How to Apply for K-TAP in Kentucky as a Grandparent

Applying for K-TAP in Kentucky is straightforward once you have your documents ready. You can apply online, and standard processing takes up to 30 calendar days. Missing documents can delay the application.

Here is the full process, from gathering documents to receiving the first payment.

Three Ways to Apply

Online through kynect.ky.gov is the fastest route. You create an account, fill out the application, and upload document scans or photos. You can track status online afterward.

In person at a county DCBS office. Kentucky has DCBS offices in all 120 counties. Staff can help you fill out a paper application and accept your documents on the spot. If you are not comfortable with the online portal, this is a solid alternative.

By phone through the CHFS DCBS toll-free call center. You can start an application over the phone, and free language interpretation and ADA disability accommodations are available.

Documents You Need Before You Apply

Missing documents can delay a K-TAP application. Gather these before you start:

• Child's identity: certified birth certificate or hospital record
• Social Security numbers: for the child and all members of the benefit group (SSA receipt notices work if the card is lost)
• Proof of relationship: birth certificates linking the generations, adoption papers, or a sworn relationship affidavit under 921 KAR 2:006
• Kentucky residency: a utility bill, lease, or school enrollment record
• Child's income verification: child support payment statements or SSA award letters (if the child has any income)
• Care status documentation: court custody order, CHFS placement letter, or caregiver authorization form, if available. If you do not have these, ask DCBS what information it accepts about the parent's absence.

For Medicaid or KCHIP, DCBS must accept administrative verification substitutes such as school records, medical clinic records, or sworn relationship affidavits to initiate coverage. For K-TAP, ask DCBS which substitute verification it will accept for a missing document.

Processing Timeline

• K-TAP: standard processing within 30 calendar days
• SNAP (if you apply at the same time): 30 calendar days standard, or 7 calendar days expedited if the household has less than $150 gross monthly income and under $100 in liquid assets
• Medicaid/KCHIP: up to 45 calendar days

If DCBS does not act within these timeframes, you can request a supervisory administrative review at the local county office. This internal review does not extend or pause the deadline for filing a formal fair hearing appeal if you later need one.

What Happens After You Apply

DCBS reviews the application and may request additional verification. If everything is in order, you receive a Notice of Action in the mail with the approval, grant amount, and start date. K-TAP payments are issued monthly.

If DCBS denies the application, the notice will state the reason. You have 30 calendar days from the mail date on the notice to request an administrative fair hearing.

Avoiding the Most Common Mistakes

Not applying because you think your income matters. For child-only K-TAP, the caregiver's income is completely excluded. Apply regardless of what you earn or receive.

Forgetting the child support cooperation requirement. You must agree to cooperate with child support enforcement, or the grant is reduced by 25%. If cooperation is unsafe, request a Good Cause Exemption (Form PA-22).

Waiting for a court order. You do not need a custody order to apply for K-TAP child-only. An informal caregiver with proof of relationship and parental absence can apply.

For a complete document checklist, benefit calculation worksheet, and program-by-program application walkthrough, see the Financial Help for Grandparents and Relatives Raising a Child in Kentucky guide.

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