Kansas, KS

Kansas Earned Income Tax Credit #

Kansas offers its own state credit that is equal to 17% of the federal credit. Like the federal EITC, the Kansas credit is fully refundable, meaning a taxpayer can receive a refund amount when the credit is larger than the tax amount owed.

Kansas EITC is available only to families and individuals who earn income through work, the amount of which largely depends on the recipient’s earned income, filing status and no. of children.

To calculate the state credit, you would multiply your federal EITC by 17%. For example, a federal EITC of $1000 would net a $170 refund from the state.

How much is Kansas Earned Income Credit?

• NO. OF CHILD Maximum EIC
• 0 $102
• 1 $679
• 2 $1,122
• 3 or more $1,263

Kansas Food Assistance Program #

Kansas Food Assistance Program is a nutrition assistance program that provides monthly benefits to help families with little or no income buy the food they need to maintain adequate nutritional levels.

Monthly benefits are provided on a “Kansas Benefits Card” that can be used to purchase food from local grocery stores or wherever EBT is accepted.

Most families in Kansas with gross income up to 130% of the federal poverty level. For example, a family of three qualifies for the program if it has a gross monthly income of $2,693 or less as well as a net monthly income of not more than $2,072.

Gross income limit applies to most households, except those in which at least one person is 60 years of age or older, or receives disability income.

How do I sign up for food stamps in Kansas?

Applications are available at your local DCF Service Center. You may also submit your application online at DCF Self-Service Portal. If help is needed, please call 1-888-369-4777 or visit your local DCF Service Center.

Kansas Successful Families Program #

Successful Families Program is Kansas’ version of TANF that provides monthly cash assistance for families with children under age 18.

It is primarily intended to provide necessary assistance to neediest families with children on a temporary basis, including medical benefits and child care.

In Kansas, receipt of cash assistance is limited to 24 months in a lifetime but allows for “hardship extensions” of up to an additional 12 months for a total of 36 months.

How much is cash assistance in Kansas?

Cash assistance amounts vary based on the county in which you live. For example, a family of three may receive as much as $429 per month in certain high-cost counties, but no more than $386 in lower-cost locales.

How do I apply for TANF in Kansas?

Go to the DCF Online Application and Self-Assessment to apply for Kansas TANF. If you are looking for work, visit KansasWorks.

KanCare #

KanCare, the new name for Kansas Medicaid, provides affordable health insurance for the uninsured pregnant women, the disabled and children ages 0 – 18 whose parents who can’t get or can’t afford private health insurance.

Kansas residents who have low or very low income may be eligible for Medicaid benefits through KanCare if they are also:

• Pregnant,
• A child under age 19,
• A caretaker of a child under age 19,
• People under age 26 who aged out of foster care,
• Disabled, or care for a disabled member of the household, or
• Aged 65 or older.

What is the income limit for Medicaid in Kansas?

As Kansas is not expanding Medicaid coverage yet, eligibility for parents remains very low at 38% of poverty. That's about $9,450 a year for a family of three. Children and pregnant women are eligible at higher income levels.

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

How do I apply for KanCare in Kansas?

If you are signing up for KanCare for the first time, you can call 1-800-792-4884 to request for application or apply electronically. Self-assessment tool is also available for you to see what you might be eligible for.

Kansas CHIP #

KanCare is also how Kansans receive CHIP, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provides health coverage for children up to age 19 in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.

Participants in the CHIP program may pay a monthly premium based on a sliding income scale. Most families qualify with no out-of pocket expense, but some families may pay a monthly premium up to $30.

What is the income limit for CHIP in Kansas?

In Kansas, legislation was passed in 2022 to increase the CHIP eligibility income level to 255% of the current poverty level. For a family of three, it's $63,390.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $37,180
• 2 $50,290
• 3 $63,390
• 4 $76,500
• 5 $89,610
• 6 $102,710
• 7 $115,820
• 8 $128,930

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

Kansas Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) #

Kansas WIC is a nutrition program that provides nutrition and health education, healthy food and other services, at no cost, to Kansas families who qualify.

Kansas WIC serves women, infants, and children in Kansas whose gross income falls below certain limits and who are at risk for nutritional deficiencies.

To be eligible, a household’s gross income must not exceed 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. That's about $3,833 a month for a family of three to qualify.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $2,248
• 2 $3,040
• 3 $3,833
• 4 $4,625
• 5 $5,418
• 6 $6,210
• 7 $7,003
• 8 $7,795

How to apply for WIC in Kansas?

To apply for WIC benefits, you must call your local WIC agency to schedule an appointment, during which there will be a brief review of foods you eat, medical history and current health status to determine the medical or nutritional need.

Kansas Child Care Subsidy Program #

Kansas' Child Care Subsidy Program provides subsidy for income-eligible Kansas families who need help paying for child care. Funding is limited and there is often a waiting list in place.

The amount of subsidy varies based on the your gross monthly income, family size, and type and cost of care AND since it is a subsidy, you may be required to pay a portion of child care costs on a sliding scale.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Illinois?

A family is considered “income eligible” when the total gross monthly income is less than or equal to 250% of the federal poverty level at the time of initial application.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 2 $4,108
• 3 $5,179
• 4 $6,250
• 5 $7,321
• 6 $8,392
• 7 $9,463
• 8 $10,533

How do I apply for child care assistance in Kansas?

Pick up an application at any DCF Office in your town or county to enroll or apply online or complete a self-assessment at Kansas’ Department for Children & Families.

For more information, call 1-888-369-4777.

Kansas Head Start/Early Head Start #

Kansas Head Start provides comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services for low-income children from birth to entry into elementary school. Priority is given to children with special needs.

Program services include:

• Quality early education
• Parent education
• Comprehensive health and mental health services, including services to women before, during and after pregnancy
• Nutrition education
• Family support service
• Child care for parents who are employed, attending school or in a job training program

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Kansas and be responsible for a child who is too young for public school.

To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, call 1-866-763-6481 or use the Head Start Locator to find the program serving your community.

Kansas Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) #

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and Emergency Water Assistance Program (EWAP) Applications close at 5 p.m. March 31.

Kansas LIEAP is an energy assistance program that helps eligible low-income households pay a portion of their winter heating bills. Priority is given to the elderly, disabled and households with children.

LIEAP pays one benefit per year on behalf of eligible households with income not exceeding 150% of the poverty level. That's about $3,108 per month for a family of three.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $1,823
• 2 $2,465
• 3 $3,108
• 4 $3,750
• 5 $4,393
• 6 $5,035
• 7 $5,678
• 8 $6,320

Eligible households may receive a one-time credit of up to $5,565. A supplemental payment for summer cooling may be issued, depending on the availability of funding.

How do I apply for LIEAP in Kansas?

LIEAP applications are available at local DCF offices and through partnering agencies throughout the state.

When can I apply for LIEAP in Kansas?

The LIEAP application period is from the first business day of January through March 31st, or until funds are exhausted.

Call 1-800-432-0043 for additional information on application dates.

Kansas Emergency Water Assistance Program (EWAP) #

Kansas EWAP provides a one-time payment of up to $750 to help eligible households pay for current or past due water and/or wastewater bills, including disconnection and reconnection fees.

EWAP is open to Kansas families with a household income less than or equal to 150% of the federal poverty level. Priority is given to households with the elderly, disabled or a young child under age 6.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $1,823
• 2 $2,465
• 3 $3,108
• 4 $3,750
• 5 $4,393
• 6 $5,035
• 7 $5,678
• 8 $6,320

How do I get help paying my water bill in Kansas?

If you are struggling to pay your water or wastewater bills, please contact your local DCF Service Center to apply in-person.

Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) #

The KERA program is now closed. The KERA application portal is now closed and is no longer accessible to applicants.

Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program provides rent, utility, and internet assistance to households experiencing financial hardship.

KERA serves Kansans outside the city of Wichita earning no more than 80 percent of their area’s median income, and it covers:

1. up to 12 months of current and past due household rent
2. up to three months of prospective rent at a time, even if the household does not have rental arrears
3. past due residential utility, home energy (electric, gas, water, sewer, and trash services), and internet expenses

Landlords and tenants may apply via a joint online process. If the application is approved, the landlord and/or service provider receives funds directly from KERA.

Kansas Unemployment Insurance #

Kansas Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to replace lost wages to Kansas workers when they are unemployed through no fault of their own.

If you meet the eligibility requirements of the law, you’re entitled to supplemental income while you are looking for a new job, up to a maximum of 16 weeks.

How much is unemployment insurance in Kansas?

For new claims filed on or after July 1, 2023, your weekly benefit amount will be between $147 and $589 per week.

How do I apply for unemployment insurance in Kansas?

To file a new application for unemployment benefits, go to Get Kansas Benefits or if you wish to file by phone, please call one of the following numbers

• Topeka (785) 575-1460
• Kansas City (913) 596-3500
• Wichita (316) 383-9947
• Toll-Free (800) 292-6333

Kansas Comprehensive Grant #

Funded by the state of Kansas, Kansas Comprehensive Grant is available to financially needy Kansas residents who are enrolled full-time at 18 private colleges and universities in Kansas, the six state universities, and Washburn University.

Award amounts range from $200 – $10,000 at the private institutions and $100 – $4,000 at the public institutions.

To be considered, you must complete and submit the FAFSA, listing one or more eligible colleges in the FAFSA, no later than April 1.

Kansas Career Work-Study (KCWS) #

Kansas Career Work Study program is a state-funded program intended to provide employers with incentives to hire students to work in career-related positions.

It is available to Kansas residents, enrolled at least half-time at the six state universities and Washburn University — at least 6 credit hours during the Fall and Spring.

You must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for this program. If awarded, you will be advised of the maximum amount you can earn.