Kentucky TANF — Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program
(KTAP)

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 of three is considered “needy” if its gross countable income is equal to or less than $1,169 per month.

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

TANF income limits by household size, Kentuckians
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

TANF payments by household size, Kentuckians
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.

What is the Family Assistance Short Term (FAST) program in Kentucky?

If you need short-term help rather than ongoing cash assistance, you may request for one lump-sum payment through the Family Assistance Short Term (FAST). The maximum combined total is $2,600 over a 3-consecutive-month eligibility period. ³

How long can I get KTAP in Kentucky?

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. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services must review a case at least two months before the 60-month limit to determine whether the family qualifies for a hardship extension. ⁴

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in Kentucky?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Kentucky, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

A valid photo ID
Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact benefind (CHFS) at (855) 306-8959 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

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

Sources & notes

Data and figures on this page come from the sources and notes below:

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. ↩
Kentucky Administrative Regulations, 921 KAR 2:500 , Family Assistance Short Term (FAST). The regulation sets a combined total of up to $2,600 in payments during the three-month eligibility period, to the extent funds are available. ↩
Kentucky Administrative Regulations, 921 KAR 2:006 , time limit and hardship extensions. ↩