On this page you’ll find information and links to resources related to DCBS agency response to COVID-19 and its impact on our programs, services and the people we serve.
DCBS wants to thank clients and partners for their patience as we continue to serve families in a manner that keeps staff and customers safe.
General Information
Healthy at Work
Drive-thru testing locations and schedules
CHFS Office Closures
Family Support
New The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Stimulus
School delays and virtual learning environments due to the COVID-19 state of emergency led to the loss of free and reduced-price school meals for many Kentucky children. These children now can receive P-EBT for August and September through a program jointly offered by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Stimulus provides a card families can use to buy food to replace free school breakfasts and lunches for students participating in virtual learning for five or more consecutive days. Enrollment is automatic for children eligible to receive free or reduced-price school meals at schools participating in National School Lunch Program and for all students in Community Eligible Program schools.
For the months of August and September, eligible students will begin receiving P-EBT cards at the address provided by their school beginning in October through late November. Each child will receive a separate card. The benefit amount varies for each student.
More information on eligibility and program benefits:
Kentucky Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Family Support Office Hours
Our DCBS county Family Support offices have limited most in-person services in response to COVID-19. DCBS will continue to serve clients in several ways:
Online at the Benefind website
Phone:
(855) 306-8959![]( "Call: (855) 306-8959")
In addition to regular hours, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, Call Service lines will be open to assist clients with Medicaid, SNAP and other public assistance benefits from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Eastern time on Saturdays beginning March 28, 2020.
Family Support Documentation
Clients can drop off documentation at their local office or use the
statewide email inbox to assist with returning information for benefit application.
Individuals can submit clear, black and white pictures of requested documents and email. Please include the case name and case number, if available, in the email.
Read more:
Guidance for Limiting In-person Services at Family Support Offices
Child Care
Kentucky Child Care COVID-19 Response Resources for Providers and Families
COVID-19 All STARS Changes
All child care centers will remain at their current All STARS level.
- All level 2-5 STARS-rated child care centers will have their All STARS certificate expiration date extended by one year.
-
Exception: Child care centers with current All STARS certificate expiration dates in 2019 and through March 2021.
- The expiration dates for these centers will be extended by two years.
- Child care centers will be able to print their updated certificates via the Provider Portal.
- AQRs automatically will be approved. No documents are required from the child care centers for AQRs to be approved.
- This includes all backdated AQRs never finalized or submitted, due to the state of emergency.
- AQRs will be approved based on center STARS/licensure expiration month. If the expiration month has already passed, those AQRs will be processed in upcoming weeks.
Kentucky Child Care Reopening Guidelines
New 922 KAR 2:410E - Enhanced requirements for certified and licensed child care and limited duration child care programs as a result of a declared state of emergency.
New DCC-410 Child Care Mask Permission Form
On June 8, 2020, all Type II, certified and registered providers may reopen and on June 15, 2020, all center-based licensed child care programs and day camps may reopen. Reopening is subject to
Healthy At Work minimum requirements and
Requirements for Childcare Programs.
Parent/Guardian Agreement to Adhere to Social Distancing at Child Care Facilities