Grants for Veterans in Kentucky

There are over 300,000 veterans who live in the state of Kentucky. Veterans, like many others, may experience financial difficulty at times. The rising cost of living is making it difficult for some people to pay their bills, because wages are mostly not keeping pace. The good news is that there are numerous government-funded grants for veterans in Kentucky. The grants can be an effective way to help people make ends meet until they are back on their feet.

Unlike loans, grants do not have to ever be paid back. The government has created numerous grant programs that provide what are considered gifts to those in need. The grants are given to people during difficult financial times in an effort to help them until they become self sufficient again. Most of the grant programs for veterans in Kentucky are short term, but they do offer financial relief to help with purchasing food, paying for rent, paying utility bills, and more.

Types of Grants for Veterans in Kentucky

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Formerly known as food stamps, this grant for veterans in Kentucky helps with purchasing food each month. Those who are approved for SNAP will receive a monthly grant that can be used to purchase groceries at the store or farmer’s market. The eligibility requirements include being a citizen or legal immigrant, registering for work if you are between the ages of 18 and 59, having no more than $2,000 in cash assets, and meeting the low income requirements. You can apply for SNAP over the phone or online. Once you apply, you will be notified within 30 days if you are approved. To apply, click here.

Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP) – This program is the same as the nationwide one called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). KATP provides those who qualify with a monthly cash grant that can be used on a wide variety of living expenses. There is a 60-month lifetime limit on how long someone can receive a grant through KATP.  To qualify for KTAP, you have to be a resident of the state, be responsible for minor children ages 18 and under (or 19 if they are in school full time), be a citizen or legal alien, and have a very low income. You can apply at your local Community Based Services office. To download an application and apply, click here.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – There are energy grants for veterans in Kentucky. The grants will help pay for heating bills one time per season. Each year, the program helps pay energy bills for around 150,000 people in the state. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income requirements, have liquid assets of no more than $2,000, and be the person responsible for paying the bill. To apply, you will need to show your recent utility bill, proof of income, your social security number, proof of address, and proof of citizenship. To apply, click here.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Housing is usually the most challenging bill someone will need to pay each month, because it’s the largest. Veterans who need help paying for housing or locating affordable housing options may qualify for the programs offered through HUD. The HUD programs will help those who qualify with paying rent, avoiding foreclosure, obtaining necessary home repairs, and locating affordable housing. They can also help people find public housing options in their area. Veterans interested in applying should first call a HUD counselor in Kentucky to discuss their options and current situation. To apply, click here.

Lifeline Assistance – Having a phone is essential, even if only to have for possible emergency situations. Yet having a phone can be costly, and many veterans may choose not to have one to save the money. There is a program in Kentucky that helps to make having a phone more affordable. Those who qualify for Lifeline Assistance will only have to pay $9.25 for their phone, and the rest will be paid for with a government grant. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements. To apply, click here.

Veterans who are living in Kentucky will find that there are grant programs to help through difficult financial times. The programs provide a safety net, helping them to make ends meet each month, until they can become self sufficient.