAP Child-Only Grant for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

What a Child-Only FITAP Grant Actually Is

Louisiana's Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program splits into two tracks. The one most grandparents hear about — the adult-inclusive track — counts the caregiver's income, imposes STEP work-participation rules, and caps benefits at 24 months out of every 60. That version rarely fits a retired grandparent.

The child-only track works differently. When a grandparent or relative applies as a non-needy caretaker, the state looks only at the child's own income — Social Security survivor benefits, child support received, trust distributions. The caregiver's wages, pension, or SSI check never enters the calculation.

Because the caregiver is not a "recipient," there are no work requirements, no STEP participation, and no 24-month or 60-month lifetime clock. Benefits continue until the child turns 18 (or 19 if still enrolled full-time in high school or a vocational program).

Monthly Payment Amounts

FITAP child-only grants follow flat payment standards set in the Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC 67:III.1229):

• 1 child: $240 per month
• 2 children: $361 per month
• 3 children: $484 per month
• 4 children: $590 per month
• Each additional child: add $95

The child qualifies as long as their countable monthly income stays below the payment standard for that unit size. A grandchild with no personal income qualifies automatically on the income test.

How FITAP Compares to KCSP

Louisiana also runs the Kinship Care Subsidy Program, which pays $450 per child per month — nearly double what FITAP pays for one child. But KCSP has two hurdles FITAP does not: the caregiver's household income must fall below 150% of the federal poverty level, and the caregiver must hold legal custody or a notarized Provisional Custody by Mandate within one year.

FITAP's child-only track requires neither. A grandparent earning well above 150% FPL, or one who is still sorting out the custody paperwork, can receive child-only FITAP in the meantime. Many caregivers start on FITAP and transition to KCSP once custody is formalized and income eligibility is confirmed.

Child Support Cooperation Requirement

Applying for FITAP triggers a mandatory child support assignment. The caregiver must cooperate with Child Support Enforcement — disclosing what they know about the absent parent's identity, location, and employment — so the state can pursue child support on the child's behalf. State-collected support reimburses the TANF expenditure.

If cooperating would put the child or caregiver at risk, a Good Cause Waiver is available. File Form DCFS-CSE-301 with supporting evidence (a protective order, police report, medical documentation, or a sworn affidavit from a social worker or attorney). Filing the waiver pauses enforcement actions while the claim is reviewed.

How to Apply

Applications go through the Louisiana CAFÉ Self-Service Portal at cafe.dcfs.la.gov. Bring:

• The child's birth certificate and Social Security card
• Your government photo ID and proof of Louisiana residency
• Any documentation of the child's income (survivor benefit award letters, child support records)
• Proof of the care arrangement (even informal care qualifies for child-only FITAP)

Processing typically takes 30 calendar days. Save your confirmation number and keep date-stamped copies of everything you upload.

What to Do If You Are Denied

A denial, reduction, or termination triggers appeal rights. File a written Fair Hearing request within 30 days of the adverse action notice. If you file within 10 days, benefits continue at their previous level while the appeal is pending. You can inspect your case file beforehand, bring witnesses, and have an advocate or attorney present. Free legal help is available through Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (800-349-0886) or Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (1-866-275-2572).

For a side-by-side breakdown of every Louisiana benefit available to kinship caregivers — FITAP, KCSP, SNAP, Medicaid, and more — the Louisiana Kinship Financial Help guide walks through each program, the documents you need, and the exact steps to apply.

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