Every parent knows that raising kids can be expensive, and access to cash is essential to help families thrive and weather emergencies. The Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) provides cash support to low-income Kentucky families alongside the training and education necessary to get a better job.  

New research shows that children whose parents receive cash support, like the support provided through K-TAP, were more likely to have faster brain activity. Faster brain activity is associated with better language, cognitive, and social-emotional skills later in life. While this cash support can help support future learning and social-emotional skills, the K-TAP program is underutilized. 

To help expand and modernize this crucial program, the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services (DCBS) is making several changes to K-TAP to make it easier for families to apply for, participate in, and graduate out of the program. 

  • Starting July 2022, K-TAP recipients will once again be required to participate in the Kentucky WORKS Program. Families have not been required to participate in the Kentucky WORKS Program since March 2020 because of the pandemic. The Kentucky WORKS Program helps K-TAP recipients get the education and develop the skills necessary to get a higher paying job. There are many ways to participate in this program, including job readiness training, college or vocational school, substance use disorder treatment, community service, and more.
    • There are several supports available to help families participate in the Kentucky WORKS Program. Families can get help paying for necessities like child care, transportation and car repairs, and school supplies. To find out more about what supports are available to you and your family, you can contact a Kentucky WORKS Program Case Manager.
  • To help with the application process, families applying for K-TAP will now have 30 days from the date of initial application to gather and return required documents to DCBS.
  • Additionally, K-TAP renewals have been aligned with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) renewals more closely. Renewals started before the 15th of the month will be due at the end of the month, while renewals started after the 16th of the month will be due 30 days after the renewal is started.  

Access to cash support helps families weather emergencies, while also supporting infant brain developments. These changes will make the K-TAP program more accessible, while also providing families with more avenues to financial independence.

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