Kentucky children face high food insecurity rates. Here’s how residents can get help
While more than 10.5 million children across the U.S. lack consistent food access, those in Kentucky are more likely to battle food insecurity than children living in other states. Nationwide, 15% of children live in households without year-round adequate access to food.
Almost 18% of children in Kentucky live in households without sufficient access to food, according to 2019 data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and food insecurity also affects many adults in the commonwealth, with 1 in 8 people suffering from a lack of adequate food access.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps, is available to certain Kentucky residents who meet income and other eligibility guidelines, and applications are available online, by phone, through mail and in person. Here’s what to know about getting food assistance in Kentucky.
Who is eligible for SNAP in Kentucky? How do I know if I qualify?
While exceptions can be made based on age or certain circumstances, general SNAP eligibility requirements are based on income, resources, work registration and other factors.
To qualify for SNAP in Kentucky, you must be a U.S. citizen or a “qualified immigrant.” An eligible household may not have more than $2,250 in cash and assets. If at least one household member is 60 or older, the limit is $3,500.
Any household member between the ages of 18 and 59 must register for, look for and accept work. According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, children ages 16 and 17 must participate in work registration in some circumstances.
Income limits depend on household size, and expenses such as rent, utilities, legally obligated child support, child care and sometimes medical costs (for household members with disabilities or who meet age minimums).
You can use an online eligibility screening tool to estimate whether you may qualify for SNAP.
How can you apply for SNAP in Kentucky?
You can apply for SNAP online or via phone at 1-855-306-8959. Another option is to print out the SNAP application (available in nine languages) and mail, fax or deliver it to the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services. The paper application is online.
Or, you can apply in person at your local DCBS office. If you need application assistance, you can contact DCBS at 1-855-306-8959.
Some applicants may qualify for an expedited approval process to receive assistance as soon as possible. If a household’s monthly rent or mortgage payment with utilities costs more than the household’s gross income, it may qualify for the expedited assistance.
A household with a gross monthly income less than $150 (with cash/bank accounts totaling no more than $100) or a household including migrant or seasonal farm workers in need of assistance may also qualify to receive SNAP sooner than other applications.
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase most food items, excluding ready-to-eat hot foods. SNAP can be used for seeds and plants to grow fruits and vegetables, and they cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, pet food or other non-food items.
If you need to report your benefits card lost, damaged or stolen, you can call a 24-hour hotline at 1-888-979-9949.
Do you have a question about assistance in Kentucky for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.
