Montana TANF Child-Only Grant for Grandparent and Relative Caregivers

What a Child-Only TANF Grant Actually Means in Montana

Montana runs a specific track of its TANF program designed for children living with a relative who is not the parent. The official term is a "child-only" or "non-needy caretaker relative" grant. The critical feature: DPHHS ignores the caregiver's income, assets, pensions, Social Security, and savings entirely. Eligibility is tested against the child's own financial situation — which, for most children placed with grandparents, is close to zero.

That distinction matters because many grandparents on fixed incomes assume their retirement benefits or part-time wages disqualify the child. They do not. A grandmother receiving $2,400 a month in Social Security and holding $45,000 in savings is fully eligible to apply for a child-only grant on behalf of her grandchild.

How Much the Grant Pays

Montana sets maximum monthly payments based on the number of eligible children in the assistance unit:

• 1 child: $425/month
• 2 children: $575/month
• 3 children: $725/month
• Each additional child: +$150/month

If the child has countable income of their own — like child support payments — that amount is subtracted from the maximum. A child with zero income receives the full payment. A child receiving $150/month in child support would receive $275/month for a one-child unit ($425 minus $150).

The gross monthly income limit for a one-child unit is $859 (measured only against the child's income). Resources must stay under $3,000, again counting only what belongs to the child.

No Work Requirements and No Time Limit

Two rules that apply to standard adult TANF do not apply here. The caregiver is exempt from the Pathways employment program — there is no mandatory 27–30 hours of weekly work activity. And the 60-month federal lifetime limit does not count against the child. The child can receive benefits until they turn 18 (or through age 18 if completing secondary school full-time).

Who Qualifies as a "Specified Caretaker Relative"

Montana administrative rules (ARM 37.78.103 and 37.78.206) define the eligible relationships: grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, half-siblings, first cousins, nephews, nieces, and step-relatives, plus former spouses of these relatives. The child must live in the caregiver's home and be under daily care and control.

Non-relatives — family friends, godparents, neighbors — do not qualify for child-only TANF. They would need to pursue standard assistance programs where household income is counted, or establish a formal legal relationship with the child.

How to Apply

Applications go through DPHHS's combined benefits portal or by phone:

• Online: apply.mt.gov (create an account, select TANF)
• Phone: Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535
• In person: Any local Office of Public Assistance (OPA)

DPHHS must process the application within 30 calendar days. Bring the child's birth certificate, Social Security number (or apply for one), proof of Montana residency, and documentation showing the family relationship (birth certificates linking the child to the caregiver through the family tree).

One Thing to Know About Child Support

When a child receives TANF cash assistance, Montana requires the caregiver to assign the child's support rights to the state. The Child Support Services Division will attempt to locate the non-custodial parent and establish or enforce a support order. If contacting the parents would put the child or caregiver at risk, request a Good Cause Exemption — you will need to provide corroborating evidence such as a protective order, police report, or counselor affidavit. Benefits cannot be delayed while the exemption is reviewed.

Getting the Full Picture

The child-only TANF grant is one piece of a broader system. Grandparents and relatives in Montana may also qualify for SNAP food benefits, Healthy Montana Kids health coverage, Best Beginnings childcare scholarships, and guardianship subsidies depending on the child's legal situation. Our Financial Help for Grandparents and Relatives Raising a Child in Montana guide walks through every program, what documents you need, and how to track renewals and appeal deadlines.

See more Montana guides →