Kentucky SNAP

Kentucky SNAP helps low-income individuals and families afford healthy meals by providing monthly food assistance benefits that can be used at participating stores.

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.

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) must comply with special work rules or be subject to a three-month limit on SNAP benefits within a 36-month period.

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 income limits and other financial eligibility rules
Have less than $3,000 in resources or $4,500 if at least one member is elderly or disabled

What is the income limit for SNAP in KY?

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

Household Size	100%Net Income	200%Gross Income
1	$1,304	$2,608
2	$1,763	$3,525
3	$2,221	$4,442
4	$2,679	$5,358
5	$3,138	$6,275
6	$3,596	$7,192
7	$4,054	$8,108
8	$4,513	$9,025

Effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Gross income limit applies to most households, except when at least one member is age 60 or older or receives disability income; in these cases, only the net income test applies.

Kentuckians, 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 in KY?

In Kentucky, a family of three with no income may receive up to $785 in monthly benefits, but the actual amount depends on the household’s countable income after deductions such as housing, utilities, and child care.

Household 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

What documents do I need to apply for SNAP in KY?

When you apply for SNAP, you may be asked to provide the following documents:

A valid photo ID
A valid Social Security Number
Proof of residency (where you live)
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of earned and unearned income
Proof of resources or assets (if applicable)
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

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 . ↩