How to Renew or Recertify SNAP Benefits in Kentucky

If you get SNAP (food stamps) in Kentucky, you must renew or “recertify” your case regularly to keep getting benefits. This article explains how SNAP renewal usually works in Kentucky, what to expect, and how to move forward through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office or application site. This guide is only to help you understand the process so you can work with your local Kentucky benefits agency.

Understanding SNAP Recertification in Kentucky

Recertification (or “renewal”) is the process where Kentucky’s SNAP agency checks whether you still qualify for benefits.

During recertification, the agency typically:

• Reviews your income
• Confirms your household members
• Checks your expenses (like rent, utilities, child care)
• Looks at any changes since your last approval

If you do not complete recertification on time, your SNAP benefits will usually stop at the end of your certification period.

How Often You Need to Renew SNAP in Kentucky

Most Kentucky SNAP households must recertify every 6 to 12 months. The exact length of time is called your certification period.

You can usually find your recertification date:

• On your approval or renewal notice
• In your online account on the official Kentucky benefits portal
• By calling your local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office or the state benefits hotline

Kentucky typically sends a recertification packet or notice before your certification period ends. It’s important to open all mail from the state promptly.

Ways to Renew SNAP in Kentucky

The options can change over time, but many Kentucky SNAP households can usually recertify in one or more of these ways:

1. Online – Through Kentucky’s official benefits portal (often used for SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs)
2. By mail or fax – Using the recertification form sent to you
3. In person – At your local DCBS office
4. By phone – Sometimes the interview portion can be done by phone, but you usually still need to submit a form

Because specific instructions can vary, always check:

• Your recertification notice, or
• Contact your local DCBS office or the state SNAP hotline

Key Deadlines: Don’t Let Your Benefits Lapse

The recertification due date is critical. If you miss it, your SNAP:

• May stop at the end of your current certification period
• Might require you to submit a new application, which can delay benefits

In Kentucky, it’s usually best to:

• Submit your recertification form as soon as you get it
• Respond to any requests for more information quickly
• Try to complete the process before the last month of your certification period

If you aren’t sure about your deadline, contact your local DCBS office or check your official benefits portal account.

Information and Documents You May Need

When you renew SNAP in Kentucky, you will usually be asked to confirm or update your:

• Identity
• Address
• Household members
• Income
• Expenses

Here are common items Kentucky SNAP offices often request at recertification:

Proof of identity and household

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, etc.)
• Social Security numbers (for each person applying, if available)
• Birthdates for all household members
• Immigration or citizenship documents, if relevant

Proof of income

• Recent pay stubs (often last 30 days)
• Self-employment records (invoices, receipts, business ledgers)
• Unemployment benefit statements
• Social Security or SSI award letters
• Pension or retirement income statements
• Child support or alimony you receive

Proof of expenses (these can affect your benefit amount)

• Rent or mortgage statement
• Property tax and homeowner’s insurance, if applicable
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, trash, phone if allowed)
• Child care or adult care receipts
• Child support paid to someone outside your household
• Medical expenses for elderly or disabled members, if the program allows deductions

Not every document is required for every household. Your recertification notice will usually list what you need, and your caseworker may tell you if something specific is missing.

Typical SNAP Recertification Steps in Kentucky

The exact steps can vary by county and household type, but the process usually looks like this:

1. Watch for your recertification notice

You should receive a letter or packet from Kentucky’s benefits agency before your certification period ends. It may include:

• A recertification form
• A deadline to return it
• Instructions about an interview (if required)
• A list of documents you may need

If you think you’re due for recertification and haven’t gotten anything, contact your local DCBS office or the state SNAP hotline.

2. Complete the recertification form

You will typically be asked to:

• Confirm your name and contact information
• List everyone in your household
• Report your current income
• List expenses like housing and utilities
• Report any changes since your last approval

Be truthful and complete. Missing or incorrect information can delay or affect your benefits.

3. Submit your form through an official channel

Follow the instructions on your notice. Common options include:

• Online: Log in to the official Kentucky benefits portal and complete/submit the renewal.
• Mail or fax: Send the completed form to the address or fax number listed.
• In person: Drop it off at your local DCBS office.

Always try to keep a copy or photo of the completed form and any proof you submit.

4. Complete your SNAP interview (if required)

Kentucky often requires an interview for recertification. This may be:

• By phone, or
• In person at your local office

During the interview, the worker may:

• Review information on your form
• Ask about any changes in income, household members, or expenses
• Request additional documents if something is unclear

If you can’t attend the scheduled interview, contact the office as soon as possible to reschedule.

5. Submit any additional verification

If the agency needs more information, they may send a request for verification with a deadline. Examples:

• Extra pay stubs
• A letter from your employer
• Clarification of rent or household members

Missing this deadline can cause delays or even closure of your case, so respond promptly.

6. Wait for your recertification decision

After you complete your form, interview, and verifications, the Kentucky SNAP office will:

• Make a new eligibility decision, and
• Send you a notice explaining:
  • Whether you’re approved or denied
  • Your benefit amount
  • The dates for your new certification period
  • Appeal rights if you disagree

If approved, your EBT card typically stays the same; your monthly deposit amount may change based on your updated information.

Quick Reference: Kentucky SNAP Recertification at a Glance

Common Changes You Should Report at Recertification

When recertifying for SNAP in Kentucky, you should report any changes such as:

• New job or job loss
• Increase or decrease in income
• New household member (birth, someone moving in)
• Someone moving out
• Change of address
• Change in rent or mortgage
• Change in child care or child support payments
• Changes in disability status or medical expenses (for elderly/disabled members)

Some changes must be reported as soon as they happen, not just at recertification. If you’re unsure, ask your caseworker or local office.

Common Reasons SNAP Renewals Get Delayed or Denied

People in Kentucky often run into problems with recertification for reasons like:

• Missing the recertification deadline
• Not returning all required pages of the form
• Incomplete or unclear answers
• Missing documents (like pay stubs or proof of rent)
• Not completing the interview
• Household income now over the limit for SNAP
• Not responding to requests for more information

If your case is delayed, contact:

• Your local DCBS office, or
• The state SNAP hotline listed on your notice

They can usually tell you what is missing and how to fix it.

What if Your Kentucky SNAP Renewal Is Denied or Your Case Closes?

If your recertification is denied or your case is closed, your notice should explain:

• The reason for the decision
• The date your benefits end
• How to appeal or request a fair hearing
• The deadline to file an appeal

Typical options:

1. Request a fair hearing

If you think the decision is wrong, you can usually:

• Ask for a hearing by the deadline on your notice
• Request this in writing, by phone, or in person at your local office (follow the instructions on your notice)

At a hearing, you can explain your situation and provide documents. A hearing officer or similar official reviews your case.

2. Fix missing information (if that caused the closure)

If your case was closed because something was missing, you may be able to:

• Turn in the missing documents quickly, or
• Submit a new SNAP application

The staff at your local DCBS office can explain what’s possible in your situation.

If You No Longer Qualify for SNAP in Kentucky

If your income is now too high or you no longer qualify for another reason, you may still be able to get help from:

• Local food pantries or food banks
• Community centers and faith-based organizations
• School meal programs for children
• Senior meal programs (like home-delivered or congregate meals)
• 211 (by dialing 2-1-1) for information on food resources and other local assistance

These programs are separate from SNAP and may have different rules and requirements.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Kentucky Channels

Because SNAP benefits involve your personal information and EBT card, it’s important to avoid scams.

Here are some tips:

• Use only official state websites for Kentucky benefits; they usually:
  • End in “.gov”, or
  • Are clearly listed on mailed notices from the state
• Be careful with third-party websites that:
  • Ask for your Social Security number
  • Promise guaranteed approval
  • Try to charge fees for SNAP applications or renewals
• The Kentucky SNAP agency will not:
  • Ask you to pay money to apply or recertify
  • Ask for your EBT PIN by phone, text, email, or social media

If you’re not sure you’re on the right website or calling the right number:

• Compare it to the information on an official notice from the Kentucky DCBS
• Call your local DCBS office directly using a phone number listed in a government directory or on a state-issued letter
• You can also call 211 for help finding the correct state contact information

Getting Help With the Kentucky SNAP Renewal Process

If you’re confused or having trouble:

• Contact your local DCBS office for questions about your specific case, documents, or deadlines.
• Call the state SNAP or benefits hotline listed on your notice.
• Dial 211 to be connected with community organizations that may help you:
  • Understand forms
  • Gather documents
  • Find local food assistance while you’re waiting

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot access your case or process your renewal, but using the steps and tips above, you can move forward through the official Kentucky SNAP channels to renew or recertify your benefits.