TANF
TANF Program

How to Apply for TANF in Kentucky

Kentucky's TANF-funded cash program goes by the name KTAP, short for the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program, and it's run through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services' Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). Kentucky was an early adopter of the kynect.ky.gov integrated benefits portal, so most applicants start there rather than filing a standalone paper form. Benefits are capped at 60 months over a lifetime, and the amount is based on family size and income.

Updated August 2026

What You'll Need

✓ Proof of Kentucky residency ✓ Proof of U.S. citizenship or qualified immigrant status ✓ Household income information ✓ Information about children in your care (up to age 18, or 19 if in school) ✓ Social Security numbers for household members
  1. 1

    Start an application at kynect.ky.gov

    Apply online for KTAP and other assistance programs together through the state's kynect benefits portal.

  2. 2

    Or apply in person or by phone

    You can also begin an application in person at any DCBS office, or by calling DCBS Call Services at 855-306-8959.

  3. 3

    Confirm eligibility requirements

    You must have low income, be a Kentucky resident, be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, and be a parent/caretaker relative responsible for a child up to age 18 (or 19 if still in school).

  4. 4

    Submit Form PA-77 if applying on paper

    The paper Application for KTAP Benefits is Form PA-77, available from DCBS and used alongside the online kynect option.

  5. 5

    Complete the eligibility review

    DCBS will review your household income and family size to determine your KTAP benefit amount and connect you with the Kentucky Works Program for job and training support.

Submit Your Application

Apply Online ☎ 855-306-8959

Verified against the official Kentucky TANF agency site. View source

Find a TANF office in Kentucky →