Grants For Felons in Kentucky

Grants for felons in Kentucky can help pay for everyday essentials like rent, groceries, and utility bills. Most assistance programs are designed for low-income individuals; that means your income matters far more than your criminal history when it comes to qualifying.

Felons can also get support from reentry services and local programs that step in to offer financial assistance and practical help for things like housing support, job training, and employment, making the transition back into everyday life a little more manageable.

Recommended Grants For Felons in Kentucky 2026

These are the programs that provide the most financial assistance for released prisoners in Kentucky.

• Reentry Support Services
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Kentucky Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Housing Choice Voucher (HVC)
• Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• WIOA Job Training

Second Chance Grants in Kentucky for Felons

Second Chance grants don’t give cash grants to felons; instead, these government grants fund the reentry organizations in Kentucky that provide essential services to released prisoners.

This long-term structured support is worth far more than a small, one-time grant. However, some reentry programs may issue grants to participants who make good progress, and most caseworkers often help with initial housing expenses or provide referrals to local partners who offer direct financial assistance.

For example, Life After Prison’s Fresh Foundations program in Kentucky offers eligible individuals assistance with security deposits and first and last month’s rent. Participants must complete a short housing workshop and application process. The program is designed to help returning citizens secure stable housing as they transition back into community life.

Learn more: https://thelifeafterprison.org/fresh-foundation.

Many reentry programs offer felons wraparound support services that include:

• transitional housing referrals
• clothing and basic necessities
• transportation passes
• job training and placement with employers
• addiction treatment programs
• mentoring and case management

To find Kentucky reentry providers and access services funded by second chance grants in Kentucky for ex-convicts, call the free 2-1-1 helpline and ask for a referral or speak to your parole/probation service. The ReLink directory also has information about reentry programs you can contact: https://needs.relink.org/category/re-entry.

Food Assistance Grants For Ex-felons in Kentucky

Many low-income Kentucky households receive substantial support to purchase groceries every month. Felons can qualify if they meet program rules.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

In Kentucky, people with felony records can qualify for monthly food assistance grants as long as they meet basic income and program rules.

For most adults between 18 and 64, there’s a work requirement. You’ll need to be in work or in an approved job training program for at least 80 hours per month, unless you’re exempt (caring for a young child or someone in your household who is disabled).

Maximum SNAP assistance is around $200 to $300/month per person. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which works like a debit card and can be used to buy food at grocery stores and farmers markets.

Federal law bars felons with drug-related convictions from public assistance programs (SNAP, TANF, SSI, and General Assistance); however, many states, including Kentucky, override that ban.

When it comes to drug-related convictions, eligibility for SNAP depends on your current situation.

You may still qualify with a drug-related offense if you:

• have completed your sentence, or are actively complying with probation or parole
• are following any court-ordered treatment program
• meet the standard SNAP income and household guidelines

Kentucky SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts 2026

Household Size	Monthly Gross Income Limit	Maximum Monthly Payment
1 person	$2,608	$298
2 people	$3,526	$546
3 people	$4,442	$785
4 people	$5,360	$994
5 people	$6,276	$1,183

Apply for SNAP: https://kynect.ky.gov/benefits/s/snap-program/

2. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC is a program for new moms, pregnant women, and children under 5. Qualifying family members receive a monthly grant benefit to purchase nutritious food from an approved list of items  – including fruits and vegetables, cereal, canned fish, eggs, milk, and cheese.

Felons are eligible for the program, with financial support worth $50 to $150/month for each qualifying family member.

You’ll qualify if your income is at or below the level shown for your household size (pregnant women count as 2 people). If you’re over the income limit, you’re still eligible for WIC if you receive SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid.

• 1 person – $2,413
• 2 people – $3,260
• 3 people – $4,109
• 4 people – $4,957
• 5 people – $5,805

Apply for WIC: https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dmch/nsb/Pages/wic.aspx

3. Kentucky Commodity Supplemental Food Program

Senior felons with a low income qualify for a free box of food every month from local food banks. If you’re 60 or over, apply at your nearest foodbank. Take ID and proof of address with you.

Food boxes contain items like meat, fish, cheese, milk, canned fruits and vegetables, soup, beans, rice, pasta, and peanut butter.

Older felons with incomes below the limits shown can benefit from the program.

• 1 person – $1,955
• 2 people – $2,705
• 3 people – $3,415
• 4 people – $4,125
• 5 people – $4,835

Find your Kentucky foodbank: https://www.kyagr.com/consumer/supplemental-programs.html

How To Get Cash Assistance Grants In Kentucky

The Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP) for unemployed and underemployed workers issues monthly cash grants to families with children under 18. In addition to meeting income limits, recipients are required to participate in work-related activities intended to improve job readiness and employability.

Felons can qualify for cash grants if they meet the program requirements.

The income limits below are for countable income. That’s your household income minus program deductions.

Income Limits And Maximum Benefits Kentucky Transitional Assistance 2026

Household Size	Monthly Income Limit	Maximum Monthly Payment
1 person	$890	$242
2 people	$1,021	$293
3 people	$1,169	$341
4 people	$1,315	$426
5 people	$1,462	$498

Families needing short-term help instead of monthly assistance can apply for a one-time cash grant of up to $2,600.

Apply for Cash Assistance: https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dfs/fssb/Pages/ktap.aspx

Kentucky Energy and Utility Bill Grants

Felons with limited income may qualify for grants that help cover yearly heating and cooling expenses. If you’ve fallen behind on your energy bills or are at risk of having your service shut off, you might also be eligible for a crisis grant.

Most utility companies also offer assistance programs that support households dealing with high energy costs.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Grants (LIHEAP)

Kentucky LIHEAP offers 2 types of grants to eligible households. Standard grants help to cover regular heating and cooling bills, while crisis grants are there to help if you’re facing a utility shutoff, running out of winter heating fuel, or dealing with a heating system repair.

• Maximum winter heating grant: $250
• Maximum cooling grant: $250
• Maximum winter crisis grant: $400

Income Limits For Kentucky LIHEAP Grants 2026

Household Size	Gross Monthly Income Limit
1 person	$1,956
2 people	2,644
3 people	$3,331
4 people	$4,019
5 people	$4,706

Apply for LIHEAP grants: https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dfs/pdb/Pages/liheap.aspx

Utility Company Assistance Programs

If you’re struggling to pay energy bills, contact your utility supplier to ask about their assistance programs for low-income households.

• The Atmos Energy Sharing the Warmth program uses customer donations and company contributions to help struggling customers. https://www.atmosenergy.com/community/sharing-warmth/

• Duke Energy’s Share the Light program offers customers a one-time payment towards bills during November to March. https://www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance/share-the-light

• Kentucky Utilities’ Wintercare program helps pay the bills for households that are over the limit for LIHEAP assistance but still struggle with utility costs. https://www.harlancountycaa.com/wintercare-program

Kentucky Housing Grants And Rent Assistance

These housing programs provide rent assistance grants and housing support for low-income Kentucky households.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps cover rent for tenants in the program. Tenants typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the voucher covering the rest.

The Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) that run local grant programs use criminal background checks during the application process. Felons aren’t automatically disqualified, but eligibility for rent assistance will depend on local program rules, your offense, and how old it is.

The only offenses that are permanently disqualifying at every PHA are

• a conviction for manufacturing methamphetamine on the premises of public housing
• a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender

Apply for rent assistance grants at your local public housing authority (PHA).

Find your PHA: https://www.hud.gov/contactus/public-housing-contacts

Emergency Rental Assistance

Kentucky residents struggling to pay overdue rent may be eligible for grant-funded rental assistance programs that help prevent eviction.

Programs can help with:

• overdue rent
• security deposits if you have to move
• several months of rent payments

Depending on the program and available funds, assistance may range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more.

Residents can find local programs by calling 2-1-1 or contacting a local housing agency.

Rapid Rehousing Program Grants

This program targets homeless individuals and families. Homeless felons can qualify for help that includes assistance to find a place to live and a grant to cover the application fee, security deposit, and utility deposit.

Longer-term assistance may be available for up to 12 months, and ongoing case management support helps participants become successful renters.

Apply through your local Continuum of Care. Call the free 2-1-1 helpline for a referral or ask at your local emergency shelter.

College Grants Felons Qualify For

Felons planning to study for a degree or certification program can get grants that make the cost of college or trade school more affordable.

Because eligibility is based on income, having a criminal record won’t count against you. Federal Pell Grants are even awarded to incarcerated felons who study in an approved Prison Education Program (PEP).

Federal Pell Grant: Awards up to $7,395 per year to help pay for tuition and other college expenses.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Students with exceptional financial need may qualify for this grant worth up to $4,000 per year. Availability depends on funding at your college, so it’s best to apply early.

Both grants are available after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Kentucky Tuition Grant: This needs-based grant worth up to $3,300 per year is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Programs

The WIOA provides grant-funded job training and employment services for unemployed and underemployed Kentucky residents. Felons qualify for these programs.

Participants receive:

• career, job search, and interview counseling
• job training, including paid on-the-job training if available
• certifications or trade school funding
• support to find felon-friendly employers
• help with transportation costs, uniforms, and tools and equipment

Training grants can cover $10,000 or more in career training costs depending on the program.

Applications are handled through Kentucky Job Centers.

Find your nearest center: https://kcc.ky.gov/

Modest Needs Grants

Small grants are available from this charity if you’re employed but living close to the poverty line. Grants cover emergency expenses like a car repair or medical bill.

Grants are paid directly to the service provider, and you’ll need to submit proof of the expense when you apply.

Learn more and apply online: https://www.modestneeds.org/mn/for-applicants/grants/self-sufficiency-grants/

Read Also: How to get Re-entry grants for felons in Iowa?