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Grandparents can qualify for assistance

Two legislative issues that were priorities of Kansas Silver Haired Legislature recently were passed and signed into law.

Howard Collett, local silver haired legislator, reported June 16 to Senior Citizens of Marion County, Inc.

The Grandparents' Bill, SB 62, creates the Grandparents as Caregivers Act and directs the Secretary of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) to establish a Grandparents as Caregivers Program.

A grandparent is eligible to participate in the program if he/she is at least 50 years old, has custody of a grandchild, and has an annual income of less than 130 percent of the federal poverty level.

Grandparents are not eligible for the program if the parent of the child resides with them.

If there is no grandparent, SRS could allow any other close relative who is the legal guardian to participate.

Under certain conditions, program participants receive $200 per grandchild per month, not to exceed $600 a month.

This program is expected to assist a minimum of 2,300 children.

The second legislature approved directs Kansas Department of Commerce to devise a plan to allow older Kansans (age 55 and older) to return to the work force.

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