Emergency Assistance for Single Mothers in Kansas

Last updated: August 2025 | Contact information verified: August 24, 2025
Sources: Kansas Department for Children and Families, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Department of Labor

⚠️ Important: Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. Federal programs typically update in October (SNAP) and July (unemployment benefits). State programs may change with budget cycles. Always verify current information with the specific agency before making decisions based on this guide.

Quick Help – Need Assistance Today?

• Life-threatening emergency: Call 911 • Need shelter tonight: Call 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211 • Out of food: Apply for SNAP at MyDHR Kansas – emergency benefits in 7 days if you qualify • Power being shut off: Call Kansas 211 immediately for LIHEAP crisis assistance • Eviction notice: Call Kansas Legal Services at 1-800-723-6953 right now • Lost your job: File unemployment at KansasUI.gov or call 1-800-292-6333 • Need health coverage: Apply at KanCare or call 1-800-792-4884 • Pregnant or have kids under 5: Call WIC at 1-785-296-1320 for food help • Domestic violence: Call 1-888-363-2287 (24/7 confidential Kansas hotline)

If nothing above works: Call 211 and ask for a “warm handoff” to another agency that can help today.

If You Need Help Today

Get Food Within 24 Hours

Apply for SNAP benefits online at MyDHR Kansas. If your income is under $150 this month and you have less than $100 in cash, ask for “expedited SNAP” – you can get benefits within 7 days.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under 5, call WIC at 1-785-296-1320. You can often get a same-day appointment and immediate food benefits if you qualify.

Stop a Utility Shutoff Right Now

• Call your power company and ask for a “payment arrangement” – many give you 10-30 days • Call 211 immediately and ask for emergency LIHEAP assistance • Bring your shutoff notice to the appointment

Keep Your Housing

• Call 211 for emergency shelter and rental assistance programs • If you received an eviction notice, call Kansas Legal Services at 1-800-723-6953 for emergency legal help • Ask about “rapid rehousing” programs that pay first month’s rent and deposits

Get Cash Quickly

Apply for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Families) at MyDHR Kansas. While Kansas only pays around $344 monthly for a family of three, every dollar counts when you’re in crisis.

If you lost your job, file for unemployment benefits immediately at KansasUI.gov or 1-800-292-6333. Kansas pays $159-$637 per week for up to 16 weeks (as of 2025).

Reality Check: Getting help isn’t instant. SNAP takes 7-30 days. TANF takes 2-4 weeks. Plan for this delay and ask every agency about emergency funds while you wait.

Main Points You Need to Know

• Apply the same day for multiple programs – SNAP, WIC, TANF, and KanCare use overlapping income rules • Ask specifically for expedited processing when your situation is urgent • Keep copies of everything – take photos of documents with your phone as backup • Report changes immediately – income, address, or household changes within 10 days to avoid problems • Most programs have work requirements – understand them before you apply • Kansas didn’t expand Medicaid – most adults without children don’t qualify for health coverage • Apply to multiple housing lists – Section 8 waiting lists are years long in most areas

Don’t expect miracles: Kansas has modest benefit amounts. TANF maxes out at around $344/month for a family of three, and many adults can’t get KanCare at all.

Emergency Cash and Food Programs

SNAP (Food Assistance) (Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, October 2024)

What it is: Monthly benefits loaded onto a Kansas Vision Card (EBT) to buy groceries. Kansas follows federal SNAP rules with no state supplements.

How much you can get: Maximum benefits for FY 2025 range from $291/month for one person to $975/month for a family of four (effective October 2024 through September 2025). Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Income limits (USDA FNS, effective October 2024 through September 2025):

Household Size	Max Monthly Income (130% FPL)	Max SNAP Benefit
1 person	$1,580	$291
2 people	$2,137	$535
3 people	$2,694	$768
4 people	$3,250	$975

Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

How to apply:

Go to MyDHR Kansas
Complete application online (takes 20-30 minutes)
Upload photos of your ID, pay stubs, rent receipt, and utility bills
Answer the phone when they call for your interview (usually within 1-2 weeks)

Timeline: Regular SNAP takes up to 30 days. Emergency SNAP takes 7 days if you qualify.

Documents needed: • Photo ID for adults • Social Security cards for everyone • Last 30 days of pay stubs (if working) • Rent receipt or lease • Recent utility bills

Reality check: Most families don’t get the maximum amount. If you work, expect roughly $200-400/month for a family of three.

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Families) (Source: Kansas Action for Children, 2025)

What it is: Monthly cash assistance for families with children under 18. You must participate in Kansas’s work program requirements once approved.

How much you can get: Kansas has very strict eligibility – families must make a maximum monthly income of $519 for a family of three, or roughly $6,220 per year. The maximum monthly payment varies by region but is typically in the low-to-mid $300s for a family of three.

Income limits: Your net monthly income must be less than about $519/month for a family of three to qualify. You must also have less than $2,250 in resources and assets.

How to apply:

Apply at MyDHR Kansas (same application as SNAP)
Attend required interview
Agree to participate in work program requirements

Timeline: Interview within 1-2 weeks, decision within 2-4 weeks, first payment the following month if approved.

Reality check: Only 9 out of every 100 Kansas families living below the poverty line received TANF benefits in 2019/2020, compared to 52 out of 100 when the program began. Most families don’t qualify due to extremely strict income limits.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) (Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, 2025)

What it is: Special food packages for pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5. Includes formula, fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and cereal.

Income limits: Up to 185% of federal poverty level. For a family of three, that’s approximately $4,255/month as of 2025.

WIC Income Limits (2025-26):

Household Size	Max Monthly Income
1 person	$2,298
2 people	$3,102
3 people	$3,905
4 people	$4,709

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026

How to apply: Call 1-785-296-1320 or contact your county health department. You’ll need an appointment for a health screening.

Timeline: Often same week if appointments are available.

Automatic qualification: If you already get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you automatically meet WIC’s income requirements.

Health Coverage Options

KanCare (Kansas Medicaid/CHIP) (Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 2025)

Pregnant Women: Income limit: 171% of federal poverty level (about $2,226/month for one person as of 2025). Covers prenatal care, delivery, and 12 months of postpartum coverage.

Children: Medicaid covers children under age 1 up to 171% of poverty level, ages 1-5 up to 154% of poverty level, and ages 6-18 up to 138% of poverty level. If income is too high for Medicaid, children may qualify for CHIP up to higher income limits.

Parents: Kansas has extremely strict rules. Parents must earn less than 38% of poverty level – about $624/month for a family of three. Most working single mothers don’t qualify.

Adults without children: Kansas has not expanded Medicaid. Most adults without children cannot get Medicaid unless they’re elderly, disabled, or pregnant.

How to apply: Apply at KanCare or call 1-800-792-4884.

Reality check: A single mother earning $700/month with two children wouldn’t qualify for KanCare herself, but her children would be covered.

Housing Assistance Programs

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

What it is: Federal rental assistance where you pay 30% of your income toward rent and the program covers the rest, up to local payment standards.

Income limits: Must be “very low income” – typically 50% of area median income. This varies by county but generally ranges from $25,000-$35,000/year for a family of three in Kansas.

How much help: You typically pay 30% of your income toward rent. For example, if you earn $1,500/month, you’d pay about $450 and the program covers the rest.

Reality check: Households spend an average of 20 months on a waiting list before receiving a voucher in Kansas. Many lists are closed or have extremely long waits.

How to apply:

Find your local Public Housing Authority using HUD’s directory
Apply when waiting lists open (they announce this on their websites)
Apply to multiple PHAs to improve your chances

Major Kansas Housing Authorities: • Wichita: Wichita Housing Authority – 316-268-4681 • Kansas City, KS: Kansas City Kansas Housing Authority – 913-281-3300
• Topeka: Topeka Housing Authority – 785-357-8842 • Lawrence: Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority – 785-842-1533 • Salina: Salina Housing Authority – 785-309-5740

Emergency Housing Assistance

Call 211 for: • Emergency shelter placement • Rapid rehousing (short-term rent assistance)
• Deposit and utility connection assistance • Homeless prevention programs

Work and Training Support

Unemployment Benefits (Source: Kansas Department of Labor, 2025)

How much you can get: Kansas pays between $159-$637 per week based on your past earnings for claims filed between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. Your benefit is 4.25% of your earnings in your highest-earning quarter.

How long: Up to 16 weeks maximum in one benefit year.

How to apply:

File online at KansasUI.gov
Call 1-800-292-6333 if you can’t apply online
You must contact employers weekly to maintain benefits

Timeline: First payment typically comes 2-3 weeks after filing.

Tax note: Unemployment benefits are taxable income federally and for Kansas state taxes.

Job Training and Support

If you’re on TANF, you must participate in work requirements – up to 40 hours per week of work activities, job training, or education.

KansasWorks Career Centers: • Free job search assistance • Skills training programs
• Help with resumes and interviews • Find locations at KansasWorks.com

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Single Mom, Two Kids, Earning $1,800/Month

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: About $200-300/month (not maximum due to income) • WIC: If kids under 5, full WIC benefits • KanCare for children: Yes, likely • KanCare for mom: No (income too high) • TANF: No (income way too high – limit is around $519/month) • Section 8: Maybe, depends on local income limits

Reality: She’d get some food help but struggle with rent and her own healthcare.

Example 2: Pregnant Woman, No Job, Living with Family

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: Expedited processing, potentially maximum amount depending on household situation • WIC: Full benefits including special foods for pregnancy • KanCare pregnancy coverage: Yes • TANF: Depends on total household income and living situation • Section 8: Could apply but long waiting lists

Timeline: SNAP in 7 days, WIC same week, KanCare in 2-3 weeks.

Example 3: Recently Lost Job, One Child, Was Earning $2,200/Month

What she could qualify for: • Unemployment: $200-400/week for 16 weeks (depends on past earnings) • SNAP: About $400-500/month initially • KanCare for child: Yes • KanCare for mom: No (even unemployed, likely doesn’t qualify) • Emergency rent assistance: Maybe through local programs

Key: File for unemployment immediately – it’s based on when you file, not when you lost the job.

Specific Resources for Different Situations

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

• Apply for all programs normally – sexual orientation and gender identity don’t affect eligibility • If you face discrimination, document it (worker name, date, time) and request a supervisor • Contact the ACLU of Kansas (785-354-5078) for legal support if needed

Single Mothers with Disabilities or Disabled Children

• If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify for KanCare • SNAP has special rules for households with disabled members – higher income limits possible • Ask about “child-only” TANF if your child gets SSI • Priority for housing assistance may be available

Veteran Single Mothers

• Ask about HUD-VASH vouchers (housing for homeless veterans) through VA and local housing authorities • Contact Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs at 785-296-3976 for veteran-specific programs • May qualify for expedited services through some programs

Immigrant/Refugee Single Mothers

• Qualified immigrants may be eligible after 5-year waiting period • Refugees, asylees, and trafficking victims often qualify immediately • Emergency services (like emergency KanCare) may be available regardless of status • Contact Catholic Charities of Kansas for guidance

Tribal Members

• Can use both state programs and tribal-specific resources • Contact your tribal social services office in addition to applying to state programs • Indian Health Service facilities may be available for healthcare

Rural Single Mothers

• Use 211 to find traveling WIC clinics and local office schedules • Some programs have mobile services that visit rural areas monthly • Transportation may be provided for required appointments • Internet access required for many applications – check public libraries

Single Fathers

• All programs listed here are available to single fathers with custody • “Caretaker relative” includes fathers, grandparents, guardians • Don’t be discouraged if staff seem surprised – you have the same rights

Kansas Housing Assistance by Region

Kansas City Metro Area

• Kansas City, KS Housing Authority: 913-281-3300 • Johnson County DHR: Apply at MyDHR Kansas • Community Action: Wyandotte County – 913-321-5463 • Legal Services: Kansas Legal Services – 1-800-723-6953

Wichita/Sedgwick County

• Wichita Housing Authority: 316-268-4681 • Sedgwick County DHR: Apply at MyDHR Kansas • Community Action: Wichita Area – 316-263-9686

Topeka/Shawnee County

• Topeka Housing Authority: 785-357-8842
• Shawnee County DHR: MyDHR Kansas • Community Action: Community Action Inc. – 785-233-4675

Lawrence/Douglas County

• Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority: 785-842-1533 • Douglas County DHR: MyDHR Kansas • Community Action: Douglas County – 785-841-9757

Rural Kansas

• Rural Housing: Contact USDA Rural Development at 785-271-2700 • Regional offices serve multiple counties – call ahead to confirm service areas

Program Comparison Table

Program	Max Monthly Benefit	Income Limit (Family of 3)	How Long to Get Help
SNAP	$768	$2,694/month	7-30 days
TANF	~$344	$519/month	2-4 weeks
WIC	Food packages + produce	$3,905/month	Same week
Unemployment	$2,548/month ($637/week)	Based on past wages	2-3 weeks
Section 8	Varies by rent	~50% of area median income	1-3+ years waiting

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Benefits

SNAP/TANF Mistakes

• Not answering unknown calls: DCF often calls from blocked numbers for interviews • Missing the interview: Reschedule immediately if you can’t make it • Not reporting expedited need: Specifically ask for “expedited SNAP” if you qualify • Incomplete documents: Take photos of everything as backup

Housing Mistakes

• Applying to only one housing authority: Apply everywhere you’re willing to live • Not updating contact information: You’ll lose your place if they can’t reach you • Waiting for “perfect” timing: Apply even if lists are closed – they’ll put you on the next opening

General Mistakes

• Not keeping copies: Always save confirmation numbers and emails • Not reporting changes: Income or address changes must be reported in 10 days • Giving up too quickly: If denied, you can often appeal or reapply with more documentation

What to Do If You’re Denied

Request written reason for denial
File appeal within the timeframe stated in your notice (usually 30 days)
Ask for “continued benefits” during appeal when allowed
Get help from Kansas Legal Services: 1-800-723-6953

When Programs Don’t Work – Plan B Options

If SNAP is denied or delayed:

• Contact local food banks through Kansas Food Bank • Ask churches about emergency food assistance • Look into Salvation Army and local soup kitchens

If housing assistance isn’t available:

• Negotiate payment plan with landlord in writing • Ask family/friends about temporary housing • Contact domestic violence shelters if that applies (they help all women in crisis) • Look into transitional housing programs

If utilities are being shut off:

• Ask utility company for budget billing plan
• Get doctor’s note for medical necessity extension if anyone has health conditions • Contact churches and local charities for one-time bill assistance

If you can’t find work:

• Consider gig work (Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit) for immediate income • Ask current/former employers about temporary or part-time positions • Check with temp agencies for same-week work

Emergency mindset: When you’re in crisis, accept help that gets you through today. You can make longer-term plans once you’re stable.

Timeline Expectations – Be Realistic

Week 1

• Apply for SNAP, TANF, KanCare online • Call WIC for appointment
• File unemployment if applicable • Contact 211 for emergency assistance

Week 2-3

• Attend SNAP/TANF interview • WIC appointment and first benefits • First unemployment payment (if approved) • Emergency assistance decisions

Month 2-3

• Regular SNAP benefits begin • TANF decision and first payment (if approved) • KanCare coverage starts • Begin required work activities if on TANF

Month 6+

• Review and recertify for ongoing programs • Housing assistance applications may start moving • Job training programs may be available

Managing expectations: Getting stable takes months, not days. Focus on immediate needs first (food, shelter) then work on longer-term stability.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask

“Can I get help if I work?”

Yes, but income limits are strict. SNAP and WIC have higher income limits than TANF or KanCare for adults. Working actually helps you qualify for some programs like child care assistance and unemployment benefits later.

“What if I don’t have all the documents?”

Apply anyway with what you have. Upload or bring additional documents later. Ask about “good cause” exceptions if you’re fleeing domestic violence or other crisis situations.

“How much can I earn and keep benefits?”

Each program is different. SNAP reduces gradually as income increases. TANF has very strict limits (around $519/month for family of 3). WIC income limits are more generous. Report all changes within 10 days to avoid overpayments.

“Can I get help if I live with family?”

Depends on whether you buy and prepare food together. If you’re a separate “household” for food purposes, you can often apply independently for SNAP. Housing programs look at your individual income, not your family’s.

“What if I have a car payment or debt?”

Car payments don’t usually count as allowable deductions for SNAP. Student loans in deferment don’t count. Child support payments you make DO count as deductions.

“How long can I get help?”

• SNAP: As long as you meet requirements (recertify every 6-12 months) • TANF: 24-month lifetime limit in Kansas • WIC: Until child turns 5, or 1 year postpartum for mothers • Unemployment: 16 weeks maximum • Section 8: No time limit if you follow program rules

“What if I’m denied?”

You can appeal most decisions within 30 days (check your denial letter for exact timeframe). Get help from Kansas Legal Services (1-800-723-6953). Sometimes it’s just missing paperwork or a misunderstanding.

“Can I apply if I’m undocumented?”

Emergency services are available regardless of immigration status. Your U.S. citizen children can get benefits even if you can’t. Some local charities don’t check immigration status. For SNAP and TANF, only qualified immigrants and U.S. citizens can apply, but emergency KanCare covers childbirth and emergency medical care.

Language assistance: Kansas DCF provides interpreters and translated documents for major programs. Call the main DCF number (785-296-3274) and ask for language assistance in your preferred language.

Resources Directory

Statewide Helplines

• 211 Kansas: Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211 • Kansas DCF Customer Service: 1-888-369-4777 • KanCare Help Desk: 1-800-792-4884
• WIC: 1-785-296-1320 • Unemployment: 1-800-292-6333 • Kansas Legal Services: 1-800-723-6953

Crisis Support

• Kansas Crisis Hotline (Domestic Violence): 1-888-363-2287 • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 • Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services: 1-855-200-2372

Online Applications

• SNAP/TANF/KanCare: MyDHR Kansas • Unemployment: KansasUI.gov • Housing Authorities: HUD.gov PHA Directory

Document Help

• Vital Records (Birth Certificates): health.ks.gov • Social Security Cards: ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213 • Kansas ID/Driver’s License: ksrevenue.gov

Important Warnings and Reality Checks

About Benefit Amounts

Kansas has modest assistance payments compared to many states. TANF payments are among the lowest in the nation and haven’t increased significantly in decades. Don’t expect these programs alone to solve your financial problems – think of them as a foundation while you build stability.

About Waiting Times

Everything takes longer than you want. Section 8 waiting lists average 20 months in Kansas. Even SNAP can take 30 days. Plan accordingly and don’t rely on just one program.

About Work Requirements

Most programs require you to work or participate in job training. Kansas takes these requirements seriously and will cut benefits if you don’t comply. Understand what’s expected before you apply.

About Income Limits

Kansas has some of the strictest TANF eligibility rules in the country. Many families who would qualify in other states don’t qualify here. KanCare for adults is also extremely limited since Kansas didn’t expand Medicaid.

About Rural Challenges

If you live in rural Kansas, accessing services can be more difficult. Offices may be far away, and some services are only available on certain days. Plan for travel time and costs.

Disclaimer

Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. This guide provides general information as of August 2025, but you should always verify current requirements with the specific agency before applying. Contact information and program availability can change without notice.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For legal questions about benefits, appeals, or eligibility, contact Kansas Legal Services at 1-800-723-6953.

The information in this guide comes from official government sources, but errors can occur. Always check with the agency directly for the most current and accurate information about your specific situation.

When in doubt, apply anyway. It’s better to try and be denied than to assume you don’t qualify and miss out on help you need.

Resumen en Español – Ayuda de Emergencia para Madres Solteras en Kansas

Ayuda Inmediata (Llame Hoy)

• Emergencia: Llame 911 • Necesita refugio: Llame 211 o envíe su código postal al 898211 • Sin comida: Solicite SNAP en MyDHR Kansas – beneficios en 7 días • Van a cortar la luz: Llame 211 para asistencia LIHEAP de crisis • Perdió su trabajo: Solicite desempleo en KansasUI.gov o 1-800-292-6333 • Embarazada o niños menores de 5 años: Llame WIC al 1-785-296-1320

Programas Principales

SNAP (Cupones de Comida): Hasta $975/mes para familia de 4. Solicite en MyDHR Kansas. TANF (Ayuda en Efectivo): Aproximadamente $344/mes para familia de 3. Límites de ingresos muy bajos requeridos. WIC (Mujeres, Bebés, Niños): Comida especial para embarazadas y niños menores de 5. KanCare: Cobertura médica para embarazadas, niños, y algunos padres de muy bajos ingresos. Sección 8: Ayuda con la renta (listas de espera largas – promedio 20 meses).

Números Importantes

• DCF Kansas: 1-888-369-4777 (servicios de traducción disponibles) • KanCare: 1-800-792-4884 • WIC: 1-785-296-1320 • Desempleo: 1-800-292-6333 • Servicios Legales: 1-800-723-6953

Nota: Todos estos programas requieren documentos. Los niños ciudadanos estadounidenses pueden calificar aunque los padres sean indocumentados.

About This Guide

Compiled by ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Kansas Department for Children and Families, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Kansas Department of Labor.

This comprehensive resource is produced following our editorial standards using only official government sources and established nonprofit organizations. While carefully researched and regularly updated, this guide is not affiliated with any government agency and is not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed as program rules and funding availability change frequently.

Last verified: August 2025
Next review: February 2026

Despite our careful verification process, errors may occur. Email corrections to info@asinglemother.org and we respond within 48 hours to serve Kansas families better.

Official Sources

This guide references current policies and benefit amounts from:

• Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) – dcf.ks.gov • USDA Food and Nutrition Service – fns.usda.gov • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – hud.gov • Kansas Department of Health and Environment – kdhe.ks.gov • Kansas Department of Labor – dol.ks.gov • Kansas Legal Services – kansaslegalservices.org • Kansas 211 – 211kansas.org • Center on Budget and Policy Priorities – cbpp.org • Kansas Action for Children – kac.org

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