Grandparents and other relatives play a vital role in the upbringing of children across the Commonwealth. As of 2021, an estimated 259,000 children in Pennsylvania live in a household where grandparents or other relatives are the main caretakers. Current law requires any applicant or recipient who applies for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program- whether they are a parent or nonparent- to pursue support against the non-custodial parent.
 
There are far too many barriers to receiving assistance for non-parent relatives that are taking care of their family member’s children. That is why we are introducing legislation to adjust the Child Support Enforcement Program to ensure that applicants must meet certain requirements to receive this assistance for their family. In addition, we add in provisions that safeguards taxpayer dollars so that only grandparents and guardians that meet certain requirements receive these benefits.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation that streamlines requirements to ensure that kids get the support they need.