Benefit programs in Kentucky (2026)
For families in Kentucky we check every federal program below, then map your state's own programs and point you to the office that runs each one.
We don't put a dollar figure on most of Kentucky's own programs yet. Those amounts depend on rules we haven't finished checking against official sources. What you get instead is the program, its official source, and who to call. Federal amounts are computed for every state, including yours.
Kentucky families can get Medicaid help with care at home through 7 Medicaid home and community-based services waivers that pay for care in your own home instead of a nursing facility. Kentucky also has a confirmed property-tax relief program for seniors, the Homestead Exemption (Age 65 or Older). Its confirmed benefit is quoted in the program's own official wording further down this page. Kentucky also runs a federally funded LIHEAP energy-assistance program that helps pay heating bills for qualifying households. Figures checked against official sources, last on 2026-08-05.
Does Kentucky Medicaid pay for care at home?
Yes. Kentucky runs 7 Medicaid home & community-based services waivers, including "KY Acquired Brain Injury – Long Term Care Waiver (0477.R03.00)" and "KY Acquired Brain Injury Waiver (0333.R05.00)". These pay for care in your own home instead of a nursing facility. We have no confirmed dollar figure for what they pay. Amounts depend on an assessment, and most waivers have waiting lists. Ask Kentucky Medicaid, or call 1-877-925-0037.
- KY Acquired Brain Injury – Long Term Care Waiver (0477.R03.00)
- KY Acquired Brain Injury Waiver (0333.R05.00)
- KY Community Health for Improved Lives and Development (CHILD) Waiver (2486.R00.00)
- KY Home and Community Based Waiver (0144.R08.00)
- KY Michelle P. Waiver (0475.R03.00)
- KY Model Waiver II (40146.R08.00)
- KY Supports for Community Living Waiver (0314.R05.00)
What property tax relief is available to seniors in Kentucky?
Kentucky has a confirmed property-tax relief program for seniors: the Homestead Exemption (Age 65 or Older). $49,100 is deducted from the home's assessed value for the 2025-2026 assessment years (up $2,750 from $46,350 in 2023-2024); property taxes are then computed on the remaining assessment. The amount is recalculated every two years for inflation (authorized by Section 170 of the Kentucky Constitution; KRS 132.810). That figure is confirmed against Kentucky's own official page (last checked 2026-08-05). Kentucky runs 2 property-tax relief programs that seniors may qualify for in total. See the full list below, or call your state's Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-877-925-0037 and ask which apply to you.
2 programs in Kentucky. Each description below is drawn from its linked source and shown in full: the tag next to each name marks its source tier (GOV/GOV PDF: the program's own official page, ANALYSIS/IND: a secondary source).
Property-tax figures last checked against official sources on 2026-08-05. See how we verify figures.
| Program | Benefit | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead Exemption (Age 65 or Older) GOV VERIFIED | $49,100 is deducted from the home's assessed value for the 2025-2026 assessment years (up $2,750 from $46,350 in 2023-2024); property taxes are then computed on the remaining assessment. The amount is recalculated every two years for inflation (authorized by Section 170 of the Kentucky Constitution; KRS 132.810). | Official source → |
| Homestead Exemption (Totally Disabled) GOV VERIFIED | Same program and same benefit as the age-65 Homestead Exemption: $49,100 deducted from assessed value for 2025-2026 (was $46,350 in 2023-2024). It does NOT stack with the age-based exemption - an eligible homeowner receives one exemption. Available to persons of any age classified as totally disabled under a program authorized/administered by a U.S. government agency or any public or private retirement system, who received disability payments for the entire year. Reapplication is required annually EXCEPT for veterans with a service-connected disability, persons determined totally & permanently disabled by the Social Security Administration, or by Kentucky Retirement Systems. | Official source → |
Homestead Exemption (Age 65 or Older) GOV VERIFIED
- Benefit
$49,100 is deducted from the home's assessed value for the 2025-2026 assessment years (up $2,750 from $46,350 in 2023-2024); property taxes are then computed on the remaining assessment. The amount is recalculated every two years for inflation (authorized by Section 170 of the Kentucky Constitution; KRS 132.810).
- Official source
- Official source →
Homestead Exemption (Totally Disabled) GOV VERIFIED
- Benefit
Same program and same benefit as the age-65 Homestead Exemption: $49,100 deducted from assessed value for 2025-2026 (was $46,350 in 2023-2024). It does NOT stack with the age-based exemption - an eligible homeowner receives one exemption. Available to persons of any age classified as totally disabled under a program authorized/administered by a U.S. government agency or any public or private retirement system, who received disability payments for the entire year. Reapplication is required annually EXCEPT for veterans with a service-connected disability, persons determined totally & permanently disabled by the Social Security Administration, or by Kentucky Retirement Systems.
- Official source
- Official source →
How much heating bill help can I get in Kentucky?
Up to $250 toward heating bills. That is the FY 2026 maximum Kentucky's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) publishes. Most households get less. This is the ceiling, not a typical amount. A separate crisis benefit of up to $400 is available if your service is about to be shut off. Source: https://liheapch.acf.gov/profiles/Kentucky.htm
| Program | Benefit | Published maximum | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | Help with heating bills, plus emergency help if service is at risk. Emergency crisis help is available. | In Kentucky the published heating maximum is $250. Crisis maximum: $400. | Official source → |
Retirement income tax
Social Security in Kentucky: Kentucky does not tax Social Security benefits. Any portion of Social Security that is federally taxable (reported on federal Form 1040, line 5b) is subtracted from federal AGI on Kentucky Schedule M. No age or income condition applies.
Pensions, IRAs, and 401(k)s: Kentucky levies a flat state income tax: 4.0% for tax year 2025, decreasing to 3.5% for tax year 2026. Pension, annuity, IRA, 401(k)/deferred-compensation, disability-retirement and other written-plan retirement income is excluded up to $31,110 per taxpayer via Schedule P (Kentucky Pension Income Exclusion); only amounts above $31,110 are taxed. There is NO age requirement for the exclusion. Each spouse computes their own $31,110 exclusion independently (up to $62,220 combined on a joint return). Retirees from the federal government, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, or a Kentucky local government whose pension is attributable to service performed before January 1, 1998 may exclude more than $31,110 for that pre-1998 service.
Official source →Federal programs: checked in Kentucky too
These are computed for every family, wherever they live.
VA Aid & Attendance
An extra monthly VA payment for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need daily help.
Medicare Savings Programs
State help that pays your Medicare premiums, and sometimes deductibles and copays.
Medicare Extra Help
Lowers what you pay for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D.
SNAP (food support)
Monthly money for groceries. Older adults often qualify for more than they expect.
Social Security & SSI
Checks whether the person may be missing Social Security or Supplemental Security Income.
Federal tax credits
Credits and deductions families miss, including medical expenses and the credit for the elderly or disabled.
Medicare before 65
Medicare eligibility for people under 65 through a disability.
Who do I call in Kentucky for help with elder care?
Call your state's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 1-877-925-0037. They're the free, no-wrong-door starting point for home care, respite and other long-term-care options in Kentucky. If someone is unsafe, neglected or being exploited, Adult Protective Services can help at 877-597-2331.
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) / No Wrong Door
Free help understanding your options.
1-877-925-0037Which of these fits your family?
Being on this list doesn't mean your family qualifies. That depends on income, savings, care needs and service history. The free check works out which ones are worth your time, in about four minutes.
Not legal or medical advice. Benefits vary. Figures are estimates.