While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.
Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.
In Kentucky, the TANF program is known as the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP). To learn more about KTAP and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the Kentucky KTAP website here.
The Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP) provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The KTAP program also provides eligible families with child care assistance and work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment.
For more information on the services, the KTAP program provides to participating families, review the Kentucky KTAP website here.
KTAP and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, KTAP benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.
Many KTAP participants also qualify for Food Assistance due to the low-income requirement of both programs. For more information about Food Assistance, click here.
To apply for Food Assistance and/or KTAP, visit the Kentucky Benefind Portal here.
If you have questions about KTAP or Food Assistance, call the Division of Family Support at 1 (502) 564-7050.
The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources. Families can receive these benefits for up to 60 months throughout their lifetime.
Learn more information about KTAP in Kentucky here.
To qualify for KTAP in Kentucky, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about income requirements and personal requirements here.
Before you apply for KTAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the KTAP eligibility requirements here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on page 71 of the Kentucky Division of Family Support KTAP Operation Manual here.
To apply for KTAP online, create an account on the Kentucky Benefind portal here and fill out the virtual application form.
To apply for KTAP in person, click here to find the nearest Kentucky Community Based Services office location.
If you have any further questions about the application process, call the Kentucky Division of Family Support at 1 (502) 564-7050.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you apply for KTAP, you should receive a notice in the mail from the Department for Community Based Services with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits, if you are approved.
Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.
If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call 1 (502) 564-7050.
If you do not agree with the KTAP benefit decision given to you by the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services, you can appeal your decision after receiving your determination letter.
Your determination letter will include step by step instructions on how to submit an appeal request and the date you must submit your request by.
For more information on the appeal process, contact the Kentucky Division of Family Support at 1 (502) 564-7050.
For help with obtaining Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Kentucky Division of Family Support at 1 (502) 564-7050.
You can also visit or call a local Community Based Services office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free TANF Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.