Youth who have aged out of foster care may be eligible for a variety of programs, financial assistance, and support services. Explore the resources below to learn more about available assistance and how to apply.
Project Life Housing Program
The Project Life Housing Program provides eligible former foster youth ages 18½–23 with up to 12 months of rental assistance and case management services. Participants must be employed.
For more information or to apply, contact your Regional Transitional Living Specialist.
Family Unification Program (FUP)
The Family Unification Program (FUP) provides eligible former foster youth ages 18–24 with up to 36 months of rental assistance. Youth must be at risk of homelessness to qualify. The program is available only in select cities.
For more information, contact your Regional Transitional Living Specialist.
Chafee Aftercare Services
Former foster youth ages 18–23 may be eligible for financial assistance with a variety of needs, including:
Crisis and hardship assistance
Driver’s education and identification documents
Transportation
Work-related clothing and supplies
Tutoring
College registration and orientation fees
Moving expenses and furniture
Delinquent college bills
Housing and utility deposits
Rental payments
For more information or to apply, contact your Regional Transitional Living Specialist.
RISE Funds
RISE Funds provide crisis and hardship assistance to eligible former foster youth for essential goods and services, including:
Housing: Security deposits, rental payments, utility deposits, utility bills, and emergency housing
Furniture
Food
Personal care: Toiletries and hygiene products
Transportation: Car repairs, past-due or initial car insurance payments, bus passes, and gas cards
Education: Delinquent school bills, tuition, and program fees
Immigration: Expenses related to immigration applications
Eligible youth include:
Ages 23–25 who aged out of foster care
Ages 18–25 who were adopted from foster care at age 16 or older
Ages 18–25 who exited foster care between ages 16 and 17
Ages 18–25 who are undocumented and exited foster care between ages 16 and 21
For more information or to apply, contact your Regional Transitional Living Specialist.
Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
Youth ages 18–26 may be eligible for the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program, which provides up to $5,000 per year to help cover the costs of attending college or completing a vocational training program. Additional supports and services may also be available to help participants succeed.
To qualify, youth must:
Have been in state custody on their 18th birthday or have been adopted from foster care at age 16 or older
Be enrolled in an accredited postsecondary education or training program and be in good standing
Demonstrate financial need
For more information, visit the Kentucky ETV Program website.
Tuition Waiver for Foster and Adopted Children
The Kentucky Tuition Waiver covers tuition and mandatory student fees for eligible foster and adopted youth attending undergraduate or graduate programs at Kentucky public postsecondary institutions. Eligible institutions include four-year universities and colleges, as well as institutions within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).
Students may attend full-time or part-time and must meet the institution’s admission requirements and maintain academic eligibility.
Additional requirements include:
The waiver must be activated within four years of high school graduation or obtaining a high school equivalency diploma.
The waiver is valid for up to 150 earned credit hours or until the student turns 28, whichever comes first.
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
To apply, complete the DPP-333 Tuition Waiver for Foster and Adopted Children form and submit it to the college’s financial aid office. Applications should be submitted at least six weeks before classes begin.
Youth Villages’ LifeSet program helps young people work toward their goals through individualized, one-on-one support from a specialist. The program empowers youth to build the skills and resources needed to achieve their goals and transition successfully into adulthood.
Service area: Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Covington, and surrounding areas within approximately 60 miles.
Eligible youth include:
Youth ages 17–21 who are currently committed to DCBS
Youth ages 18–22 who exited DCBS custody:
On or after their 18th birthday; or
Through reunification, adoption, or permanent relative custody after age 16
For more information, email KYLIFESET@youthvillages.org.
Visit the Youth Villages LifeSet website to learn more.
Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Youth
Youth who age out of foster care may be eligible for Medicaid coverage until their 26th birthday.
To help maintain coverage, youth should:
Complete any required renewal or eligibility steps.
Notify Medicaid when their address changes.
Respond promptly to requests for information to help prevent interruptions in coverage.
For more information or assistance, email KYRise@ky.gov.