Missouri, MO

Missouri Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) #

Missouri TANF, also known as Temporary Assistance (TA) in Missouri, provides temporary cash benefits to low-income families with dependent children.

The amount depends upon the family’s income, resources, and living arrangements — up to $292 a month for a family of three with no income.

Those receiving benefits are required to participate in work activities through the Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) program for a minimum number of hours per week, unless there is a good cause.

How do I apply for cash assistance in Missouri?

Applications for Temporary Assistance can be made online through Missouri myDSS or in person at the local Family Support Division (FSD) office that serves your area.

Missouri Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) #

Missouri SNAP helps eligible Missourians, children and families, who may be working but are still struggling financially, to buy food and provide nutritional meals for themselves.

Eligibility is determined by certain factors, primarily your income and household size. In general, families with income less than 130% of the federal poverty level may qualify for SNAP benefits.

What is the income limit for SNAP in Missouri?

Gross income limit applies to most households, except those in which at least one person is 60 years of age or older, or receives disability income.

How do I sign up for food stamps in Missouri?

Applications for SNAP can only be made in person at your local FSD office. An interview will then be scheduled to verify and review your application.

Missouri Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) #

Missouri's Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a food assistance program that help improves the nutrient intake of Missourians by providing reimbursement for meals that meet minimum nutritional standards served in approved facilities.

The program assures that nutritious meals and snacks are served to children enrolled in child care centers, family child care homes, after school programs, as well as eligible adults in emergency shelters, and adult day care programs.

To apply for participation of the CACFP in Missouri, you must complete all three steps outlined here. If you have any questions about the program, call the toll-free number 800-733-6251.

Missouri MO HealthNet #

Medicaid expansion coverage is in effect in Missouri. Medicaid expansion now extends coverage through the state's program — dubbed MO HealthNet to adults under age 65 with household income up to 138% of the poverty level.

MO HealthNet for Kids
For children with family incomes up to 305% of poverty, or about $75,820 for a family of three.

MO HealthNet for Pregnant Women and Newborns
Incomes less than 305% of poverty, or about $75,820 for a family of three.

MO HealthNet for Families (MHF)
Limited to parents with incomes below 138% of poverty, or about $34,310 a year for a family of three.

What is the maximum income to qualify for Medicaid in Missouri?

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

How do I apply for Medicaid in Missouri?

Missouri residents can sign up for Medicaid either online through Missouri myDSS, by phone, through the mail, or in person at the nearest designated Family Support Division.

If you applied online or need assistance with an online application, call

FSD Contact Center
855-373-9994

Missouri Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) #

Missouri Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible Missouri families with children under age 13 (or children with special needs) pay for child care.

The program pays for part of the child care costs on a sliding fee scale, and you co-pay for a portion based on the size of the family, the amount of your income, and the number of children in care.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Missouri?

Families are eligible for child care assistance if their household income is less than 150% of the federal poverty level or $3,108 per month for a family of three.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 2 $2,465
• 3 $3,108
• 4 $3,750
• 5 $4,393
• 6 $5,035
• 7 $5,678
• 8 $6,320

How do I apply for child care assistance in Missouri?

Applications for Child Care Assistance can be done online through Missouri myDSS or in person at the local Family Support Division office that serves your area.

Funding is limited and there is often a waiting list in place. To check your eligibility, you may contact your local Family Support Division (FSD) office at 1-855-373-4636.

Missouri Transitional Child Care #

When your income goes above the limit for the Child Care Assistance Program, Missouri may still pay a portion of your child care costs through Transitional Child Care.

Parents who work, attend school, or train for work with an income from 151 to 242 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for Transitional Child Care.

If deemed eligible, you will receive a letter from the Family Support Division (FSD) and you must complete the application and return it to your FSD office before the due date.

For assistance with your application, please contact
Family Support Division
1-855-FSD-INFO

Missouri Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) #

Missouri's Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a special supplemental nutrition program for pregnant, breast feeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5 who meet the income eligibility guidelines.

Fathers, grandparents, guardians, and foster parents may also apply for WIC benefits for the children living in their household.

In order to qualify for WIC, you must be a resident of the state of Missouri and be individually determined by a health professional to be “at nutritional risk”.

What is the income limit for WIC in Missouri?

WIC is open to Missouri families with a household income less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $2,248
• 2 $3,040
• 3 $3,833
• 4 $4,625
• 5 $5,418
• 6 $6,210
• 7 $7,003
• 8 $7,795

How do I apply for WIC in Missouri?

To apply for WIC benefits, you must visit a WIC agency near you in person. If you need additional assistance finding a WIC agency, please contact

TEL-LINK
(800)-835-5465

Instead of paper checks, Missouri will be rolling out the WIC card, which will be called eWIC, in several waves between now and early 2020.

Missouri Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) #

Missouri LIHEAP is designed to assist eligible low-income households pay for their energy bills, providing a one-time payment to help pay their heating and cooling bills.

There are two components of Missouri LIHEAP

1. Energy Assistance (EA)
2. Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)

Through Energy Assistance (EA), eligible households will receive between $306 to $990 paid directly to the utility company. Priority is granted to the lowest-income households with the highest heating costs.

If your energy is shut off or is threatened to be shut off, you may qualify for additional help through the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) — up to $1,200 during summer or $1,600 for winter.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in Missouri?

Missouri operates LIHEAP program year round. You may apply for heating or cooling assistance from October through September. Call (855) 373-4636 to request an application be mailed to you. Completed application should be mailed to your local agency.

Missouri Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) #

Missouri LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program designed to help households and families who have fallen behind on their water and wastewater bills.

Households eligible for LIHWAP benefits will have a one-time credit of up to $750 applied to their water utilities account.

Priority is given to households facing the threat of disconnection, or those that have already been disconnected.

How can I get help with my water bill in Missouri?

LIHWAP is administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services. You will need to apply online at mydss.mo.gov/utility-assistance or call (855)-373-4636 to have the application mailed to you.

Missouri Unemployment Insurance #

Missouri Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own.

It is designed to provide temporary benefits to eligible claimants during times of unemployment when suitable work is not available.

In Missouri, the maximum benefit amount claimable is $320 per week. Eligible claimants may receive up to 20 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits through the state.

How do I file my weekly unemployment benefits in Missouri?

To file a claim for UI benefits, call the nearest Missouri Division of Employment Security Regional Claims Center at one of the following phone numbers:

• Jefferson City (573) 751-9040
• Kansas City (816) 889-3101
• Springfield (417) 895-6851
• St. Louis (314) 340-4950

The Internet claim filing system is also available 24 hours a day, except between 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and 12:31 a.m. on Sunday, CT. To file your claim using the Internet, click here.

Access Missouri #

Access Missouri is designed to give Missouri students with financial need the opportunity to attend schools of their preference, including public and private colleges & universities throughout Missouri.

Eligibility is based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC), with applicants with EFC of $12,000 or less eligible. The amount of the annual award varies each year based upon state appropriation to the fund.

To be considered for eligibility, file your FAFSA by April 1 — no separate application form required. Those who apply on or before February 1 are guaranteed an award.