Kentucky Kinship Care: Getting Benefits in 2026

Social worker meeting with couple

When a family cannot safely care for a child due to a parent’s illness, substance use, incarceration, or other crisis, sometimes a relative steps in. This arrangement is called kinship care. In Kentucky, kinship caregivers—grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, or other relatives—play a vital role in keeping children connected to family and community.

Raising a child unexpectedly can create financial, legal, and emotional challenges. Fortunately, Kentucky offers programs and support to help kinship caregivers provide stable, nurturing homes. Understanding what benefits are available and how to access them can make a big difference for your family in 2026.

Practice Areas Schedule a Consultation

What Is Kinship Care in Kentucky?

Kinship care refers to situations where a child lives with a relative or close family friend instead of their parent. Some kinship arrangements are informal, meaning no formal custody order has been entered in court. Others are formalized through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) or the family court system.

In both cases, children may retain connections with their parents while living in a safe and familiar environment.

Why Legal and Financial Support Matters

Caring for a child involves more than love and good intentions. There are real costs—food, housing, clothing, school supplies, medical care, and more. Many kinship caregivers are not prepared for these expenses, especially if they are on fixed incomes or nearing retirement.

Kentucky has programs to help, but eligibility often depends on legal status and documentation. That’s why understanding your options—and in some cases pursuing formal legal arrangements—is important.

Major Kinship Support Programs in Kentucky

1. Kinship Care Subsidy Program

Kentucky offers a Kinship Care Subsidy through CHFS for caregivers who meet certain criteria. To qualify:

  • You must be a relative caring for a child who has been removed from parental custody due to abuse, neglect, or other safety concerns.
  • The child must meet income guidelines.
  • You must apply and be approved by child welfare services.

Once approved, a monthly financial subsidy may be provided to help cover the basic needs of the child, such as:

  • Food
  • Shelter
  • Clothing
  • School expenses

This subsidy does not replace the need for other benefits, but it can help ease the transition into kinship parenting.

2. Medicaid and Health Benefits

Most children in kinship care are eligible for Medicaid, regardless of the caregiver’s income, if they meet certain custody or placement requirements. This ensures that medical, dental, and mental health needs can be addressed without undue financial burden.

If a child is not automatically eligible, caregivers can help them apply through the Kentucky HEALTH or Medicaid portal.

3. SNAP (Food Assistance)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits to help families buy food. Kinship caregivers often qualify for SNAP, and children placed in their care may count toward household size, increasing benefit levels.

Applying for SNAP can be done through the Kentucky Benefit Marketplace or local CHFS offices.

4. School Lunch and Education Supports

Children in kinship care may qualify for programs such as:

  • Free or reduced-price school lunches
  • Title I educational resources
  • Special education services if developmental needs are present

These supports are separate from custody status and can be accessed by working directly with the child’s school.

Hands of lawyer pointing where to sign document

The Importance of Legal Custody or Guardianship

While informal kinship arrangements can work, there are advantages to obtaining formal legal custody, guardianship, or adoption:

  • Legal authority to make medical, educational, and legal decisions
  • Easier access to benefits that require proof of custodial status
  • Protection from sudden changes if a parent returns or changes their mind
  • Clear legal standing in school, medical, and government systems

A family law attorney can help you navigate this process, file the proper petitions, and explain whether guardianship, custody, or adoption is the best path for your family.

How Hoffman Walker & Knauf Can Help

Kentucky’s kinship care system has multiple programs and requirements that can be confusing without guidance. At Hoffman Walker & Knauf, we help kinship caregivers understand:

  • What benefits you may qualify for
  • How to apply and prepare documentation
  • Whether formal legal status is needed
  • How to represent your family in family court when necessary

Bringing a child into your home to care for them is an act of love. You shouldn’t have to navigate the legal and financial maze alone. Contact Hoffman Walker & Knauf for personalized, compassionate help to protect your family’s future.