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DCF has been notified that federal funding was approved for the 2026 Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) season. LIEAP helps eligible Kansas households pay a portion of their primary home heating costs during the winter season with a one-time per year benefit.
Applications will not be accepted until 8 a.m. on Jan. 20, 2026, and must be received by DCF by 5 p.m. on March 31, 2026.
Preparing for winter heating needs early and exploring alternative resources is encouraged until the application period opens. Stay informed by visiting LIEAP.dcf.ks.gov, following our social media pages, and reading future updates here in DCF Direct.
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The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has implemented changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Assistance effective Nov. 1, 2025, as required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 that was signed into federal law earlier this year.
Changes to Work Requirements
- Increased Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs) work requirements to age 64 (formerly 54).
- Changed the definition of “dependent child” to those youth under the age of 14 (formerly under 18).
- Removed exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans, and those 24 years old and younger who aged out of foster care.
- Established new exemptions for “an Indian,” “Urban Indian,” and “California Indian” as defined in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
- Individuals who are subject to these rules may lose benefits if they do not meet the new work requirements. Households affected by these changes should have received notification from DCF with information about the new requirements and how to report any changes.
Changes to Immigration Status Verification
Eligibility for SNAP Food Assistance is limited to individuals who reside in the United States and meet certain citizenship requirements. Immigration status will be verified through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system for any household member who is a non-citizen to determine their eligibility.
Kansans who are receiving SNAP Food Assistance can view their benefit and case information by logging into the DCF Self-Service Portal on the DCF website (dcf.ks.gov). Click on “Login” on desktop, or “Apply for Services” on mobile.
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DCF determines eligibility for certain programs such as SNAP Food Assistance, TANF Cash Assistance, and Child Care Assistance through the collection of accurate applicant data.
For Kansans receiving benefits, certain changes must be reported as they occur to help keep benefit amounts accurate. Inaccurate case information may result in a household having to repay benefits or a benefit fraud investigation.
The easiest way for Kansans to report changes is through the DCF Self-Service Portal, a convenient online option to manage benefit information.
Not sure which changes need to be reported? Learn more on the DCF Reporting Requirements web page.
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Prevention Efforts Save Millions in FY 2025
In early December, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt announced in a Kansas Department of Insurance (KDOI) news release that state efforts have prevented more than $4.97 million from going to bad actors through the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act.
“When an adult experiences financial exploitation, the impact reaches far beyond lost assets. It can erode the core foundations of life—autonomy, trust, and self-confidence,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “We are committed to partnering with state and local agencies to protect vulnerable adults and connect them to resources for lasting recovery.”
Financial scams are everyone’s business. If you or someone you know has been scammed or may be at risk of exploitation, call the Kansas Protection Report Center hotline at 1-800-922-5330.
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Identity Theft
Don’t let your personal information fall into the hands of thieves! Make sure to protect identifying information that bad actors can use to commit fraud including personal identification numbers (PINs) for credit, debit and EBT cards, Social Security numbers and passwords. Learn more about protecting your private information and identity theft here.
Skimming Scams
Skimming devices are created to look like the sales terminal they are placed on and steal card information from cards inserted or swiped on the machine. Thieves can then use this data to commit financial fraud. Both EBT cards and credit/debit cards are at risk to this threat. Be sure to double check any point-of-sale machines for a skimming device. Learn more about identifying skimming devices here.
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Did You Know? DCF Offers a Social Work Practicum Program!
PPS Student Services attends internship and career fairs to help prepare students pursuing social work and other degrees with relevant hands-on learning in their field of study.
Student Services, established in 2022, supports up to 80 paid practicums and internships across the state.
Yesenia Ceja-Ramirez, Northeast Region Student Services supervisor, is pictured here preparing for a recent Washburn University Practicum and Internship Fair.
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In 2024, DCF’s Community Engagement Team set ambitious goals to think bigger, try new approaches and deepen their connections across Kansas. Each event was thoughtfully planned to reach Kansans in their communities in fun, creative, meaningful and resource-driven ways.
By collaborating with partners, we were able to engage a diverse population of Kansans, reinforcing DCF’s commitment to creating stronger connections between DCF and Kansas communities.
What an incredible experience to witness community members connect directly with service providers—moments that reflect the heart of why we do this work.
Together, we’ve made meaningful strides—and we cannot wait to build on this momentum and bring Together Kansas events to a community near you in 2026!
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DCF Employee Recognized as Multidisciplinary Partner of the Year
DCF employee, Francesca Ruelas, was recently awarded one of two Multidisciplinary Partner of the Year awards from the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC).
As a member of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), Francesca works to support families and children alongside community partners including law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, mental health and medical professionals and the CAC.
The CAC provides a safe place for forensic interviews for physical and sexual abuse cases. MDT professionals collaborate to support cases that require involvement from multiple agencies.
By working together, DCF and our partners are better able to support and advocate for the children and families we serve. Help us celebrate this spirit of collaboration by congratulating Francesca on DCF’s Facebook page and sharing your support.
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Quick Access to Resources
View DCF's helpful Resources for Kansans one-page digital sheet for quick connections.
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Upcoming DCF Holiday Closures
- Dec. 25, 2025 – Christmas
- Jan. 1, 2026 - New Year's Day
- Jan. 19, 2026 - Martin Luther King, Jr Day
The Kansas Protection Report Center (KPRC) will remain open. Contact the KPRC at 1-800-922-5330 to report suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation of a child or vulnerable adult.
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DCF's mission is to protect children, strengthen families and promote adult self-sufficiency. |
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