Louisiana Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP)

The Louisiana Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) is administered by the Department of Children and Family Services and provides monetary assistance in the form of cash to the children living with people other than their parents. They could be their grandparents, stepparents, cousins. The program ensures that the children are living in the homes of the relatives who are receiving the KCSP cash benefits. The KCSP program does not require the children to be related by blood to each other. It is also not important that all the siblings receive the KCSP program’s benefits

It should be kept in mind that the program does not consider legal custody as a factor while determining the relationship of the child with the relative. Relatives of the spouses who are now divorced, do fulfill the relationship requirement. The relation requirement of the Kinship Care Subsidy Program is also fulfilled if the child is already living with a relative. The prior legal relationships of the child are terminated once they are legally adopted. However, relatives of birth parents still qualify for the KCSP program.

There is a certain eligibility criterion that must be fulfilled to be able to receive the KCSP program benefits. The program is open for children who are 18 years old and have a total monthly income of $222 or less. The qualified relative should have a Social Security Number. It should also be kept in mind that the parents of the children and the relative should not be living in the same house.

The relative is required to provide medical records of immunization of each child against diseases that could be prevented through vaccination. The family takes into account the total household income of the child’s parents which should not exceed 150 percent of the FDL as compared to that of the relative. Several resources are taken into account while determining the income eligibility of the relative including cash, savings, stocks and bonds, real estate, mortgages, and cars.

Due to the recent pandemic, the Department of Children and Family Services has introduced new technology in their Self-Service Portal known as CAFE. This upgraded portal provides improved communication and ease of the application process to the recipients of the LaCAP, SNAP, FITAP, KCSP, and other programs. The program also provides information and resources regarding different programs as well as improves the delivery of benefits.

You can also reach the program office by calling the following number,

1-888-524-3578

You can also send your application form via secured fax at (225) 663-3164 to the state office of the Department of Children and Family Services.

Also Read: Louisiana Child Support Enforcement