Free programs and grants for felons in Kentucky help felons with basic needs like housing, food, and transportation. Felons looking for money for school or a job training program can also receive support.
Government Grants For Felons in Kentucky 2025
Felons can get money to pay for essentials like food, housing, medical care, and utility bills through government-funded programs that support low-income households. Eligibility for assistance is based on your income and family size.
SNAP Grants
Kentucky felons earning less than $2,510 per month (single person) qualify for a monthly payment to spend on food at grocery stores and farmer’s markets. The maximum SNAP payment for a single person is $292.
Qualifying income calculations allow a deduction for rent/mortgage and childcare costs.
Income limits and awards are higher for families. Kentucky also provides a utility allowance to SNAP recipients.
Find out how much you’ll get: https://www.snapscreener.com/screener/kentucky
Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP)
Low-income felons with children can receive KTAP for a total of 60 months in a lifetime. KTAP is a cash benefit to spend on essentials.
If you qualify for KTAP you may also get childcare and transportation assistance while you participate in the Kentucky Works Program, plus an educational or work incentive bonus.
Kentucky Utility Grants For Felons
You’ll qualify for some utility bill assistance if you’re on a low income in Kentucky. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps over 150,000 Kentucky households pay for winter heating every year.
Find out more: https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dfs/pdb/Pages/liheap.aspx
Free Phone Plans Kentucky Grants for individuals
A free phone plan is another helping hand felons in Kentucky can qualify for. The federal government’s Lifeline program funds these plans which give low-income recipients unlimited free calls and texts and 6 GB of data each month.
Check the income limits HERE.
Health Insurance For Felons
Having a felony isn’t a factor when it comes to eligibility for healthcare programs designed for low-income residents in Kentucky.
Depending on your age and income you may qualify for Medicare or Medicaid cover.
Rent Assistance For Felons
Felons may qualify for rent assistance programs if they pass their local Public Housing Authority (PHA) background check and meet the income threshold.
Having a felony doesn’t mean you’ll be disqualified. Applicants with felonies are assessed on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to the type and age of the felony and rehabilitation efforts.
Find your PHA: https://affordablehousingonline.com/open-section-8-waiting-lists/Kentucky#by-pha
Modest Needs Grants
Modest Needs grants help working individuals handle unexpected financial crises without slipping into poverty.
These one-time grants go directly to creditors and vendors to cover bills like rent, utilities, vehicle or appliance repairs, and medical expenses.
Reentry Grants in Kentucky for Felons
Reentry organizations are an overlooked source of grants in Kentucky for individuals with felony convictions. While you may prefer to follow your own path, making use of reentry services is the best way to build a successful life after incarceration.
Along with helping you access education and training, reentry organizations may also provide grants for your first month’s rent/security deposit, or give you money for a bus pass so you can get to work. Call 2-1-1 to find your nearest reentry service.
How Goodwill Industries Helps Felons In Kentucky
Goodwill Industries runs a major second-chance education, employment, and training program for felons in Kentucky.
They offer job training, tuition reimbursement, assistance with resumes, and help finding jobs with local felon-friendly employers. Some locations also run programs that help with housing and transportation.
Unhoused felons might be interested in the Another Way program. This Goodwill Industries initiative helps homeless people earn $50 each day for 4 hours work (transportation and lunch included).
Work Innovation And Opportunity Grants Available in Kentucky
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in Kentucky is a big help for felons trying to rebuild their lives. Programs focus on job training, career counseling, and jobs with felon-friendly employers
WIOA also provides money for education, certifications, and apprenticeships to help felons get the skills they need for better-paying jobs.
Ask about WIOA programs at your local Job Center or Career Center Office.
Kentucky Grants For Felons in College Or Trade School
Felons on a low income can get federal and state grants to help pay for school.
Pell Grants: Pell Grants help low-income students pay for school with grants of up to $7,395 per year.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: Awarded to students with exceptional financial need, the FSEOG is worth up to $4,000 per year.
Kentucky Coal County College Completion Scholarship: This grant is for students with 60+ credit hours (about two years of full-time college). You could receive up to $6,800 to help you complete your studies.
Kentucky Go Higher Grants: Get up to $1,000 towards your college expenses if you’re a mature student (24 and over) enrolled for less than six credit hours (about 6 hours in class per week) at a participating Kentucky college or university.
Also See: Grants in Texas For Felons.