Please Use This Form To Ask Any Additional Questions You Have About Pandemic Ebt For The 2021
NOTE: Kentucky Youth Advocates does not administer P-EBT, and we can only answer general questions about the program. Please DO NOT send us any personal information about you or your child. If you need help with your specific P-EBT case, please contact the Cabinet for Health and Family Services at 306-8959.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for Pandemic EBT benefits for the 2021- 2022 school year, students must be enrolled in a public or private Kentucky school, have experienced an absence, classroom closure, or school closure related to COVID-19, and meet one of the following requirements:
- Students who are current SNAP recipients
- Students who attend a Community Eligibility Program school
- Students who receive free or reduced lunch at school
- Students attending a Head Start program that is on a virtual or hybrid learning model and that participates in the National School Lunch Program
Many Kentucky schools are serving free meals through the Seemless Summer Option this year, and families may not have been asked to enroll in free and reduced meals. If you qualify for free and reduced meals but are not enrolled, you will need to enroll your child in the free and reduced meals program at their school to receive P-EBT benefits.
How much will I receive in benefits?
When will I receive my benefits?
P-EBT benefits will be distributed on the following weeks:
The following school districts should have received P-EBT benefits the week of May 25th:
How will benefits be distributed?
How Long Will The Increase In Food Stamps Last
There have been several temporary and permanent increases to food stamps in the last few years.
The USDA will continue issuing emergency food stamps allotment waivers until the public health emergency declaration ends. At that time, states will have one additional month to issue extra disaster food stamps. After that, the increase in food stamps will end.
Dont Miss: How To Apply For Food Stamps In Bakersfield Ca
How To Find A Grayson Food Stamp Office In Kentucky
Below is a list of all the Kentucky food stamp office locations in Grayson. If you have any questions about enrolling in SNAP or about your current claim, contact one of these facilities. Generally, you have the option of contacting these facilities by phone or visiting them in person.
-
Grayson Family Support 873 E. Midland Trail Grayson Kentucky 41143 306-8959
Recommended Reading: New York State Food Stamp Program
I Need Food Assistance Now It Is An Emergency
Some households may get Expedited Services that is getting Food Stamp Benefits within 7 calendar days if your household has less than $150 in monthly gross income and liquid resources of $100 or less or your rent/mortgage and utilities are more than your households combined monthly income and liquid resources, or a member of your household is a migrant or seasonal farmworker. In order to get expedite assistance, if you qualify for it, provide all the required information and proof as soon as possible. Call 1-800-372-2970 for more information on Kentucky Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Pandemic Ky Food Stamp Provisions
Under a new Kentucky food stamp law that’s part of the KY food stamps coronavirus relief program, a special KY food stamps coronavirus “Pandemic EBT” is being sent to families whose children receive free or reduced meals at school to cover the extra cost of groceries for virtual learning days. While EBT cards are being mailed to students who are not existing SNAP participants, households with existing SNAP benefits will see the benefits added to their existing household cards under the new Kentucky food stamp law.
Recommended Reading: Can You Use Ebt For Target Pickup
The Food Stamps Program
SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as food stamps.
If you dont earn enough money to cover food costs for you and your family, you might qualify for monthly SNAP benefits.
Should you be approved for benefits, your food stamps allocation can be used to buy produce, meat, dairy, bread, and other foods on the approved list.
How much you receive in SNAP benefits is based on your income and how many people are in your household.
The maximum monthly allotment for a family of four is $680.
Work Eligibility To Apply For Food Stamps
All the adult applicants for the program should agree to take part in employment training programs and work. However, applicants exempted from work due to mental/physical disability or age will not have to meet this requirement.
The EBT Food Stamp Program in Kentucky will require qualified applicants to enroll in Employment First Program.
This employment program provides opportunity to families to become self-sufficient through workfare, education, and job research classes. The program will also include part-time work for enrollees.
Also Check: Does Hello Fresh Take Ebt Cards
See How Snap Can Help You In Kentucky
Now that you know how to apply for SNAP benefits in the state of KY, you may be able to get support buying food for your family. You can apply by calling the toll-free number or going online through the KYnect Benefits government website.
SNAP can help you buy the food you need to sustain your household, and its a crucial benefit that helps many low-income families thrive.
If you need help with your wireless cost, you can apply for the Lifeline government benefit program here.
Did you know?
Are There Other Eligibility Requirements
Even though you have limited income, you may not be eligible for Food Stamps. If you are 60 years of age or older, are disabled, or have dependent children, you will likely qualify. On the other hand, if you have no dependent children and are considered able-bodied, you may receive Food Stamps only under limited circumstances.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Food Stamp App Called
How Will I Know If I Am Approved For Snap Benefits
After filing an application, you will receive a notice within 30 days telling you whether or not your household has been approved for food stamps.
If your household is approved, you will receive a letter telling you the amount of benefits you will receive.
In addition, the letter will inform you when you have to be interviewed again to continue receiving benefits.
Discounts On Internet Service And Laptop/tablet
If you are currently on Food Stamps, and your income is below a certain level, you may qualify for FREE or low-cost internet service and a one-time credit towards the purchase of a laptop or tablet. for you or a member of your family through the Affordable Connectivity Program .
How much of a discount will I receive on my Internet Service?
If your household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you can receive:
- Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
- Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 towards the purchase of an eligible laptop, tablet, or desktop computer
For the companies that participate in the program in the state of Kentucky, see the Kentucky Low Income Free Internet Program guide.
Read Also: How To Check P-ebt Balance Texas
Kentucky Food Stamps Work Requirement
The state of Kentucky has very strict work requirements when it comes to eligibility for food stamps.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the work requirements below before applying for benefits.
According to Kentucky SNAP eligibility rules, anyone in a household who is 18 to 59 years old and can work must register for, look for and accept work.
There are however some exceptions to this requirement.
Who Can Get Pandemic Ebt
These benefits available to families who receive food stamps and those who do not usually receive food stamps, as long as they have children that have lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to pandemic school closures.
In order to be eligible for P-EBT, your household must:
- Live in a state that is participating in this program.
- Include an eligible child or children, who would receive free or reduced-price school meals if their schools were open
- Be affected by a school closure that is at least five consecutive days during a public health emergency designation
Recommended Reading: Calfresh San Diego Phone Number
Also Check: Where Can You Use Ebt Online
Kentucky Ebt Card Discounts
Your Kentucky EBT Card comes with some perks, discounts, and freebies. This includes:
- 50% Discount on Amazon Prime Membership
- Discounts on Home or Cell Phone Service
- Up to $30 credit toward home internet service
- A one-time discount of up to $100 towards the purchase of a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer
For details on the SNAP EBT discounts and perks described above, continue reading below.
Who Cannot Apply For Food Stamps
You are not eligible for Kentucky Food Stamps if you fall under one or more of these:
- If you have been convicted of drug trafficking
- Are running away from a felony warrant
- Have intentionally violated a court-ordered program
- Are a student in an institution of higher education . Have committed food stamps fraud or have broken Food Assistance Program rules on purpose
- You are are a non-citizen without a qualified status
Don’t Miss: What All Do You Need To Apply For Food Stamps
How To Apply For Snap Benefits In The State Of Ky
There are two ways you can apply for SNAP benefits in Kentucky: calling the DCBS Family Support toll-free number or by applying online. The phone number for SNAP applications is 855-306-8959.
When you fill out the application, make sure you answer all of the questions honestly and include all of the important information requested. Once your application is received, someone will contact you for an interview. The head of household or an authorized representative must participate in the interview before the application is considered complete.
If youre wondering how to apply for SNAP benefits in the state of KY by mail, you may print your application from the Internet and then mail it to the address listed. If you choose this route, you still have to complete an interview before the application can be fully processed.
Kentucky has several Family Support offices throughout the state. Check to confirm which office youll need to mail your application to. You may also visit an office in-person during normal business hours if you prefer to apply that way.
You may name someone to be your authorized representative to act on your behalf if you choose. This person can complete the interview for SNAP benefits, which will then be given to you to purchase the food items your household needs.
How And Where To Use The Snap Benefits
When approved, SNAP beneficiaries will get Electronic Benefits Transfer cards. The beneficiaries can use their cards at any Kentucky Food Stamps Stores Near You and farmers markets that are authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture . With their EBT Card, food stamp recipients can buy any food to be eaten at home by people, including baby food, non-alcoholic beverages, and seasonings. Allowed are also seeds and plants to grow food for a familys consumption. Non-grocery items such as cleaning products, pet food, paper products, alcohol, or tobacco are not allowed.
Read Also: Food Shopping Online With Food Stamps
Kentucky Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , or the Food Stamps Program as it is known by the public, is a federal program that provides grants to the States for purpose of reducing hunger and malnutrition in all eligible households across the nation. SNAP helps provide healthy food to qualifying low-income families with children, elderly or disabled in each State of the USA, including Kentucky. Learn more about SNAP.
It is important to know that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal entitlement program funded by U.S. Government grants. Any U.S. Citizen, even some legal alien residents, will get free food assistance as long as they meet the SNAP eligibility guidelines. In other words, there is enough Supplemental Nutrition Assistance for every American that qualifies.
In Kentucky, the SNAP is known as Kentucky Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and is administered by the Department for Community Based Services . The Federal Government pays 100% of Kentucky Food Stamp Benefits with federal grants appropriated for SNAP. The SNAP federal grants also pay a share of the Kentucky SNAP administrative cost.
According to the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services, The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps people with little or no money buy food for healthy meals at participating stores. SNAP benefits increase a households food buying power when added to the households money.
Can I Get Food Stamps Benefits Right Away
You may qualify for SNAP benefits soon after applying under certain circumstances, if:
- Your households monthly rent/mortgage and utility costs are more than its gross monthly income.
- or Your households gross monthly income is less than $150 and resources, such as cash or bank accounts, total $100 or less.
- You may also qualify if your household includes members who are destitute migrant or seasonal farmworkers.
Recommended Reading: Does 7/11 Take Ebt For Hot Food
Kentucky Gross Monthly Income Eligibility Standards
| $575 |
What is considered a household?
Everyone who lives together and purchases and prepares meals together is grouped together as one household. However, if a person is 60 years of age or older and he or she is unable to purchase and prepare meals separately because of a permanent disability, the person and the person’s spouse may be a separate household if the others they live with do not have very much income.
Some people who live together, such as husbands and wives and most children under age 22, are included in the same household, even if they purchase and prepare meals separately.
Who is considered disabled?
In most cases, a person is considered to be disabled for SNAP purposes if he or she:
- Receives State disability or blindness payments based on SSI rules
- Receives Federal disability or blindness payments under the Social Security Act, including Supplemental Security Income or Social Security disability or blindness payments
- Receives an annuity under the Railroad Retirement Act and is eligible for Medicare or is considered to be disabled based on the SSI rules
- Is a veteran who is totally disabled, permanently housebound, or in need of regular aid and attendance
- Is a surviving spouse or child of a veteran who is receiving VA benefits and is considered to be permanently disabled
- Receives a disability retirement benefit from a governmental agency because of a disability considered permanent under the Social Security Act
What does gross and net income mean?
What Deductions Are Allowed For Net Income In Food Stamp
- Earned income is deducted at a rate of 20 percent.
- For households of 1 to 3 people, the standard deduction is $ 167 and for households of 4 people, it is $ 178 .
- Expenses relating to child care or other dependents that a household member must incur so that they can work or attend school
- In the absence of insurance or another payment source, medical expenses in excess of $ 35 per month for elderly or disabled members.
- A household member pays child support for any legal obligations he or she has.
- Standard deduction for homeless families is $ 152.06 in some states.
- See below for housing costs in excess of the standard deduction.
Don’t Miss: Who Can Apply For Food Stamps In Ny
How To Submit A Kentucky Food Stamp Application By Mail
If you prefer to fill out a SNAP benefits application on paper, you may print a copy of the PDF form from the DCBS website or call your local office to receive a copy. Alternatively, you may pick up a copy of the application at a DCBS office in person and complete it later at home.
Once you have the form, fill in all of the required fields and sign your application. Then, completed applications must be mailed to the proper address.
If you are unable to complete the entire food stamp application at once, you may fill out the first page and sign it. For example, you may not have the SSN or other necessary details regarding each household member on hand. However, if you only submit the first page, keep in mind that you will need to complete the rest of the application as soon as possible.
Who Is Eligible For Kentucky Food Stamps
To be eligible for food stamps in Kentucky, you have to meet the Gross Income, Net Income, and Asset tests.
Additionally, if your household has an elderly or disabled member, you may be exempt from the Gross Income, Net Income, and/or Asset tests.
In Kentucky, eligibility for SNAP is limited to people with gross incomes up to 130% of the federal poverty line.
Also, your net income cannot exceed 100% of the poverty level.
Furthermore, able-bodied adults without dependents can only receive three months of benefits during any three-year period if theyre not working a minimum of 20 hours per week or participating in a training program.
Recommended Reading: Is Pediasure Covered By Ebt
How Many Hours Do You Have To Work To Get Food Stamps
80 hoursYou can meet the ABAWD work requirement by doing any one of these things: Work at least 80 hours a month. Work can be for pay, for goods or services , unpaid, or as a volunteer Participate in a work program at least 80 hours a month.
Benefits For Young People
You may qualify for many other benefits programs. For example, if you get Supplemental Security Income and are over 18, you can probably get Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and may be able to get income support from K-TAP.
Depending on your circumstances, two Social Security programs may give you benefits based on contributions your parents made during their careers: Childs Benefits and Childhood Disability Benefits .
Asset-building programs, including ABLE accounts, Individual Development Accounts and the Earned Income Tax Credit , can help you save up money without losing benefits you get that have income and resource limits.
Also Check: Free Cell Phone Food Stamps
