Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) #
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 K-TAP applicants, as a condition of eligibility, to participate in work-related activities with the exception of those that are disabled or over 60 years old.
In addition to the monetary grant, K-TAP recipients may also be eligible for supportive services such as child care and transportation assistance through the Kentucky Works Program or “KWP”.
Kentucky Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) #
Kentucky SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) helps low-income people and families in Kentucky with cash assistance to buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet.
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 in Kentucky is $392.
How do I apply for food stamps in Kentucky?
Eligibility pre-screening and online application are available at Kentucky’s Benefind. For more information, contact the local DCBS office in the county where you live or call 1-855-306-8959 for assistance.
Kentucky Medicaid #
Medicaid guarantees coverage for basic health and long-term care services for eligible Kentuckians — mostly uninsured children under age 19, pregnant women, disabled adults, and the elderly.
As Kentucky is expanding Medicaid coverage, Medicaid is now available to eligible Kentuckians age between 19-64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level.
For example, single parents with two kids who make less than $2,648 a month can qualify for Kentucky Medicaid. Children and pregnant women are eligible at higher income levels.
Can I apply for KY Medicaid Online?
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 Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) #
Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) is a health insurance program for uninsured children up to age 19 whose family income is less than 218% of the federal poverty level.
KCHIP covers everything from checkups to prescriptions, from broken bones to booster shots, eyeglasses, hearing aids, dental care, hospital care, and among others.
How do I apply for CHIP in KY?
If you think your child is eligible, contact your local DCBS office, or call (877) KCHIP-18 (877-524-4718) for additional information.
Kentucky Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) #
WIC is a short-term intervention program designed to improve the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children. It does this by providing nutrition and health education, healthy food and other services, at no cost, to families who qualify.
Women, infants, and children in Kentucky whose gross income falls below certain limits; and who are at risk for nutritional deficiencies are eligible for WIC assistance.
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) #
CCAP helps low-income families pay for child care while working or attending school or training or participate in K-TAP activities. It provides assistance with payment for child care on a sliding fee basis for eligible parents/guardians.
CCAP in Kentucky is available for children under age 13 or up to age 18 for children with special needs whose parent is employed or enrolled in a training program for an average of 20 hours per week.
The program pays for part of the child care costs, and you co-pay for a portion based on the size of the family, the amount of your income, and the number of children in care.
How do I apply for child care assistance in Kentucky?
Kentucky Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) #
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists eligible Kentucky residents and families with their heating and cooling costs — helping more than 150,000 families pay their heating bills each winter.
LIHEAP home heating program has two main components: Subsidy and Crisis. When funds are available, a third component to help with summer cooling costs may be offered.
The subsidy component operates in November and December to help residents at or below 130% of the federal poverty level, while the crisis component operates from early January until the middle of March, or until all funds are depleted.
For information, please contact
Community Action Kentucky (CAK)
1-800-456-3452
Kentucky Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program #
Kentucky offers a variety of rental assistance programs to assist families 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. For further assistance, please contact the HUD Office nearest to you.
Kentucky Housing Corporation
502-564-9946
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).
Kentucky HANDS Program #
The Kentucky Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS) program is a voluntary home visitation program for any new or expectant parents. The frequency of visits will be determined by the family’s needs.
Any parent expecting a new baby and residing in Kentucky is eligible. Families must be enrolled during pregnancy or anytime before a child is 3 months old.
If interested, contact your local health department or call (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%.
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 #
Unemployment insurance benefits provide temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own that meet Kentucky’s eligibility requirements.
The maximum amount you may collect on unemployment in Kentucky is $569 per week for a period of 12 weeks. The minimum weekly benefit rate is $39.
How do I apply for unemployment benefits in Kentucky?
The KEWES internet claims system is accessible for filing an unemployment claim or requesting your bi-weekly check online. To request your bi-weekly benefit payment by phone call (877) 3MY-KYUI or (877) 369-5984.
Kentucky College Access Program Grant #
The 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.
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as determined by the FAFSA, must be 6,656 or lower. Eligible students may receive up to $2,000 per year.
To be eligible 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 Tuition Grant #
Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG) provides need-based aid to help Kentucky residents attend eligible private colleges within the state. Up to $3,200 is awarded to students with financial need as determined by FAFSA.
Funds are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to file your FAFSA as soon after October 1 as possible for priority consideration.