Grants for Seniors in Kentucky

Last Updated on March 28, 2024 by Rachel

Key Senior Statistics in Kentucky (60 and over)
Senior Population: 1,097,872 (24.3%) Senior Population: 1,097,872 (24.3%)
Male: 45.7% Male: 45.7%
Female: 54.3% Female: 54.3%
Median Age: 70 Median Age: 70
Disability: 36% Disability: 36%
With Social Security Income: 77% With Social Security Income: 77%
With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 10% With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 10%
Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 14% Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 14%
Data Source: Data Source:
Data is taken from American Community Survey 2022. Please check our detailed page about Senior Statistics in Kentucky for more data and information.

Help for Seniors in Kentucky – 30 Assistance Programs

Kentucky is one of the most low-cost states considering the cost of living and housing prices. There are various natural locations that seniors can enjoy in their spare time. It offers several programs and services that can ease the lives of the elderly. These programs are offered by the federal government, the State of Kentucky, and local communities.


State Resources for Seniors

The Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) administers several programs across the state to ensure that elderly residents get access to decent services. This administration is done in collaboration with the Area Agencies on Aging that serve as the grassroot access point for rendering services to seniors. Apart from the services offered, Kentucky DAIL also links seniors to a wide range of useful resources to meet their peculiar needs. Seniors can access the state’s resource site by visiting https://www.chfs.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx.

Financial Assistance

The Supplemental Security Income is a program funded by the federal government with money gotten from tax revenues. Under this program, aged residents of Kentucky can get assistance in the form of cash to meet their basic needs. Money provided by SSI can be used to pay for food, shelter, clothes and other necessities. Low-income seniors over the age of 65 may qualify to receive SSI benefits so long as they meet the other program requirements. The exact amount of money received varies according to the income level and financial needs of the recipients. SSI is provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and more details on the program can be obtained from https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/.

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage was created and has been funded by the Bank of England Mortgage in Kentucky. This is a reverse mortgage service particularly designed for senior landlords. Eligible participants have their own homes and do not need to repay their mortgages as long as they continue to live in their homes. Participants have to take good care of these houses and pay the taxes and insurance by the law.

Eligibility Requirements

  • You must be a landlord and the home must be your primary residence.
  • You must be at the age of 62 or older.
  • Your home must meet the criteria of FHA.
  • You must not have any federal loan.
  • You must complete the counseling given by the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage

For additional questions, please visit https://www.boekentucky.com/pages/products/va.php or make a phone call at 859 492 4221.

Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP) is sponsored by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The mission of this program is to offer cash support for low and moderate-income individuals. Eligible candidates can benefit from this program for up to 60 months. The two main criteria are the total income of the household and the size of the family. Apart from financial assistance, this program may provide medical and transportation support for eligible people. To learn more, go to https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dfs/fssb/Pages/ktap.aspx or dial 502 564 3440.

For the purpose of determining financial eligibility for these support programs, the federal poverty level is usually applied. Use the Federal Poverty Level Calculator to determine your level of poverty.

Housing and Rent Assistance

The Kentucky Section 8- Housing Choice Voucher Program is subsidized by the federal authorities for low and moderate-income families. The main aim of this program is to make sure that everyone is able to live at their home without worrying about financial difficulties. Seniors are prioritized by this program. Eligible candidates can choose an apartment, flat, or house to live in by their choice. Almost 70 percent of the rent is covered by this program based on the total household income of the applicant. For more information, please visit https://www.hud.gov/states/kentucky/renting.

Kentucky Housing Corporation is a local organization that aims to make sure that residents of Kentucky live in secure and low-cost houses. Some of their programs for low-income people are as follows

  • Kentucky Balance of State Continuum of Care: The KY BoS CoC operates to fight against homelessness in Kentucky. It offers emergency, temporary, and permanent housing and rental assistance for people in need.
  • Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESGP): This program is specifically designed for homeless people. It assists cash support for them to live in a permanent house.
  • Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA): HOPWA is particularly for people who are suffering from Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Eligible participants can benefit from housing assistance.
  • Olmstead Housing Initiative (OHI): OHI is created by both KHC and Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. They partnered up to assist housing support for people with serious illness.
  • Recovery Kentucky: This program assists health and recovery assistance for those who suffer from domestic violence, addiction issues, or chronic illnesses.

Further information can be accessed by clicking on the following link https://www.kyhousing.org/Programs/Pages/default.aspx or get in touch with 800 633 8896.

The Section 504 Home Repair program provides loans and grants to enable eligible low-income seniors carry out repairs on their homes. Funding is provided to make emergency repairs, get rid of safety hazards, make accessibility modifications, etc. Residents who are over the age of 62 can get grants of up to $10,000 for home repairs. Those below the age of 62 may receive loans, with a limit of $40,000. Seniors who need to make extensive home repairs can combine the loan and grant for a total of $50,000 financial assistance. Recipients of grants must continue to reside in the home for at least 3 years after the aid. Loan recipients on the other hand get a fixed rate of 1% and a repayment period of 20 years. Seniors can find details on this program at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/ky.

Seniors whose household income fall below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) can apply for home repair programs in Louisville. The Regular Home Repair Program is available to assist seniors make corrective repairs to specific situations that challenge their health. Funding is provided for things like roof repairs, electrical repairs, plumbing, etc. The Exterior Code Alleviation Program (ECAP) helps seniors make their homes more sustainable by providing funds for exterior repairs. The program covers items like fencing, windows, sidings, foundations, etc. Information on other programs offered can be found at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/housing/home-repair-programs.

Healthcare Assistance

The Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Branch was created and has been managed by the Department for Public Health. Seniors who have chronic diseases such as arthritis, colorectal cancer, asthma, heart disease, chronic obstructive, lung cancer, stroke, and so on are acceptable for this health benefit. This program runs comprehensive tests and research for medical treatment. It also provides cash support for the treatment depending on the financial and health situation of the applicant. You may visit https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dpqi/cdpb/Pages/default.aspx or call 502 564 7996.

Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program is subsidized by the Department for Public Health. Older people who are not able to pay their prescription drug expenses may consider applying for this program. Apart from providing discounts on Medicaid expenses, it may propose regular discounts on prescriptions which is acceptable in particular drug stores. To learn more, please go to https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dpqi/hcab/Pages/kpap.aspx or call 1 800 633 8100.

Seniors over the age of 65 are eligible for the Medicare program. This is another low-cost insurance program designed specifically to meet the needs of senior citizens. With Medicare assistance, elders can pay for several approved medical procedures. Medicare also has a component that covers the cost of prescriptions, allowing seniors to have free access to essential medicine. To get coverage as soon as possible, elderly residents can submit applications 3 months before their 65th birthday. More information can be found at https://www.medicare.gov/.

Medicaid is a federal health insurance program that caters to the needs of financially challenged persons. Seniors with Medicaid coverage receive healthcare services at a substantially lower cost while the program takes care of the rest of their medical bills. Eligibility for the Medicaid program is determined by income levels. The level of coverage may also vary according to the amount of money the seniors earns and specific medical needs. Medicaid in Kentucky may provide assistance with paying for Medicare premiums. This is done through the Medicare Savings Program and helps ease the financial burden of healthcare further. Kentucky seniors can apply for Medicaid coverage at https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/member/Pages/Apply.aspx.

The Med Center Health Community Clinic provides basic medical care to patients at a low cost. This is done to ease the financial burden of healthcare and improve quality of life. Seniors who have low-incomes can apply for services and receive quality healthcare, along with assistance with their prescriptions. For more information, visit https://medcenterhealth.org/location/community-clinic/.

Help with Dental Care

Oral health issues in seniors are usually brought on by aging. The majority of seniors avoid the dentist. This shouldn’t be the case because there is funding designated specifically for oral treatment. Visit Dental Grants in Kentucky to see how senior individuals might obtain these services.

Seniors who reside in Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties can apply for the Northern Kentucky Adult Dental Assistance Program. This program connects seniors with dentists who offer dental care services to them at no cost. Services are available for seniors with limited or no dental insurance policy. Income restrictions for applicants are also in place. The services covered by this program include fillings, extractions, x-rays, dentures, cleanings, etc. Seniors can apply online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduffdVx74uXut6q6jNcimhEzdwFfMP5jIzxOSsT_ihCYX2EQ/viewform?usp=pp_url or print a paper application from https://nkyhealth.org/dental-oral-health-programs/. When submitting the application, elders would be required to present their photo ID, proof of income, proof of residency and a signed consent form. For more information, visit https://nkyhealth.org/dental-oral-health-programs/.

The College of Dentistry at the University of Kentucky runs an adult dental clinic which provides services like crowns, dentures, bridges, root canals, etc. as well as preventive dental services. The clinic is staffed by dental residents and provides comprehensive dental care services to seniors at low cost. Further details can be obtained by visiting https://dentistry.uky.edu/patient-care/ky-clinic.

From the age of 65, residents of Kentucky can qualify for dental care provided by the Dental Lifeline Network. A program known as Donated Dental Services provides free and low-cost dental care to eligible seniors in the state. This is made possible by a network of skilled dentists who volunteer their time and services to help the community gain access to quality dental care. Due to the existence of waiting lists, emergency services are not provided, however, seniors who qualify receive comprehensive treatment at no cost. Additional program details can be found at https://dentallifeline.org/kentucky/.

Utility Bills Assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally-funded program that helps financially challenged seniors pay their energy bills. Seniors with income below 130% of the federal poverty level get assistance with paying for their home heating costs in the cold winter months. You can use the Federal Poverty Level calculator to determine if your household is living below the poverty level. To qualify, the total value of liquid assets should not exceed $2,000. A crisis component of the program also exists to help residents who are on the verge of disconnection from utilities. Seniors whose rent and utility bill are charged together (without a specific designation for either) may also receive funds to pay part of the unpaid rent. Information on the LIHEAP application in Kentucky can be obtained from https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dfs/pdb/Pages/liheap.aspx.

Customers of Kentucky Power can get help from the Home Energy Assistance in Reduced Temperatures (HEART) program and the Temporary Heating Assistance in Winter (THAW). HEART provides up to $115 of cash assistance to seniors who use electricity as their primary heat source, while those who use non-electric heat sources may receive up to $58 every month. On the other hand, THAW offers participating customers assistance of up to $175 which they can use to pay for their electric bills. Seniors who wish to apply for any of the two programs can visit https://www.kentuckypower.com/lib/docs/account/bills/assistance/KYPower-HeartandThaw2021v1.pdf.

Seniors can apply for the Kentucky Lifeline program to get discounts on their telephone and broadband services. Lifeline helps seniors access telephone services at a reduced cost by offering a combined monthly discount of up to $12.75 on phone bills. The program ensures that beneficiaries stay connected to the world around them and keep in touch with loved ones. Details of the Kentucky Lifeline telephone program can be found at https://psc.ky.gov/agencies/psc/consumer/lifeline.pdf.

The Salvation Army Kentucky is a well-known charity organization that presents different programs for older people. This organization offers to help with housing issues, food support, clothing needs, health and medical care, and also utility assistance. Seniors who need any of these services can get in touch with the Salvation Army Kentucky. People who are looking for utility assistance can have cash support to pay their bills. For more information, please go to https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/rent-mortgage-and-utility-assistance/ or dial 859 252 7706.

Atmos Energy is a local electricity firm that runs a program called Bill Payment Assistance. People who are affected because of Covid-19, losing their jobs, or in need of utility bill assistance for any reason may consider applying for this benefit. Atmos Energy prepares payment plans and also offers cash support for their bills based on the applicant’s financial situation. The link to their official website is as follows https://www.atmosenergy.com/customer-service/bill-payment-assistance#atmos-accordion-item-4 or call 866 322 8667.

Apart from The Salvation Army and Atmos Energy, there are various programs and services that provide Help With Bills to low and moderate-income elderly adults.

Food Assistance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps seniors with resources to purchase healthy food from various grocery stores across the state. Through the program seniors can receive benefits to be used to purchase approved food items. The benefits are provided on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This is a debit card which has the approved benefit amount loaded onto it every month. Seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and are over the aged of 60 can qualify for the Simplified Assistance For the Elderly (SAFE). This is a component of SNAP that is specially tailored to meet the needs of the elderly. Information on the two program is available at https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dfs/nab/Pages/default.aspx. for seniors who desire to apply for them.

Another program that helps seniors get food is The Nutrition Program for the Elderly. The Nutrition Program for the Elderly is funded by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for seniors who need food support.Through this program, seniors receive one nutritionally balanced meal every day. Seniors over the age of 60, along with their spouses (of any age) can qualify for assistance to get food. The meals are provided either in a congregate setting or at home. Congregate meals are served at predetermined sites like senior centers, churches, etc. This arrangement allows seniors socialize while getting their meals. Home-delivered meals on the other hand are provided for those who are home-bound and cannot make it to congregate arrangements. Seniors can find more information at https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dfs/nab/Pages/snap.aspx. Applications are submitted through the Area Agencies on Aging and a directory of these agencies is available at https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/aaail.aspx.

Kentucky Homecare Program is led by the state authorities to maintain the wellbeing and the health of senior citizens. Besides home-delivered meals, this program offers to help with housekeeping, personal hygiene, home repair, and other housing needs. The main goal of this program is to ensure that the elderly can live in their homes without needing to live in a nursing home. To learn more, click on the following link https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/homecare.aspx or contact 502 564 6930.

Additional assistance programs are available to low-income seniors to help them avoid hunger and meet their additional nutritional demands. The list can be found at Food Programs for Seniors.

Transportation Assistance

Seniors who receive Medicaid assistance can apply for non-emergency medical transportation services to get to doctor’s appointments. To request this transport arrangement, seniors must give a 72 hours’ notice prior to the ride. When scheduling the ride, details like date and time of appointment, medical provider’s name and address, etc. would be requested. For seniors who need transportation to general places like work, grocery stores, etc., seniors can call several public transit providers. Cost may vary depending on the transportation requested but fixed route rides can be gotten for $1 per trip. With a Reduced Day Pass for seniors, trips can get a daily rate of $1.50. For more contact details regarding transportation assistance, visit https://transportation.ky.gov/VetConnect/Pages/Transportation-Providers.aspx?Paged=TRUE&p_ID=30&PageFirstRow=31&&View=%7BB36C3B59-4838-4A21-8D1C-78F7EE6B1B83%7D.

The Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency provides transportation services for elderly residents. Assistance is provided through special arrangements with Louisville Wheels and Tri-County Community Action Agency. Transportation is provided to nutrition sites, senior centers and medical appointments. Vouchers are also provided to reimburse providers for non-emergency medical transportation services. Services are open to seniors aged 60 years and above. For more details, visit https://www.kipda.org/social-services/transportation-services-for-senior-adults-individuals-with-disabilities/.

Assistance for Senior Veterans

The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) runs a program to helps homeless veterans get off the streets and find stable accommodation. Veterans at risk of becoming homeless are also provided with various resources to help them keep their homes. Through this program, veterans can get help with their basic needs like food, cloth and shelter. Assistance is given to help pay for rent and utility bills. Veterans who require assistance can visit https://veterans.ky.gov/Veterans-Programs/Homeless-Veterans/Pages/default.aspx.

Veterans who require medical assistance and special care can request admission to the State Veterans Homes available in Kentucky. Veterans who reside in these homes receive continuous care to meet their medical needs, while also having a roof over their heads and getting food to eat. Some of the documents required for admission to the Veterans Homes are: discharge papers, Medicaid Card, Proof of Kentucky Residency, etc. For more information, visit https://veterans.ky.gov/Veterans-Centers/Pages/Admission-to-State-Veterans-Homes.aspx.

Vet Connect is an initiative that helps veterans access transportation in an easy way. The program is provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and links veterans up with various transportation providers in their county. To simplify this process, an interactive map is provided at https://transportation.ky.gov/vetconnect/Pages/default.aspx which connects to transportation providers in the various counties. Here veterans can also find details on how to schedule rides for medical appointments.

Charities and Organizations

The Salvation Army in Kentucky has several initiatives that have been set up to assist challenged residents. Seniors can get food items from various food pantries in the state, along with clothing materials. For seniors on the verge of losing their homes or getting disconnected from utilities, financial assistance may be provided to help settle bill arrearages. Healthcare services are provided to help meet the medical needs of elderly challenged citizens. The Salvation Army also supports homeless seniors by offering them housing. Shelters are operated by the charity to provide displaced elders with a safe and comfortable place to stay. Food is provided for shelter residents, helping them find some stability. Additional programs run by the Salvation Army can be checked at https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-kentucky/.

Similar to the Salvation Army, seniors can get assistance from the Catholic Charities. Help is available in different forms to seniors who are challenged. Feeding assistance is provided to seniors so that they get optimum nutrition rather than starving or eating unhealthy food. Funding may also be given to help pay part of rent or utility bills to prevent shut off. A list of the programs offered by Catholic Charities can be found at https://cclou.org/programs/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What financial assistance is available for seniors in Kentucky? Kentucky seniors can benefit from the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP), the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, aiding in various needs from utility bills to nutrition.

2. How can seniors apply for Medicaid in Kentucky? Seniors in Kentucky can apply for Medicaid online through the Benefind website or by visiting a local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office. Necessary documentation includes proof of age, residency, income, and assets.

3. What housing and rent assistance is available to seniors in Kentucky? The Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) provides the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and has resources for affordable senior housing. Additionally, Kentucky offers the Weatherization Assistance Program to help seniors improve home energy efficiency.

4. Can seniors receive assistance with utility bills in Kentucky? Yes, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps seniors with financial assistance for heating and cooling bills, ensuring that utility services are maintained throughout the year.

5. How do seniors get help with prescription medications in Kentucky? The Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program (KPAP) and the Medicare Savings Programs offer support to seniors in managing medication costs, including assistance with Medicare Part D coverage.