PA KinConnector: What It Does and Doesn't Do for Kinship Caregivers

You've probably seen PA KinConnector mentioned in a pamphlet at the county office or heard about it from another grandparent. It's one of the first phone numbers that comes up when you search for help raising a grandchild in Pennsylvania. But there's a common misunderstanding about what KinConnector actually does — and knowing the difference before you call saves time.

What KinConnector Is

PA KinConnector is a state-funded information and referral helpline for kinship caregivers — grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and family friends who are raising someone else's child. It's operated through a state grant and serves all 67 Pennsylvania counties.

The helpline number is 1-866-546-2111, available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in English and Spanish.

When you call, a navigator can:

• Explain which benefits the child may qualify for (Child-Only TANF, SNAP, Medical Assistance, CHIP, Child Care Works)
• Tell you which agency handles each program — your County Assistance Office for TANF and SNAP, the Area Agency on Aging for the Caregiver Support Program, an Early Learning Resource Center for childcare subsidies
• Connect you with local support groups for kinship caregivers in your county
• Refer you to legal aid if you need help with guardianship or custody questions
• Put you on the list for material help like backpacks, school supplies, and seasonal clothing drives

What KinConnector Cannot Do

This is where expectations get tripped up. KinConnector is a navigator service, not a benefits agency. It cannot:

• Issue cash grants or benefit checks. No money flows through KinConnector.
• Process applications. You still file for TANF, SNAP, and CHIP yourself through COMPASS or your County Assistance Office.
• Represent you in appeals. If a benefit is denied, KinConnector can tell you about the fair hearing process and refer you to legal aid, but it can't advocate for you at the hearing.
• Make eligibility decisions. Only the County Assistance Office (for TANF/SNAP) or the Area Agency on Aging (for CSP) can approve or deny your application.

One caregiver put it plainly in a public forum: "I called the PA KinConnector and they said I can be put on the list for free clothing and backpacks. Every little bit counts." That's accurate — KinConnector is a warm referral line, and a genuinely helpful one, but the financial programs themselves live at other agencies.

When to Call KinConnector

KinConnector is most useful in two situations:

When a child first arrives in your care. If a grandchild moves in suddenly because of a parent's addiction, incarceration, or health crisis, calling KinConnector gives you a map of what's available. The navigator can walk you through which programs to file for first and which agencies to contact.

When you're stuck in the system. If you've been denied a benefit and don't understand why, or if you're not sure whether you should be applying for TANF or SPLC or both, KinConnector can help you sort it out and point you to free legal help through the PA Legal Aid Network or the SeniorLAW Center (if you're 60 or older).

Where to Go for Actual Financial Help

The programs that put money in your pocket (or pay for the child's needs directly) are:

• Child-Only TANF — monthly cash grant for the child, $174–$215/month for one child depending on your county, your income doesn't count
• SNAP — food benefits for the household
• Medical Assistance / CHIP — health coverage for the child
• Caregiver Support Program — reimbursement up to $600/month for caregivers age 55+
• Child Care Works — subsidized childcare

The Pennsylvania Kinship Financial Help Guide walks through all of these programs with application checklists, the documents you'll need, and worked examples showing how grants are calculated.

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