Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP)

KTAP which operates under federal TANF guidelines provides short-term financial assistance to eligible low-income families to help pay for basic needs such as rent, utilities, and other household expenses.

It is the only “welfare program” in Kentucky that provides cash assistance to families with children under the age of 18 who meet income requirements.

As a condition of eligibility, Kentucky requires all adult KTAP recipients to participate in work-related activities with the exception of those that are disabled or over 60 years old.

For this reason, KTAP helps families find jobs or get training that leads to a job and ultimately self-sufficiency.

FAQ #


KY KTAP in 2023 #

Kentucky's KTAP program, which provides basic cash assistance, has been updated to ensure that families receive higher amounts of money in order to keep pace with inflation. 1

For a family of three in Kentucky, the KTAP payment is now $524 a month. Prior to its increase in March 2023, the maximum monthly benefit level was just $262. Asset limit was also raised from $2,000 to $10,000.

How do I qualify for KTAP in KY? #

To qualify for KTAP in KY, you must:

  1. Be a U.S. citizen or legal qualified alien.
  2. Be a resident of the state of Kentucky.
  3. Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages).
  4. Have a child under age 19 who lives with them. A child who is 18 must be a full-time high school student.
  5. Meet income and resource limits.

What is the income limit for KTAP in KY? #

To be eligible for KTAP, households must meet both an income eligibility limit, and hold assets below a certain value.

In Kentucky, a family is considered “needy” when their net countable income is equal to or less than $631 a month for a family of three.

  • Family Size Income Limit
  • 1 $481
  • 2 $552
  • 3 $631
  • 4 $710
  • 5 $790
  • 6 $869
  • 7 or more $948

How much do I get for KTAP? #

For a family of three in Kentucky with no income, the KTAP payment is $524 a month and it’s limited to no more than 24 consecutive months.

For example, a family may receive KTAP benefits for 24 months, stop and later receive 36 more months of benefits.

In addition to cash grant, KTAP recipients may also be eligible for food assistance and supportive services such as child care and transportation assistance through the Kentucky Works Program or “KWP”.

If you need short-term help rather than long-term ongoing cash assistance, you may request for one lump-sum payment of up to $2,600 through the Family Assistance Short Term (FAST).

How long can I get KTAP? #

A family may receive KTAP cash benefits for up to five years (60 months) in a lifetime. Each month a family receives KTAP benefits counts towards the lifetime limit.

How to apply for KTAP in Kentucky? #

You may apply for KTAP online via Benefind — the self-service web portal that allows residents to prescreen or apply for Medicaid, KCHIP, SNAP, and Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP).

For additional information about KTAP visit
http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dfs/KTAP.htm

Or call the K-TAP information line at
(502) 564-7050

References

  1. KyPolicy, Kentucky’s Basic Cash Assistance Program Just Got a Much-Needed Update.
Share this article