Missouri TANF

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

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.

If you do not meet the work requirements within six weeks, your TA benefits will be reduced by fifty percent. All benefits would be cut off after an additional 10 weeks of non-compliance.

FAQ

Do I qualify for welfare in Missouri?

The Missouri Department of Social Services announced plans to adopt SteadyIQ , a service that simplifies the process of applying for benefits like Medicaid, SNAP or TANF. ¹

To qualify for welfare in Missouri, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
2. Be a resident of the state of Missouri.
3. Be unemployed or under employed for very low wages.
4. Be pregnant or have a child under age 19.
5. Have countable income within certain limits .

To be considered low-income, you must not have more than $1,000 in countable resources at the time of application.

How much do I get for TANF in Missouri?

In Missouri, TANF benefits vary by household size, income, and available resources. A family of three with little or no income may receive up to $292 per month.²

How long can I receive TANF in Missouri?

TANF cash assistance is intended to be a temporary means of support while families work towards self-sufficiency. Under the law, receipt of cash assistance in Missouri is limited to no more than 45 months.

How do I apply for TANF in Missouri?

Applications for Missouri TANF can be made in person at your local Family Support Division (FSD) office ³ or online through Missouri myDSS  for expedited processing. ⁴

If your application is approved, you will receive payment through direct deposit to your bank account or on the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card within 45 days.

Missouri Department of Social Services
Family Support Division (FSD)
(855) 373-4636

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in Missouri?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Missouri, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

• A valid photo ID
• Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
• Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
• Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
• Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
• Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
• Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
• Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact myDSS (DSS) at (855) 373-4636 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

Does Missouri drug test welfare recipients?

Missouri requires applicants age 18 or older to answer questions about possible drug use, which may lead to a drug test. If you refuse to co-operate, you will be ineligible for TA benefits for three years.

What is a diversion with TANF in Missouri?

If you need short-term help rather than long-term ongoing cash assistance, you may request for one-time lump sum amount equal to 3 months of TA benefits.

However, this lump-sum cash payment can be given only once in a 12-month period to those with a verified or validated reason that qualifies as a “good cause.”