Government assistance programs in Kansas from DCF
Find a list of benefit programs provided by DCF in Kansas, with public assistance available for low-income families, seniors, the unemployed and disabled.
- summary of the resources, with application information
to cash assistance from Successful Families Program, SNAP Food Assistance, Medicaid from KanCare, and other social services are listed below. The Economic and Employment Services from DCF handles many of these programs.
Cash assistance, food and financial help from Economic and Employment Services in Kansas
Successful Families Program (sometimes referred too as Kansas Cash Assistance) is the same as (TANF). The government benefit may be able to help low income adults and children pay bills. However a main focus of the program is on ensuring people get self-sufficient, which includes job training and career counseling. Case managers can also help with resume review, providing support services for work, and educational opportunities.
- real focus of Successful Families is on helping low income families acquire new skills so they can increase their income and build on their current abilities. As the government money can help pay bills to also keep children in their homes while the parent gains long term stability. There are also resources for paying rent expenses, both from state public aid as well as national resources. Learn more on
programs that help pay rent . In order to receive cash assistance in which applications are processed by DCF, a family must be expecting a child, have someone that is pregnant, or the family needs to have at least one child in the home that is already under the age of 18. The child may live with a relative or parent or they can even live with a person named by a court to take care of the child, such as a custodian, guardian, or conservator. Food Assistance is the state’s version of SNAP. Low income families in Kansas and people with little or no income can get help in buying nutritious food. The program provides benefits on an EBT card. SNAP food stamps can be used to buy food, a small amount of household products and groceries from local grocery stores or supermarkets. Monthly cash assistance are provided on a state issued EBT card, which is very similar to a credit or debit card. That card is what participants need to use to pay for and acquire their groceries. Food assistance given and prioritized to persons with disabilities, those who are age 60 and older, the low income, unemployed, and children. Applications are processed by Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). SUN Bucks is also part of Food Assistance, but it helps children in Kansas during the summer. Additional food benefits are available when school is out of session to ensure students get the same quality of food they need.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
is government assistance to pay utility bills. Qualified households can get help with paying a portion of their home energy costs from a one-time per year cash assistance or grant benefit. It is funded by federal government and public funds, however low income families and seniors in Kansas can apply for LIEAP. Emergency assistance from LIEAP can be paid out as well to help prevent a disconnection of utilities. Learn more on utility help from the LIEAP benefit in
Employment Work Programs
– Families in Kansas who receive either Food Assistance (SNAP) or Cash Assistance (TANF) can get help in both finding and keeping a job. The individual will be able to work with their DCF case manager and they will receive access to resources that can be used to prepare them for employment. Some of these job training programs and employment services may continue for up to a year after cash assistance ends, and participants must participate in work program activities to remain eligible for government benefits. Some exceptions can be made in a small number of situations or circumstances.
Disability Determination Services (DDS
) is another important part of DCF’s role in Kansas. The Kansas DDS office reviews medical records, gathers information from doctors and other providers, and sometimes schedules consultative exams to make a fair and accurate decision whether someone gets Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Public assistance from DCF for parents with children in Kansas
Head Start and Early Head Start in Kansas
is paid for by federal government funds. The service is a comprehensive early childhood development program for children who are four years of age or younger. In addition, pregnant women may also qualify for services from Head Start. Some of the aid offered to residents in Kansas include special; services for children with disabilities, developmental screenings, mental and physical health check ups, free food, and more. Parents can also benefit from the
Kansas Early Head Start program
. The service can provide job seeking and retention services for parents with kids from birth to age 2. There is also weekly home visits, parent education, community involvement in early learning, literacy activities and more. Some forms of child/day care can also be covered, such as offering child care on a limited basis, supplies for child care partners, and assessment of child care settings. Get financial help in paying for child care costs as well. Working parents (or those in job training) can benefit from the Child Care Assistance benefit which is administered by DCF. The assistance program helps working poor and low income families who need help with daycare at a licensed provider. Services are available for some families and teen parents completing high school or GED. In addition, free child care can be paid for if the parent is in education or job training activities. Learn more on free daycare vouchers in Kansas .
Government free public health and dental care as well as insurance programs
Medicaid, known as KanCare, is a federal-state government program that provides health insurance and long-term care services to people with low-incomes or a disability. The insurance is administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) in partnership with the Department for Children and Families. KanCare is a form of government insurance. It can help the low income, disabled and others pay for medical bills, health care and mental health services. It is the primary public assistance program, both nationwide and in Kansas, that focuses on medical needs. Kansas government assistance helps with prescription drug costs too. Both generic as well as some “name brand” medications can be acquired using public aid, including for diabetes or insulin, heart conditions, cancer, and other medical needs. There are also vouchers as well as negotiation services for insulin and diabetes. Find details on free government insulin . Medical Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities and Seniors is also offered by resources run by the Kansas Department on Aging, Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS). This statewide program is responsible for administering long-term mental health services as well as care services. Individuals who meet age guidelines or with disabilities may qualify for public assistance and care in one of these categories.
Working Healthy
offers public medical care from Medicaid and other insurance programs. It is a Medicaid Buy-In program under KanCare, Kansas's Medicaid system. It allows individuals with disabilities to get help. It combines employment (so people can earn a higher income) with financial aid, as well as other benefits such as food stamps or even programs that help pay for deductible - and look here for information on shopping for assistance paying for costly health insurance deductibles . The government benefit is offered for people with disabilities who want to work but worry that by actually holding a job that could jeopardize their vital long term care coverage and health insurance. It will also allow people to access personal assistance services through related programs like WORK and STEPS. Working Healthy offers benefits counseling and employment support so individuals can pursue careers while maintaining health benefits.
How to get started: - Locate public benefits from DCF by county in Kansas
Apply online in KEES for these and other benefits. The DCF application website is here . When applying to any government assistance program from DCF / Economic and Employment Services, submit early (as the process takes time) and keep documentation handy to avoid delays. For questions about your case status or documents, the KEES portal and the Benefits Assistance line are the fastest routes. Or select a county below for more additional links.
Johnson County
Or, if you prefer the phone , dial the Kansas Department for Children and Families / Economic and Employment Services at 1-888-369-4777 for information on public assistance programs and social services. The customer service team can help you with applications for cash or food assistance, work programs, KanCare/ Medicaid and more.