TANF in Kentucky, also known as the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP), is the momentary assistance program in the state that uses federal funds to provide temporary assistance to needy families that meet eligibility requirements. In order to answer, “What is TANF?” it is important to learn more about the overall program, the benefits that it provides to needy families, how TANF supports work, how long benefits can be received and the eligibility requirements a family must meet in order to qualify for financial aid.

A TANF application can only be submitted at a local Community Based Services office. However, before submitting an application is strongly recommended that you review eligibility requirements, the documentation that you must provide and the benefit amount that your family may be eligible to receive. TANF benefits are primarily determined by family size and income, but financial assistance through the KTAP program can only be received for a limited period of time.

Who qualifies for TANF in Kentucky?

Before you apply for TANF in Kentucky, you are encouraged to review Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program eligibility requirements. By doing so, you may have a better idea as to whether or not your family may qualify for TANF assistance. Kentucky TANF eligibility requirements include the following:

• There is a minor child living within the home – There must be a minor child living within the home that you are responsible for in order to receive benefits from the TANF program. This child can be up to 18 years of age or up to 19 years of age if meeting school attendance requirements.
• S. citizenship – Each family member within your household must be either a United States citizen or a qualified legal alien.
• Low to very low income – TANF assistance is given to the neediest of families so income limits are well below federal poverty lines.
• Lack of employment or underemployed – In order to qualify for assistance, adult family members within a household must either be unemployed or underemployed, such as working very few hours or earning very few wages where income requirements can still be met.

TANF qualifications continue after a family begins to receive benefits. Adults receiving benefits will be required to look for work and participate in work-related activities each week in order to continue to receive benefits. If an adult finds work, then it is worth knowing that KTAP may continue to provide benefits for two months. Additionally, certain deductions are allowed from the amount that the adult is earning. Finally, the family may be eligible for work incentive reimbursements for up to nine months.

How to Apply for TANF in Kentucky

If you would like to apply for TANF in Kentucky, then you may only do so at a local Community Based Services office in the county that you and your family reside within. When submitting an application, it is important to provide the appropriate documentation needed to process your application, which can expedite the application process. When submitting a TANF application, it is also important to provide your office with documentation such as:

• Proof of income for all family members.
• Proof of identity for all family members.
• Proof of applicable household expenses, such as child care and shelter costs.

After you apply for TANF, your local Community Based Services office will inform you if there is any additional documentation that must be provided in order to complete your application. An eligibility interview will likely be required in which you will discuss the program and eligibility requirements further with a caseworker that is assigned to you and your family.

To learn more about how to apply for cash assistance, download our free guide.

How much cash assistance will I get in Kentucky?

If interested in TANF in Kentucky, then you may be wondering how much cash assistance you will receive if found eligible for the program. However, benefit amounts will vary depending on a couple of factors. TANF benefits by family size refers to the maximum amount of benefits that a family can receive based upon the size of the family. In addition to family size, your family’s income and applicable household expenses deductions will also be considered when determining the amount of benefits that your family may be eligible to receive.

In addition to cash TANF benefits, your family may be eligible for additional supportive services, such as childcare or transportation assistance through the Kentucky Works program. In some cases, relocation assistance may also be available.

How long does it take to get TANF benefits in Kentucky?

If you applied for TANF in Kentucky, then you may be wondering when you will begin to receive benefits if you are found eligible for financial assistance. Processing times can vary widely in Kentucky, but you can help to expedite the processing of your application by providing your local office with any information or documentation that it requires within a timely manner. A decision cannot be made on your case until the office has all the related documentation.

After a TANF application has been approved, you can expect to receive benefits the same date of each month while participating in the KTAP program. Benefits will be provided to you through an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card, which can be used in a similar fashion to a debit card at authorized ATMs and cash registers.

How long can you receive TANF in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, TANF benefits can be received for a maximum of 60 months (five years) within an individual’s lifetime. Beneficiary months need not be consecutive in order to count against the 60-month lifetime limit. For example, if you receive benefits for two years consecutively, then you will only be able to receive a maximum of three years if you are found eligible for assistance at a later date. This lifetime limit is only applied to adult benefices and not to children who are younger than 18 years of age.

How can I check my TANF status in Kentucky?

Once you have submitted your Kentucky TANF application, you can check the status of your application by contacting your local office either over the phone or in person. You may not currently check the status of your application online, as TANF online applications are not accepted at this time. Once you are assigned a caseworker from your local office, you may also contact your caseworker with any questions that you may have regarding your application.

Learn more about the federally funded TANF program by downloading our comprehensive guide.