If you live in Kansas and are experiencing difficulties providing for your household, you may qualify for cash assistance. The cash assistance program, also known as welfare, is overseen by the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. If you qualify for Kansas welfare, you may be entitled to benefits for up to 60 months. For most families, the cash benefit amount ranges from $224 to $497 or more, as of 2011. The exact amount varies based on total household income and the county in which you reside.

Instructions

1. Ensure you have at least one child in your home who is under the age of 18. The child does not have to be biologically yours. You only have to be related to the child, such as a grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle or cousin. If you are pregnant, you also qualify, even if there are no other children living in the home.
   If there are no children living in your home, your only other option is the "General Assistance" program. To receive General Assistance benefits, you must be disabled. General Assistance benefits can only be received for 12 or 24 months. The maximum amount of General Assistance you can receive monthly is $100.
2. Verify that your total household income is within the federal poverty level (FPL) guidelines. The FPL guidelines vary based on the number of people living in your home in comparison to total household income. The FPL guidelines chart is available on the Poverty Guidelines web page of the United States Department of Health and Human Services website. The chart is updated yearly.
3. Add up your total household resources. To qualify for Kansas welfare, your total household assets and resources can not exceed $2,000, based on 2011 guidelines. Your home and car do not count toward the resource limit.
4. Complete an application for benefits if you meet all of the aforementioned qualifications. Applications are accessible online via the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services website or by visiting a Social and Rehabilitation Services office in person. Office locations are also listed on the agency's website.
   Include with your application proof of identity, proof of income, proof of assets, as well as the birth certificates and Social Security numbers of each person living in your home. Your application will be reviewed by a caseworker to determine whether you are approved for benefits.