TX HB1473

Removes the income eligibility requirement (previously capped at 300% of federal poverty level) for relative or designated caregivers to receive monetary assistance from the Department of Family and Protective Services

Requires DFPS to provide monetary assistance to all relative or designated caregivers, subject to fund availability, at up to 50% of the daily basic foster care rate for the child

Eliminates eligibility criteria requirements for child-care expense reimbursements, making all caregivers eligible for full reimbursement while DFPS has conservatorship and 50% reimbursement after being appointed permanent managing conservator

Maintains the one-year limit on monetary assistance payments (with possible six-month extension for good cause) and the $500 annual expense reimbursement cap for up to three years after permanent conservatorship is awarded

Applies to caregiver assistance agreements entered into before, on, or after September 1, 2025