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. ¹

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.

FAQ

How do I qualify for KTAP in KY?

To qualify for KTAP in KY, you must:

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

What is the income limit for KTAP in KY?

In Kentucky, a family is considered “needy” when their gross countable income is equal to or less than $1,169 a month for a family of three.

The income limits for families of different sizes are listed in the chart below.

Household Size	Income Limit
1	$890
2	$1,021
3	$1,169
4	$1,315
5	$1,462
6	$1,608
7	$1,754
8	$1,900

The amounts shown represent income eligibility thresholds by household size. Families with income at or below these limits may be eligible for TANF benefits.

How much do I get for KTAP?

For a family of three in Kentucky with no income, the KTAP payment is $341 a month and it’s limited to no more than 60 months in a lifetime. ²

Household Size	Payment
1	$242
2	$293
3	$341
4	$426
5	$498
6	$562
7	$627
8	$627

The amounts shown represent the maximum monthly cash benefits available to families with no countable income. Actual payments may vary based on a family’s income and other eligibility factors.

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 or in person at your local DCBS office or apply via phone by calling (855) 306-8959 and speak with a caseworker.

For additional information about KTAP, call
Kynect Benefits (DCBS)
(855) 306-8959

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”. ↩
For example, a family may receive KTAP benefits for 24 months, leave the program, and later receive up to an additional 36 months of assistance. ↩