FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — In his daily briefings, Gov. Andy Beshear has talked about the Kentucky Fund, which was set up to help people struggling because of the pandemic.
However, not a lot of details have been shared yet about who exactly qualifies to receive the money and how it will be handed out, so LEX 18 spoke with Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman to get some answers.
Coleman says so far the fund has racked up more than $2 million in donations, and that 100% of that money will go to people in need.
While the state works to process an unprecedented number of unemployment claims, Coleman says this money will provide another support.
“You will qualify to receive money from the Kentucky Fund if you were working before the pandemic and lost your job because of it or you lost wages or your hours were cut back, and if you or your family are living at 200% or below the federal poverty level,” said Coleman.
The Public Protection Cabinet is overseeing the fund to make sure it is used properly.
The money will be distributed by nonprofit group Community Action Kentucky. The Lt. Governor says in some cases CAK will pay directly for families’ rent, mortgage or utilities.
“We want to make sure that this reaches every corner of Kentucky. They do such impactful work in their communities that we wanted them to serve as the hands and feet of this mission,” said Coleman.
People will have to submit an application to receive money. Lt. Governor Coleman expects the process to move forward in the coming weeks.
Q: Should people be prepared to wait when it comes to the Kentucky fund as well and the application process? How long before they might hear back or actually receive some help?
A: "In terms of the wait time for the Team Kentucky Fund we are currently in the fundraising phase. Once we take on applications, it will be on a first come first serve basis and we will support all the families they can until it is gone,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman.
The application for the Kentucky Fund will soon be available on the Kentucky COVID-19 website and the Community Action Kentucky website.
