Kentucky SNAP

Kentucky SNAP helps low-income people and families in Kentucky with cash assistance to buy food for healthy meals at participating stores.

Unless otherwise exempt, most SNAP recipients who aren’t disabled or caring for a child under age 6 are required to work at least 20 hours a week, or participate in an employment or training program.

Effective November 1, 2025, ABAWDs ages 18—64 must comply with special work rules or they will be subject to a three-month time limit on SNAP receipt.

FAQ

Who is eligible for SNAP in Kentucky?

In order to qualify for SNAP, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Live in Kentucky
Be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident
Show proof of identity
Meet certain income guidelines
Have less than $3,000 in resources

What is the income limit for SNAP in KY?

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

Family Size	Income Limit
1	$2,608
2	$3,525
3	$4,442
4	$5,358
5	$6,275
6	$7,192
7	$8,108
8	$9,025

Effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. 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.

Are you eligible for SNAP?

Find out if you may qualify and get an estimated amount of benefits you could receive.

How much does a family of 3 get in food stamps?

SNAP benefits may vary from family to family depending on a variety of factors, including the household size, income and allowable deductions, such as rent, utilities, child support, and child care costs.

For example, a family of three with no income may receive up to $785 in monthly benefits or $485 each month if the family has a net monthly income of $1,000.

Family Size	SNAP Benefits
1	$298
2	$546
3	$785
4	$994
5	$1,183
6	$1,421
7	$1,571
8	$1,789

The actual SNAP benefit amounts are based on a household’s net income with a general rule that an increase of $100 in net income results in a reduction of $30 in benefits. Use our SNAP calculator to estimate the amount of benefits you can expect to receive.

Eligible households are issued an EBT Card used to make food purchases at one of the 231,000 authorized retail locations around the country, 4,200 in Kentucky.

How do I apply for food stamps in Kentucky?

Eligibility pre-screening and online application are available at Kentucky’s Benefind , an official website where you can apply for benefits like K-TAP, Medicaid as well as SNAP, from any computer with internet.

You may also apply in person at a local DCBS office in the county where you live ¹ or by phone by calling (855) 306-8959 and speak with a caseworker.

Once your application is received, an interview with an eligibility worker may be arranged to determine your eligibility, usually within 5 days.

DCBS Family Support
(855) 306-8959

How do I get emergency food stamps in KY?

You may qualify for emergency SNAP benefits under certain circumstances, if:

your household’s monthly rent/mortgage and utilities costs are more than your gross monthly income.
your household’s gross monthly income is less than $150 and resources, such as cash or bank accounts, total $100 or less.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may receive them as early as the day after you apply, or within 7 days from the application.

Find your local Kentucky Department of Community Based Services (DCBS) office using the kynect benefits search tool . ↩