Veronica Railey

We have prepared a list of benefits that may be helpful to you. Many of these programs will help you save money on health care, prescriptions, utilities, food assistance, and other services. For your convenience, our report offers additional information, including a program description, information on how to apply, local contact information that could help with enrollment, and answers to your frequently asked questions. If you're having trouble determining your next step, you can always speak to a BenefitsCheckUp support specialist through our website's chat feature, calling our hotline at 1-800-***-****, or you may find talking to a benefits enrollment specialist helpful. About This Report

Benefits Categories

Food & Nutrition Housing &

Utilities

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Table of Contents

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Programs You May Be Eligible for

Food & Nutrition

Kentucky Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 3 Housing & Utilities

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) Program 4

HUD Public Housing Program 5

Lifeline 6

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 7 Additional Programs

Food & Nutrition

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Kentucky 8 Feeding America Network of Food Banks 9

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program 10

Senior Nutrition Program – Community or Group Meals 11 Senior Nutrition Program – Home Delivered Meals 12 The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) 13

Food & Nutrition

Kentucky Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a lifeline that many older adults and young families use to help pay for food. Once you're approved to receive SNAP benefits in Georgia, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (or EBT card). An EBT card looks and works like a prepaid debit card, and can be used at grocery stores or at some online retailers to buy foods that are SNAP-eligible. Many farmer's markets throughout the country also participate in SNAP, and you can use your EBT card there as another form of payment.

Frequently asked questions

What is SNAP?

What is the process?

Am I eligible?

How do I prepare?

How do I apply?

What happens after I apply?

How can I get help with my application?

What is SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people buy food. Formerly known as Food Stamps, SNAP allows many older adults, people with disabilities, and others to stretch their budget further. This is because the money they would have spent on food can now be applied toward other critical needs—such as utilities, prescriptions, and medical bills. What is the process like in Kentucky?

While you may think applying for SNAP is too complex or time-consuming, it isn’t as difficult as you might expect.

The process you could expect when applying for SNAP: 1. Submit your SNAP application, along with required documents. See more detail below. Page 3 of 20 Created: 1/7/2024

2. Answer any follow-up questions from the Department for Community Based Services (or DCBS) to complete your application and get prepared for your SNAP interview. (up to 30 days to process. If you don’t receive a notice, call and speak with a DCBS representative at 1-855-***-****. Make sure to keep detailed notes that include the date, time, and the name of the representative you spoke to at the DCBS office.)

3. Conduct your SNAP interview. These are typically by phone, but you can request an in- person interview.

4. Wait for your SNAP benefits decision. Once your application has been processed, DCBS will send you a decision letter.

5. After getting your SNAP benefits decision and receiving an EBT card, use your EBT card to purchase food at grocery stores, qualifying online retailers, and at participating farmer’s markets.

How do I know if I'm eligible?

The amount of money you will get depends on:

Money you get from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security How many people live with you

Any assets you have (for example, cash or property other than your home and the land that your home is on)

How much you spend on medical costs

The following chart are maximum monthly income limits that most people or families can earn and still be eligible for SNAP in Kentucky. You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility, just scroll to the top of this page and click on the button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible”.

Family size

Maximum monthly income in

Kentucky

1 $ 1,215

2 $ 1,644

3 $ 2,072

4 $ 2,500

5 $ 2,557

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Family size

Maximum monthly income in

Kentucky

For each additional person, add: $ 429

You may also qualify for SNAP benefits right away in Kentucky if: Your household has less than $150 in income this month AND $100 or less in cash and bank accounts

Your total gross income and cash and bank accounts is less than your rent/mortgage and utility costs for the month

You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker

How do I prepare to apply?

While applying for SNAP in Kentucky, you’ll be asked for important information to help decide the amount of SNAP benefits you get.

Before you start, be sure to gather the following to make your Kentucky SNAP application process easier:

Proof of Identity: Such as your driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport. Proof of Kentucky Residency: Something with your address on it, such as your driver’s license, a utility bill, mortgage statement, or a lease rental agreement. Proof of Citizenship: This can be your Social Security card, immigration status, or original Medicare card. It’s important to note that SNAP eligibility has never been extended to undocumented non-citizens, but other lawfully present non-citizens may qualify.

Proof of Household Income: Documents showing how much you earn, like a pay stub or bank statement. This would include if you are receiving a pension, social security benefits, etc.

Proof of Household Expenses: Documents that show what you pay, like your utilities, medical bills, child care receipts.

Showing proof of certain expenses can help increase your SNAP benefits. You should gather proof of payment or billing statements for the following expenses: Electricity

Gas

Water

Trash/Sewage

Phone

Home insurance

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Property tax

Rent

Mortgage

Health insurance premiums

Medical and/or prescription copays

Medical bills

While you may be worried about sharing your personal information, you should know that SNAP applications are protected by special security technology that keeps your information 100% private.

How do I apply?

There are a handful of ways to apply for SNAP in Kentucky. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

How to apply online

Visit Kentucky’s Kynect Benefits. While there, you’ll have two options to click:

‘Sign Up’ will allow you to apply and manage your Kentucky SNAP benefits anywhere.

‘Prescreening Tool’ will help you see if you’re eligible for SNAP. Start your Kentucky SNAP application by selecting ‘Sign Up’ and click on one of the following options to create an account:

individual applicant (this is if you’re filling it out), or authorized representative (someone filling it out for you). We recommend ignoring the ‘insurance agent’ option unless you have an agent that’s looking for benefits outside of food assistance. Click ‘Create New Account’ to use the Kentucky Online Gateway. You must have a valid email address to start the process, including creating a new profile. Verify your email to continue applying. You will have 4 hours to verify your email to continue your SNAP application.

Log into your account after email verification, and the website will guide you through each step. Note that upon entering, you’ll be asked if you want to register as a Kentucky organ donor (this is a step that you can skip). Once you get to the next screen, make sure that all the information you’ve entered is correct, as you’ll need to prove your identity by answering questions.

Upload scanned copies or clear photos of your documents at the end of the application. Make sure they're readable to avoid any issues.

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Apply Online

For those who qualify, there’s also the option of an online Short SNAP Application. Follow these steps to start your Short SNAP Application online: 1. Enter your contact information. When asked for preferred contact method(s), we recommend selecting all options to ensure you don’t miss any DCBS correspondence. 2. Answer three eligibility questions to continue. 3. Agree to the terms of the agreement, sign your name, and click ‘Submit Short SNAP Application’.

How to apply with a paper application

1. Get a form from your local DCBS office or by downloading from the site you’re currently on by clicking ‘Application Form’ towards the top-right of this page. 2. Submit your application one of three ways:

By fax: You can also fax the documents for a faster process. Remember to keep a record of the successful fax transmission to ensure there's evidence of your application. Number for your faxed application: 502-***-**** In-person: If you decide to hand it in, make sure to get your documents stamped as proof of submission. This can be invaluable, especially if there's any confusion later about what was submitted.

By mail: We highly recommended to apply by fax or in-person. These two options will allow you to more easily track the delivery of your application, and provide proof that your application was submitted. If you choose to apply by mail, we recommend you mail your application via certified mail and save the delivery receipt. Address for your mailed application: PO BOX 2104, Frankfurt, KY, 40602

Whichever paper application option you choose, don’t forget to include any required documentation. And if DCBS asks for more info or documents, send them quickly. Delays from you could lead to being denied SNAP benefits, delays in receiving your assistance, or the amount you receive each month could be reduced.

Important Tips

Document Upload: While you can add your documents later, it's a good idea to get it all done at once if you can. If you decide to upload documents later, you won't be able to view them again. This means you can't check if they were uploaded successfully. Credit-Related Questions: When applying online, you might encounter some credit- related questions that may be confusing. If you need help answering them (or any other Page 7 of 20 Created: 1/7/2024

unexpected or seemingly tricky questions), a Benefit Enrollment Center can help. Don’t hesitate to call them at 1-866-***-****.

Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP): If all adult members of your household have no earned income and are either aged or disabled, you may qualify for ESAP (or the Elderly Simplified Application Project). ESAP provides SNAP benefits but with a longer renewal period compared to the regular SNAP process. This could simplify and extend the time between mandatory updates for eligible older adults or disabled individuals, making it more convenient for them. To apply for ESAP or to learn more, you can apply online using the same process above, visit your local DCBS office to apply in person, or you can print and complete a paper application and return it to your local DCBS office or mail to DCBS, P.O. Box 2104, Frankfort, KY, 40602.

Authorized Assistance: If you wish to have someone, like a child or friend, help with your application, DCBS requires a written statement from you. This statement should say that you allow that person to assist with your SNAP process. Make sure to sign, date, and include any relevant details like your date of birth or case number. Language and/or Disability Assistance: DCBS offers free language assistance and/or other aids and services upon request. To request, call 1-855-***-**** or 1-800-627- 4720. After the recorded message, you’ll reach someone who can help you with an interpreter.

How can I get help with my

application?

There are multiple options available should you need help filling out your Kentucky SNAP application.

You can:

Call the Department of Community Based Services (DCBS) at 1-855-***-****. While they have local offices throughout the state that you can visit, be prepared for potential wait times if calling. Sometimes, it might be faster to visit an office in person. Go to a Benefits Enrollment Center. If you live in the Bluegrass, Fivco, Gateway, and Northern Kentucky regions, you can call a Benefits Enrollment Center at 1-866-***-**** for help with your application. Or, you can go to any of the following offices of Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, for in-person help:

300 East Main, Suite 110, Lexington, KY

1616 Greenup Ave., Ashland, KY

546 East Main, Morehead, KY

104 East 7th St, Covington, KY

Go to (or call) the Green River Area Development District (GRADD) website. For those in Daviess, McLean, Hancock, Henderson, Ohio, Union, or Webster County, GRADD is Page 8 of 20 Created: 1/7/2024

available to assist. To see if you or someone you know qualifies for assistance, call 1-800- 928-9094 or 270-***-**** or print the GRADD’s referral form and: Fax it to: Attn: Tiffany Lindsey, 1-270-***-****

Mail it to: Tiffany Lindsey, GRADD, 300 GRADD Way, Owensboro, KY, 42301 Go to your local Legal Aid provider who can be a valuable resource, especially if you face challenges with your application.

NCOA also has a HelpLine that you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-***-****.

What happens after I apply for SNAP

in Kentucky?

It can take up to 30 days for DCBS (or the Department of Community Based Services) to check your application. Response times vary based on the number of supporting documents. While they’re reviewing your application, someone from DCBS will call to interview you to confirm your information. This is to make sure your application is complete, correct, and ready for approval. You MUST complete the interview to receive SNAP benefits. You can expect to answer questions like:

What is your full name and birthday?

What is your Social Security number?

Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.) Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.) What is your monthly income?

What resources do you own? (for example: bank accounts, annuities, CDs, IRAs) Do you have life insurance or a burial account?

Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill? What other regular bills do you have?

If you do not complete the interview, your application could be denied. If your application is denied for this reason, we recommend that you submit a new Kentucky SNAP application. Additional information after you submit your Kentucky SNAP application: Stay on top of DCBS correspondence: Expect to receive several notices from DCBS. Some might look alike, but each one contains essential information. Read every notice thoroughly.

Make sure to reply quickly: Respond promptly if DCBS asks for more details or specific papers. Deadlines will be highlighted in these requests, so make sure you're timely. Quick and complete responses can ensure your application moves smoothly without unnecessary delays.

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Take action if you haven’t heard from DCBS: If 30 days pass without any update or notification regarding your application, take the initiative. Call DCBS directly at 1-855- 306-8959 to check on the status of your application. Being proactive can make all the difference in receiving your SNAP benefits decision. Who to Contact

https://kynect.ky.gov/benefits/s/snap-program?language=en_US Department for Community Based Services

356 Suwannee Trail St

Bowling Green, KY 42102

Toll Free: 855-***-****

Fax: 270-***-****

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Housing & Utilities

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) Program

The Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) program helps you get decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private rental market. Section 8 pays a portion of your monthly rent directly to your landlord. The amount it pays is the difference between the full rent amount (or the payment standard established by the agency) and no more than 30% of your adjusted gross income. The actual amount the program will pay to your landlord will depend on 3 things: Household income from all sources (earned and unearned), such as money you get from a job (does not include Senior Community Service Employment Program income), Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and interest How many people live in your household

County you live in

If you meet the program guidelines, you can get Section 8 help in your present apartment if your landlord agrees to participate in the program. Please note: Depending on where you live and the amount of assistance available, you may be placed on a waiting list. Because of limited resources, long waiting lists are common. How do I apply?

To find out how to apply, please contact your local public housing agency office. Who to Contact

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?

src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/about Bowling Green Housing Authority

247 Double Springs Road

Bowling Green, KY 42102

Phone: 270-***-****

Fax: 270-***-****

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Housing & Utilities

HUD Public Housing Program

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ( also known as HUD) gives federal aid to local housing agencies. These housing agencies provide decent and safe rental housing that is affordable for low-income families, adults 50 years of age and older, and persons with disabilities. If you meet the program guidelines, you pay no more than 30% of your adjusted gross income for your rental.

Please note: Depending on where you live and the amount of assistance available, you may be placed on a waiting list. Because of limited resources, long waiting lists are common. How do I apply?

To find out how to apply, please contact your local housing agency. Who to Contact

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/rental_assistance/phprog Bowling Green Housing Authority

247 Double Springs Road

Bowling Green, KY 42102

Phone: 270-***-****

Fax: 270-***-****

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Housing & Utilities

Lifeline

Lifeline can help you get monthly discounts on your phone and internet services. The discounts can include a lower bill or free wireless minutes. You get the discounts through your local telephone company or internet service provider.

Please note: You can only get Lifeline assistance for 1 telephone line in the household. How do I apply?

To apply for Lifeline, you will need your full name, date of birth, last 4 digits of your Social Security Number or Tribal identification number, and home address. To apply online, visit the Lifeline National Verifier. You can also apply by calling your local telephone company or internet service provider and asking for the sales department. Tell customer service that you would like to apply for Lifeline. Click here to find participating companies in your state. You can also print and mail in a paper application form. Click here to access the Lifeline application in English or Spanish.

Who to Contact

http://www.lifelinesupport.org/ls/default.aspx

Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)

DC

Toll Free: 888-***-****

Fax: 866-***-****

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Housing & Utilities

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) This program provides your household with an annual cash grant to help you pay for your home heating and cooling costs. The grants are paid either directly to you or to your energy company.

Grants can be used for attic insulation, floors, and exposed water pipes, as well as for the tune-up, repair, or replacement of heating units or air conditioners in your home.

Please note: The amount of funding for this program will vary from state to state, and there is no guarantee that funds will be available when you apply. The availability of funds will depend on several factors, such as the demand for this program in your area and the timing of when you submit your application during your state's enrollment period. Who to Contact

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/fact-sheet/liheap-brochure-english Community Action of Southern Kentucky

921 Beauty Avenue

Bowling Green, KY 42102

Phone: 270-***-****

Fax: 270-***-****

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Food & Nutrition

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Kentucky How can this program help me?

If you're struggling to afford nutritious groceries on a regular basis, CSFP can provide you with certain foods at no cost. The purpose of this program is to promote good health. If you meet program guidelines, you can get a 40-pound box of food each month. CSFP foods may include:

Canned fruits and vegetables

Canned meats (such as canned beef, pork, and beef stew) Pasta or rice

Dry beans or peanut butter

Fruit juices

Dry cereals

Cheese

Powdered and canned milk

How do I get help?

For more information about the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and how to apply, please contact your regional office. They can refer you to a local food pantry or other agency that provides CSFP services in an area close to you. Since food pantries and agencies that provide CSFP services can change every year, it's important that you contact the regional office first.

Who to Contact

http://www.kyagr.com/consumer/supplemental-programs.html Feeding America Kentucky's Heartland

313 Peterson Drive

Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Phone: 270-***-****

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Food & Nutrition

Feeding America Network of Food Banks

If you or someone you know needs food help, Feeding America has a network of food banks and food pantries and meal programs to serve people in nearly every community in all 50 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

You can get meals and groceries at no cost, regardless of income. The program is free and confidential. Millions of older adults regularly visit their local food pantry or meal programs to help keep themselves healthy and strong on a fixed income. Millions more visit Feeding America network programs in an emergency situation or when times are especially hard to help make ends meet.

Where can I find food today?

To find a food bank, go to the Feeding America food bank locator to search by zip code or state. Contact the food bank that serves your area. They will provide you with information on the free pantries and programs nearest you.

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Food & Nutrition

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides you with a coupon booklet that can be used to buy fresh vegetables, fruits, honey, and herbs. You can use the coupon booklet at local farmers’ markets and outdoor stands.

There are certain foods that you cannot use the coupon booklet to buy, such as dried fruits or vegetables, nuts, potted or dried herbs, and other items. The program has a small number of coupon booklets to offer each year. So, the coupon booklets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to those who meet the program rules.

Please note: Not all farmers’ markets will accept the coupon booklets. You should check with your local farmers market to see if they participate in the program. You can also go to the USDA Farmers’ Market website, click on the “Payment Accepted” tab, check the box next to “Senior Farmers Markets Nutrition Program (SFMNP),” and then click on your state. How do I get help?

To take part in this program, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or your State Agency to see if there is a farmers market program in your area and to find out how to get a coupon booklet.

Please note: This program may not be offered in every area of your state and may only be available at certain times of the year.

Who to Contact

https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfmnp/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program Barren River Area Development District

177 Graham Avenue

Bowling Green, KY 42101

Phone: 270-***-****

Fax: 270-***-****

Toll Free: 800-***-****

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Food & Nutrition

Senior Nutrition Program – Community or Group Meals You can get at least one hot meal per day, five or more days a week, through this program. Services are usually provided in senior centers, schools, or churches. In some locations, reservations may be needed 24 hours in advance or you may need to help with the cost of the meals. Besides the meals, you may get other services such as counseling and social activities. Please note: In some areas, you may be placed on a waiting list before you can get help from this program.

How do I get help?

To get help from this program, contact your local Area Agency on Aging. Who to Contact

https://eldercare.acl.gov/public/resources/topic/Food_Nutrition.aspx Barren River Area Development District

177 Graham Avenue

Bowling Green, KY 42101

Phone: 270-***-****

Fax: 270-***-****

Toll Free: 800-***-****

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Food & Nutrition

Senior Nutrition Program – Home Delivered Meals

You can get meals delivered to your home if you meet the program rules. You may also get other nutrition services such as education and counseling. A formal evaluation based on need is required to get help from this program.

Please note: In some areas, you may be placed on a waiting list before you can get help from this program.

How do I get help?

To get help from this program, contact your local Area Agency on Aging. Who to Contact

https://eldercare.acl.gov/public/resources/topic/Food_Nutrition.aspx Barren River Area Development District

177 Graham Avenue

Bowling Green, KY 42101

Phone: 270-***-****

Fax: 270-***-****

Toll Free: 800-***-****

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Food & Nutrition

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

This program provides food and nutrition help at no cost. If you meet the program guidelines, you can pick up the food from your local food pantries or soup kitchens. The types of food you can get are different depending on where you live. Here are some examples of foods you may get:

canned fruits and vegetables

fruit juices

dried egg mix

meat, chicken, turkey, and fish

dried beans such as peas and lentils

pasta

peanut butter

rice, grits, and cereal

soups

How do I apply?

To find out how to apply for the program, please contact your State Agency. They can let you know if you meet the program guidelines and where you can get the food. You can also contact your local TEFAP distribution site.

Who to Contact

https://www.kyagr.com/consumer/supplemental-programs.html Feeding America Kentucky's Heartland

313 Peterson Drive

Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Phone: 270-***-****

Toll Free: 877-***-****

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