Child & Family Assistance Resources in Kentucky
Last updated September 9, 2026
Kentucky families facing hardship have access to a broad network of state and federally funded programs covering food, health coverage, housing stability, crisis intervention, and child welfare. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) is the central state agency overseeing most of these programs, and its local offices—found in every county—are often the best first stop for families who aren't sure where to begin.
If you're unsure which programs you or your family qualify for, calling 2-1-1 Kentucky (dial 2-1-1) connects you with a trained specialist who can identify local and statewide resources for food, utilities, shelter, childcare, and more—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many families are eligible for multiple programs at once, so don't hesitate to ask about everything you need.
For urgent safety concerns—including domestic violence, child abuse, or mental health crises—immediate help is available around the clock through dedicated hotlines listed below. Kentucky also has a strong network of Area Agencies on Aging and community action agencies that can assist families caring for elderly relatives alongside young children.
Key programs in Kentucky
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) – SNAP & KTAP
CHFS administers Kentucky's food assistance through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and cash assistance through KTAP (Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program), which provides temporary financial support to families with children.
How to access: Apply online at kynect.ky.gov, visit your local CHFS office, or call the CHFS help line at 1-855-306-8959. KTAP and SNAP applications are handled together through the same portal.
Medicaid & KCHIP (Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program)
Provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income children, pregnant women, parents, and other adults in Kentucky. KCHIP specifically covers children in families whose income is too high for Medicaid but who cannot afford private insurance.
How to access: Apply through kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-459-6328. Local CHFS offices can also assist with applications in person.
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
Provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet income guidelines.
How to access: Contact the Kentucky WIC program through the CHFS Division of Women's Health at 1-800-462-6122, or find your nearest WIC clinic via chfs.ky.gov. Walk-ins are often welcome, and eligibility screening is free.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Helps eligible Kentucky households pay heating and cooling bills, and may also assist with energy-related emergencies such as utility shutoffs. Administered in Kentucky through local community action agencies.
How to access: Call 2-1-1 Kentucky to find the community action agency serving your county, or visit the CHFS website. Funding is seasonal and limited, so apply as early as possible each program year.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Kentucky Crisis Lines
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential 24/7 support for people experiencing mental health or substance use crises—including parents under severe stress. Kentucky also funds regional crisis centers that can dispatch mobile crisis teams.
How to access: Call or text <strong>988</strong> at any time. For domestic violence emergencies, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233. To report child abuse in Kentucky, call the CHFS child abuse hotline at 1-877-597-2331.
Child & Family Assistance resources for Kentucky
Alliance for Period Supplies
NationwideProvide period products to school students. Toolkit link: https://allianceforperiodsupplies.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Printable-PPiS-graphic-August-2026.pdf
American Pregnancy Association
NationwideTalk to a Pregnancy Educator. Essential Pregnancy Tools & Resources
Babylist
NationwideEach Hello Baby Box includes a mix of samples, trial-size products, and special offers. You may receive items like: Diapers and wipes Bottles and pacifiers, Bibs or baby hats, Skincare or wellness samples Coupons or gift cards from partner brands. The contents of each box vary based on product availability and brand partnerships. Create a Babylist registry today to be eligible for a free baby box full of goodies for you and baby! Put anything onto your baby registry from any store.
Breast Pumps Through Insurance
NationwideFill out our Qualify Through Insurance Form with your due date and basic health insurance information—you’ll need your insurance card for this step. You can fill out the form to confirm your insurance coverage at any point during your pregnancy and up to one year postpartum.
Cribs for Kids At Home
NationwideOrders must be placed through the Cribs for Kids Partner Store and shipping will be arranged through UPS.
I Support The Girls
NationwideProvides essential items like bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products.
Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin
NationwideDonor human milk provides access to life-saving pasteurized breast milk to critically ill infants in the first few days and weeks. DSHS uses Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) standards to determine minimum Texas human donor milk bank guidelines. Texas HMBANA milk bank locations are Mothers Milk Bank Austin and Mothers Milk Bank North Texas. Both locations offer programs that include access to donor human milk for healthy infants needing added feeding support.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
NationwideProfessional counselors answer Hotline calls, texts, and chats. They may be licensed health care professionals, certified educators, or specialists.
Share The Love
NationwideThrough 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/
She Supply
NationwideProvide free feminine hygiene products and undergarments to shelters and other nonprofits in the DFW metroplex.
Tiny Treasures Milk Bank
NationwidePays for all of your donor qualification expenses. Provides you with free breastmilk storage bags and shipping coolers for donations. Pays for the shipping of your breastmilk donations
WIC Breastfeeding Support
NationwideWIC Program teaches her how to breastfeed. Once she’s had her baby, WIC provides peer counseling and support as well as breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies. Breastfeeding moms on WIC also receive more food and for a longer time period.
Other resources in Kentucky
- Housing Assistance in Kentucky
- Food Assistance in Kentucky
- Utility Assistance in Kentucky
- Transportation Assistance in Kentucky
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in Kentucky
- Mental Health Resources in Kentucky
- Domestic Violence Resources in Kentucky
- Disability Resources in Kentucky
- Veteran Resources in Kentucky
- Senior Resources in Kentucky