Food stamps in Kentucky are a vital resource for vulnerable populations, offering financial assistance to access nutritious food and fostering a path towards self-sufficiency. In the Bluegrass State, the program is administered by the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS).
In Kentucky, the eligibility for SNAP benefits is determined based on factors such as income, household size, and expenses. Applicants must meet certain income guidelines, which vary depending on the size of their household. Once approved, beneficiaries receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which operates like a debit card and can be used at authorized retailers, including grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
How are SNAP Benefits’ Amounts Determined in Kentucky?
The amount of SNAP benefits an individual or household receives is calculated using a formula that considers factors such as income, expenses, and the number of people in the household. Recipients can use these benefits to purchase a variety of food items, excluding non-food items like alcohol and pet food.
In Kentucky, food assistance benefits are distributed from the 1st to the 19th of each month. The specific day you receive your food assistance is determined by the final digit of your case number. Refer to the table below to find out the designated day for receiving your Kentucky food assistance benefits based on the last digit of your case number.
The payment dates in December 2023 are as follows:
| Case Number’s Last Digit | SNAP Payment Dates |
|---|---|
| Friday, December 1st | |
| 1 | Sunday, December 3rd |
| 2 | Tuesday, December 5th |
| 3 | Thursday, December 7th |
| 4 | Saturday, December 9th |
| 5 | Monday, December 11th |
| 6 | Wednesday, December 13th |
| 7 | Friday, December 15th |
| 8 | Sunday, December 17th |
| 9 | Tuesday, December 19th |
Can I Get SNAP Benefits Right Away When Applying?
If certain conditions are met, you could become eligible for SNAP benefits upon application. Qualification criteria include a household with monthly rent/mortgage and utility costs surpassing its gross monthly income. Additionally, eligibility extends to households with a gross monthly income below $150, accompanied by total resources, such as cash or bank accounts, not exceeding $100. Those with destitute migrant or seasonal farmworkers as household members may also qualify. It’s noteworthy that the USDA upholds equal opportunities in providing and employment.
You can apply for food stamps in Kentucky in three ways:
- Apply online. Start your SNAP Application today.
- Apply via phone. Call 1 (855) 306-8959 to speak with a caseworker.
- Fill out the SNAP Application at home. Print out the SNAP Application and mail, fax, or hand-deliver the document to DCBS. Get your copy in the official website, here, and then, take it to your nearest Community Based Services (DCBS) Office.