Child & Family Assistance Resources in Kansas

Last updated September 9, 2026

Kansas families facing hardship have access to a range of state and federal programs covering food, healthcare, housing, childcare, and crisis intervention. The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is the primary state agency administering many of these benefits, and most applications can be started online through the DCF Self-Service Portal or by visiting a local DCF office.

If you are unsure where to start, 2-1-1 Kansas is one of the most valuable first calls you can make. Trained specialists are available 24/7 to connect you with local resources across all 105 Kansas counties — from emergency utility assistance to food pantries and mental health services. Simply dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211.

Many Kansas programs have income-based eligibility, so even families who think they may not qualify are encouraged to apply. Eligibility rules change, and a case manager or 2-1-1 specialist can help you understand what your household may be entitled to right now.

Key programs in Kansas

Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) — SNAP & Cash Assistance

DCF administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food benefits and the Kansas cash assistance program (Temporary Assistance for Families, or TAF) for low-income families with children. It also oversees childcare subsidy programs to help working parents afford licensed care.

How to access: Apply online at the DCF Self-Service Portal (https://www.dcf.ks.gov), visit your nearest DCF Economic and Employment Services office, or call the DCF Customer Service line at 1-888-369-4777.

KanCare (Kansas Medicaid) & Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

KanCare is Kansas's Medicaid program providing free or low-cost health coverage to eligible children, pregnant women, parents, and individuals with disabilities. CHIP (called KanCare for children in Kansas) extends coverage to children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

How to access: Apply through DCF at https://www.dcf.ks.gov or call 1-800-792-4884. You can also apply through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov if your family's income is above Medicaid limits.

WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)

WIC provides nutrition support — including healthy food benefits, breastfeeding help, and referrals — to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under age 5 who meet income guidelines.

How to access: Contact the Kansas WIC program through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) at 1-800-522-3040 or visit https://www.kdheks.gov/wic to find your nearest local WIC clinic.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) — Kansas

LIHEAP helps low-income Kansas households pay heating and cooling costs, and in some cases assists with utility crisis situations such as a pending shut-off. The program is federally funded and administered in Kansas through DCF.

How to access: Apply through DCF or contact your local Community Action Agency — 2-1-1 Kansas can connect you to the agency serving your county. You can also visit https://www.dcf.ks.gov for program dates and details, as funding periods vary seasonally.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and National Domestic Violence Hotline

The 988 Lifeline provides free, confidential mental health and suicide crisis support by call or text, 24/7, for anyone in Kansas. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) offers crisis intervention, safety planning, and local shelter referrals for families experiencing abuse.

How to access: Call or text <strong>988</strong> anytime for mental health crisis support. For domestic violence help, call <strong>1-800-799-7233</strong> (TTY: 1-800-787-3224) or chat at thehotline.org. Both services are free and confidential and can refer you to Kansas-based local resources.

Child & Family Assistance resources for Kansas

Alliance for Period Supplies

Nationwide

Provide period products to school students. Toolkit link: https://allianceforperiodsupplies.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Printable-PPiS-graphic-August-2026.pdf

New Haven, Connecticut203.821.7348
Visit

Cribs for Kids At Home

Nationwide

Orders must be placed through the Cribs for Kids Partner Store and shipping will be arranged through UPS.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania1-888-721-CRIB
Visit

I Support The Girls

Nationwide

Provides essential items like bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products.

Wheaton, Maryland(240) 816-0570
Visit

Share The Love

Nationwide

Through this program, low-income families who receive assistance from programs like WIC and TANF may be able to receive a set of CLOTH diapers — for free. Locations: https://www.cottonbabieslove.com/locations/

Pflugerville, Texas
Visit

She Supply

Nationwide

Provide free feminine hygiene products and undergarments to shelters and other nonprofits in the DFW metroplex.

Flower Mound, Texas
Visit
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