How To Apply For Missouri Food Stamps

View the information below if you are interested in applying for food stamps in Missouri. It is important that you have all the documentation and information needed so the application process is not delayed. If you still have questions or issues about applying for food stamps, known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), then you can call the Missouri SNAP hotline at 855-373-4636. The department that handles this program is called the Missouri Department of Social Services.

Missouri food stamps eligibility requirements

The applicant must be a Missouri resident. To be considered low-income, the members of the applicant's household cannot own resources valued at more than $2,250 at application, excluding the primary home, vehicles, burial plots, life insurance, prepaid burials, non-income producing real and personal property, Indian and Alaskan Native payments, savings & pension plans, and resources they do not have access to. There are times that governmental payments, contracts and notes will also be excluded. If everyone in the household is age 60 or over, or disabled, the resource limit is $3,250.

A household member convicted after August 22, 1996 in a Federal or State court of a felony or any crime related to illegal possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance may be eligible for Food Stamp benefits for themselves if certain exemptions apply. A household member who is a fleeing felon and is in violation of a condition of probation or parole imposed under a Federal or State Law will not receive Food Stamp benefits for themselves.
The applicant must either have or agree to apply for Social Security numbers for all household members or that household member will not receive Food Stamp benefits for themselves. To see if you qualify for Missouri food stamp benefits, try their prescreening eligibility tool. For further assistance with applying for benefits, visit your local FSD Resource Center.

How to apply for Missouri food stamps

Anyone may apply for food stamp benefits. The Family Support Division is required to verify certain information when processing food stamp applications. If you can provide this information with your application, FSD may be able to make a decision about your application quicker. If you don't have this information, FSD can help you get it. You may also review helpful information for completing your food stamp application. To download a copy of the Missouri food stamp application, English version - Spanish version.

You can also call 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636) and ask them to send you an application or visit a FSD Resource Center. Once completed, you can mail, fax, or drop off your application to your local FSD Resource Center. Or if you prefer, you can apply online by clicking here.

After the Family Support Division receives your application, you will be contacted for an interview. Once the interview is complete, the Family Support Division will determine if you are eligible for food stamp benefits. If you are eligible, food stamp benefits will be loaded to your Missouri Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card automatically each month as long as you qualify to receive food stamp benefits.

How can I check on my food stamp application?

It can take up to 30 days for a food stamp application to be processed. You can check the status of your application by calling 800-392-1261. Help is available through this automated phone line 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How long does it take to get food stamp benefits?

You will typically know if you are eligible for food stamp benefits within 30 days. In some emergency cases, you can get food stamp benefits in seven days or less. To see if this applies to you, please review Section 2 of the food stamp application. You may also tell FSD the questions in this section apply to you when you submit your application.

Where can I get help for my family while I am waiting on approval for food stamp benefits?

For immediate assistance, you can contact United Way 211 by dialing 2-1-1 on a landline telephone or 800-427-4626 from a mobile phone. They will be able to provide you with a list of food pantries and other community services in your area. You may also search for a food pantry location in your area. 

How are food stamp benefits calculated?

The food stamp benefit amount is determined by a few factors, including the size of your household and your household’s income.

Income limits and food stamp benefits

Maximum Allowable Household Monthly Income Limits and Maximum Monthly Food Stamp Benefits.

*A household is the number of related and unrelated people that usually prepare and share food together in the same house.

**Applicants must meet Federal Regulations regarding gross and net income limits for all household members.