KENTUCKY

Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP)

Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) which operates under federal TANF guidelines provides short-term financial assistance to low-income children under the age of 18 as well as the parents, or relatives, with whom the children are living.

Kentucky requires all adult K-TAP recipients who aren’t exempt to participate in work-related activities for a minimum number of hours per week.

How much can I get from KTAP in Kentucky?

The maximum monthly payment for the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP) depends on the number of children in the household.

How to apply for KTAP in Kentucky?

You may apply for KTAP online through Kynect Benefits  or in person at your local DCBS office  or apply via phone by calling (855) 306-8959 and speak with a caseworker.

Kentucky Department for Community Based Services
DCBS Call Center / Benefits Assistance
(855) 306-8959

Kentucky Family Assistance Short Term (FAST)

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).

FAST is designed to prevent long-term dependency by covering costs like car repairs, housing, or child care, often serving as an alternative to ongoing KTAP assistance.

Families can apply for FAST as an alternative to KTAP through Kynect Benefits  or in person at a local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office.

Kentucky Department for Community Based Services
DCBS Call Center / Benefits Assistance
(855) 306-8959

Kentucky Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Kentucky SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) helps low-income individuals and families afford a nutritionally adequate diet by providing monthly food assistance.

Most families in Kentucky with gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or about $4,442 per month for a family of three, may qualify for SNAP benefits.

How much food stamps will I get in KY?

If you are approved for food stamps, how much in benefits you get partly depends on the number of people in your household. The monthly SNAP benefit for a family of three with no income in Kentucky is $785.

How do I apply for food stamps in Kentucky?

Eligibility pre-screening and online application are available at Kynect Benefits . For more information, contact the local DCBS office  in the county where you live.

Kentucky Department for Community Based Services
DCBS Call Center / Benefits Assistance
(855) 306-8959

Kentucky Medicaid

Kentucky Medicaid provides coverage for basic health and long-term care services to eligible individuals and families with limited income and resources.

Eligibility is divided into five categories:

• Children under 19
• Pregnant women
• Parents and Caretaker Relatives
• Adults 19—64
• Foster Care children ages 19 to 26 who do not receive Medicaid in another category

Kentucky Medicaid contracts with Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to provide health benefits statewide. These private health plans coordinate care, manage provider networks, and offer “value-added” benefits beyond standard Medicaid coverage.

1. Aetna Better Health of Kentucky
2. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
3. Humana Healthy Horizons in Kentucky
4. Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare
5. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
6. WellCare of Kentucky

Members typically choose their MCO during initial enrollment or the annual open enrollment period. If you do not choose one, you may be automatically assigned to a plan.

What is the income limit to qualify for Medicaid in Kentucky?

As Kentucky is expanding Medicaid coverage, Medicaid is now available to all adults age between 19—64 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level.

Children under 19 and pregnant women are eligible at higher income levels. Infants born to mothers receiving Medicaid are often “deemed” eligible regardless of income changes until age 1.

Where do I apply for Medicaid in Kentucky?

Kentucky is operating a State-Based Marketplace, known as Kynect  — Kentucky’s Health Insurance Connection — through which you can apply for Medicaid, KCHIP or other health insurance online.

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Medicaid Member Services
(800) 635-2570

Kentucky Presumptive Eligibility (PE) for Pregnant Women

Kentucky’s Presumptive Eligibility (PE) for Pregnant Women provides temporary Medicaid coverage for prenatal care to low-income pregnant individuals who don’t have other coverage.

Presumptive Eligibility (PE) allows pregnant women who appear eligible for Medicaid to receive prenatal care while waiting for the Medicaid application to be fully processed.

Because PE is part of the Medicaid application process, no separate or special form is required once an individual has applied for Medicaid.

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Division of Family Support
(855) 306‑8959

Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP)

Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) is a health insurance program for children up to age 19 whose family income is above the Medicaid income limit.

KCHIP covers everything from checkups to prescriptions, from broken bones to booster shots, eyeglasses, hearing aids, dental care, hospital care, and among others.

What is the maximum income to qualify for KCHIP in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, children under 19 qualify with income up to 218% of poverty or about $4,841 per month for a family of three. KCHIP now covers pregnant women, and women up to 12 months postpartum. ¹

How do I apply for CHIP in Kentucky?

Families may apply for the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) through Kynect , Kentucky’s official health coverage website or in person at a local DCBS office .

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
KCHIP Member Services
(877) 524-4718

Kentucky Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Kentucky WIC is a supplemental nutrition program designed to improve the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children.

It does this by providing nutrition and breastfeeding education, nutritious foods, counseling, and referrals to needed services, at no cost, to eligible families.

Authorized foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, cereal, milk, eggs, juice, peanut butter, cheese, beans, and baby food.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Live in Kentucky.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty limit.
4. Have a nutritional need or risk.

What is the income limit for WIC in Kentucky?

WIC is available to Kentucky families with a household income less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level. That’s about $4,109 per month for a single mother of two.

How much does WIC pay per month in Kentucky?

Children ages 1—4 will now receive $26 per month, while pregnant and postpartum women receive $47 per month, and breastfeeding women receive $52 per month.

How do I apply for WIC in Kentucky?

To apply for WIC, contact the local health department serving your area . You will be asked to provide proper ID, proof of residence and information about your household income to help determine your eligibility.

Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps low-income families pay for child care while working or attending school or training or participate in K-TAP activities.

It provides financial assistance with payment for child care on a sliding fee basis for eligible families whose income is no more than the eligibility income threshold.

The program covers part of the child care costs, and families pay a copayment based on household size, income, and the number of children in care.

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

A family in Kenctucky is considered “income eligible ” when their gross monthly income is less than or equal to 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) at the time of initial application.

When a recipient’s income goes over the SMI limit during report a change or recertification, they may be eligible for an additional six months of Transitional Child Care assistance.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Kentucky?

Families who meet the eligibility requirements may apply for Kentucky CCAP online at kynect.ky.gov  or call (855) 306-8959 if you’d rather apply by phone.

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Division of Family and Child Support
(855) 306-8959

Kentucky Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Kentucky LIHEAP helps eligible families with heating and cooling costs through two programs: Subsidy and Crisis. A third component for summer cooling assistance may be available when funding allows.

The subsidy component operates in November and December, while the crisis component runs from early January through the end of March, or until funds are exhausted.

What is the income limit for LIHEAP in Kentucky?

Eligibility is limited to homeowners and renters in Kentucky with income up to 150% of the poverty level, which is about $3,331 per month for a family of three.

How much does LIHEAP pay in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, LIHEAP provides a one-time fall subsidy of up to about $250 and up to $400 in winter crisis assistance to help prevent utility disconnection or restore heating fuel.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in Kentucky?

Community Action Agencies across Kentucky are accepting applications on a first-come, first-serve basis through March 31, 2026 or until funds are depleted.

Applicants should apply in person at their local Community Action Agency  outreach office. For the crisis component, applicants must bring a disconnect/past due notice. If your rent includes heat, bring a copy of your lease and eviction notice.

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Division of Family Support
(800) 456-3452

Kentucky Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

Kentucky LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program designed to help low-income households and families who have fallen behind on their water and wastewater bills.

Kentuckians eligible for LIHWAP benefits will receive a one-time credit applied to their water utilities account. Depending on the household’s income and water needs, that credit will be between $50 and $1,200 .

How do I get help with my water bill in Kentucky?

If you are struggling to pay your water or wastewater bills, you can submit your application through your local Community Action Agency  along with a copy of your most recent utility bill.

Kentucky Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program

As of January 31, 2022, applications are no longer being accepted for KHC’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV, also known as Section 8) Waiting List.

Kentucky offers a variety of rental assistance programs to assist very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled across Kentucky in securing affordable rental housing. The most common one is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program.

HCV is available only for tenants with incomes no greater than 80% of the area median income and tenants generally pay rent no more than 30% of their income.

If you are interested in applying for a voucher, contact Kentucky Housing Corporation or the HUD Office nearest to you.

Kentucky Housing Corporation
502-564-9946

​KHC now uses HCV RENTCafé for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) to provide online access to an array of key services for applicants, tenants, and landlords.

Kentucky Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)

If you are currently receiving housing assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program administered by KHC, you are also eligible to participate in Family Self-Sufficiency Program  (FSS).

The program helps participants learn new skills, achieve economic self-sufficiency, and even provides a means to save for a home of their own.

For more information about the FSS Program, please contact

Kentucky Housing Corporation Family Self-Sufficiency
(502) 564-7630

Kentucky HANDS Program

Kentucky’s Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS) program is a voluntary home visitation program for any new or expectant parents during the prenatal period until the child is 3 years old.

Home visits take place weekly until the child is 6 months old. The frequency of visits thereafter will be determined by the family’s level of need.

If you are interested in home visiting program, contact your local health department . Enrollment is open during pregnancy or up to 90 days after the baby’s birth.

Kentucky Department for Public Health
Kentucky HANDS Program
(502) 564-3756

Kentucky Home Repair Program

Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair Program, Kentucky provides loans to very-low-income homeowners whose income is below 50% of the area median income.

Loans may be used to repair, improve or modernize homes or remove health and safety hazards — up to $20,000 repaid over 20 years at a fixed interest rate of 1%.

Repairs that may qualify include:

• Interior mechanicals, including HVAC, furnace, electrical, and plumbing
• Roof and gutters repair or replacement
• Other repairs that the program deems necessary

Section 504 also provides grants of up to $7,500 to elderly very-low-income homeowners, age 62 or older, who not be able to repay a repair loan.

For more information on Home Repair Program, please contact

Single Family Housing Staff
(859) 224-7322

Kentucky Unemployment Insurance

Kentucky Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own that meet Kentucky’s eligibility requirements.

In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period’ and must have:

1. earned at least $1,500 in at least one quarter of the base period,
2. total base-period wages of at least 1.5 times the amount you earned in your highest-paid quarter, and
3. at least $1,500 in wages outside your highest quarter.

For example, if your highest-paid quarter was $4,000, your total base-period wages must be at least $6,000 ($4,000 × 1.5), and at least $1,500 of those wages must come from quarters other than your highest quarter.

How much is unemployment insurance in KY?

The maximum amount you may collect on unemployment in Kentucky is $720 per week for a period of 16 weeks. The minimum weekly benefit rate is $39.

How do I apply for unemployment benefits in Kentucky?

You can file your claim online through the UI Claims Portal  or in person at a Career Center  near you during your first week of unemployment.

Unless exempt, you must complete and report at least five work search activities per week, with at least three being job applications or interviews.

Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance
Education and Labor Cabinet
(502) 564-2900

Kentucky Tuition Grant

Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG) provides need-based aid to help qualified Kentucky residents attend eligible private colleges and universities within the state.

Up to $3,300 is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to students with financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Tuition waivers for specific groups, such as dependents of fallen law enforcement or firefighters, are also available.

Funds are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to file your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 for priority consideration.

Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority
KHEAA Customer Care
(800) 928-8926

Kentucky College Access Program (CAP) Grant

Kentucky’s College Access Program (CAP) Grant is available for Kentucky’s financially needy students who are enrolled at least half-time at an approved college or university in Kentucky.

Eligible students may receive up to $2,500 at a two-year institution or $5,500 at a four-year institution. Part-time students will receive an amount calculated on a per-credit-hour basis.

To be considered for CAP, you must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis so early filing is encouraged.

Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority
KHEAA Customer Care
(800) 928-8926