Frankfort, Kentucky, October 5, 2025
News Summary
Starting November 2023, low-income families in Kentucky will see a substantial decrease in benefits from the Kentucky Temporary Assistance Program (KTAP), with monthly cash assistance for a household of three dropping by 35%. This reduction is driven by financial constraints amid rising foster care costs. Advocates express concern that these cuts will worsen family instability for the 19% of Kentucky children living in poverty, potentially increasing the number of children entering foster care.
Frankfort, Kentucky – Low-income families participating in the Kentucky Temporary Assistance Program (KTAP) are set to experience a significant reduction in benefits starting November 2023. The move comes as the state grapples with soaring foster care costs and increased expenditures related to child welfare systems.
Beginning in November, households of three will see their cash benefit drop from $524 to $341, representing a 35% reduction. In stark comparison, these families received $262 in 2022, which illustrates a notable fluctuation in assistance over the years.
KTAP provides essential support, including cash, medical, and transportation funds, to low-income families for a maximum of five years. This initiative is funded through federal allocations from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Despite the recent increase in the program’s eligibility criteria and payment amounts, which led to an unexpected surge in enrollments from 10,026 in 2023 to 15,117 in 2025, the state has announced that it cannot sustain current funding levels.
The secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services revealed that the cuts were necessary due to financial constraints. As of 2023, beneficiaries faced an increase in the maximum allowable personal net worth from $2,000 to $10,000 and the monthly income limit for a household of three rose from $974 in 2022 to $1,169. Such adjustments have not been made since the inception of KTAP in 1995.
Despite these increases in eligibility thresholds, advocates have raised concerns that slashing the benefits will exacerbate issues within the state’s foster care system. With about 19% of Kentucky’s children living in poverty in 2023, stakeholders caution that decreasing funds will lead to greater family instability and potentially result in more children entering foster care.
Representatives from various advocacy groups, including those supporting kinship families, have voiced disappointment regarding the lack of dialogue leading to these benefit cuts. The cuts are anticipated to strain the resources of families who heavily rely on KTAP assistance while navigating financial hardship.
Moreover, such reductions are feared to create an unsustainable burden on impoverished families, leading to increased rates of food and housing insecurity. The rising cases within the state’s foster care system only compound the issue, with growing numbers of intensive cases causing a strain on state resources.
Families affected by these changes can reach out to 1-855-306-8959 for assistance in locating alternative resources.
Key Changes in KTAP Benefits
| Year | Household Size | Monthly Benefit | Maximum Net Worth | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | $262 | $2,000 | $974 |
| 2023 | 3 | $524 | $10,000 | $1,169 |
| November 2023 | 3 | $341 | $10,000 | $1,169 |
FAQ
What is the Kentucky Temporary Assistance Program (KTAP)?
KTAP is a state program that provides cash, medical, and transportation assistance to low-income families for a lifetime maximum of five years.
Why are KTAP benefits being reduced?
The reduction in benefits is attributed to financial constraints faced by the state, coupled with rising foster care costs and increased expenditures in child welfare systems.
When will the changes in benefits take effect?
The new reduced benefits will take effect in November 2023.
What will the new benefit amount be for a household of three?
The monthly benefit for a household of three will decrease from $524 to $341.
How can affected families find assistance?
Families affected by the benefit reduction can call 1-855-306-8959 for help in finding other resources.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky News: KTAP Benefits Reduction
- Wikipedia: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Kentucky Lantern: Modest Help for Low-Income Kentuckians
- Google Search: Kentucky Temporary Assistance Program
- NKY Tribune: Federal Public Assistance for KY Communities
- Google Scholar: Foster Care Kentucky
- Kentucky Today: More Counties Eligible for Public Assistance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Foster Care
- Fox 56 News: Kentucky Waiting for FEMA Assistance
- Google News: Kentucky Foster Care Funding
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