With the implementation of the new eligibility system in December 2015, the DFS established a program integrity branch. The staff within this section are responsible for resolving discrepancies from computer matches with federal and state interfaces as well as investigating national databases related to unreported income, prior fraud disqualifications, and conducting case reviews. The purpose of this section is to enhance efforts in identifying fraud and improving program accuracy rates.

The legal authority for the program includes 921 KAR 3:010 through 3:100 (SNAP), KRS 205.520 (MA), KRS 205.245 (State Supplementation), and 921 KAR 2:006 through 2:520 (TANF) as well as the Food and Nutrition Act 2008 (PL 110-246), Title XIX of the Social Security Act in accordance with 20 C.F.R. 416.2099, Title XVI, and Title IV-A (AFDC).

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193) amended and combined Title IV-A Aid for Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Title IV-F Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS) of the Social Security Act to provide block grants to states for TANF. These federal funds support the program's administrative and benefit expenditures that include personnel, operating, and indirect costs; contracts with partnering agencies; cash assistance subsidies; supportive services; child care; and transportation. The U.S. Department for Health and Human Services (DHHS) uses a formula-driven basis for determining each state's Maintenance of Effort based on fiscal year 1994 level of expenditures and work participation rates. The General Fund budgeted for fiscal year 2025 meets the DHHS Maintenance of Effort requirement of $71,913,000 per year. Kentucky TANF-funded programs are further specified by 921 KAR 2:006 through 2:520.

The Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) is the Commonwealth's cash assistance program for families with a dependent child who is deprived of parental support due to the continued absence, unemployment, incapacity, or death of one or both parents. Monthly payments are designed to help adults find a job or obtain training that leads to employment. Gross income must fall below the Gross Income Scale appropriate for the family's size, and total family resources cannot exceed agency limits. Receipt of cash assistance is limited to 60 months in a lifetime for adults who are required to participate in work activities as part of technical eligibility.

The Kentucky Works Program (KWP) assists recipients with their transition into the workforce and achieving self-sufficiency. Adults receiving K-TAP benefits are required to participate in this program unless determined exempt and, with the assistance of a case manager, develop a Transitional Assistance Agreement (TAA) with the goal of moving off assistance and gaining self-sufficiency. KWP activities include employment, on-the-job training, work experience training programs, a job search/job readiness component, vocational training or other educational services, community service, high school completion for teen parents, and other activities necessary to prepare for employment. Referrals to providers of child care, along with supportive services such as car repairs, transportation assistance, and supplies ensure that individuals are able to take part in this program.

Safety Net Services are available to former K-TAP families who lose cash assistance as a result of time limits or failure to comply with requirements of the KWP. Families with an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level can access temporary benefits to meet basic needs such as shelter, food, clothing, or utilities. A total of $635 may be authorized for four months during a 12-month period.

The Family Assistance Short Term (FAST) program provides an alternative for working families whom, though otherwise eligible, choose not to receive K-TAP cash assistance. A maximum of $2,600 is available to assist the family with immediate needs such as food, shelter, transportation. These benefits may be authorized for a three-month period. FAST was implemented in an effort to assist families, particularly low-income families, and former welfare clients, through difficult financial periods. FAST is designed to provide support to families who might otherwise have no alternative but to enroll, or return to, K-TAP cash assistance.

The Kinship Care Program provides financial assistance and support services to non-parental relatives caring for children who would otherwise be placed in foster care due to abuse, neglect, or the death of both parents. Effective April 1, 2013, the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) issued a moratorium impacting a child's initial eligibility for the Kinship Care Program; however, the moratorium did not apply to previously existing beneficiaries. A one-time relative placement support benefit and K-TAP are available to address a child's immediate and ongoing needs, respectively, upon placement by the DCBS with a qualified relative caregiver as an alternative to foster care. This program is administered in accordance with 922 KAR 1:130.

Efforts to partner with local communities to achieve the goals of self-sufficiency, protection, and permanency for Kentucky's families continue. The flexibility of the TANF block grant has allowed the DCBS to pursue initiatives to address the needs of those striving to escape a life of dependency.

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