While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy in the form of monthly benefits.
SNAP uses Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to distribute the benefits.
The Missouri SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Missouri Family Support Division. Learn more about SNAP on the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) website here.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase approved food items. These include:
See a more comprehensive list of what you can buy with SNAP benefits here and a list of approved snacks and meal supplements here.
There are also food items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, including alcoholic beverages and hot prepared food. See a comprehensive list of what you cannot buy with SNAP benefits here.
SNAP provides monthly benefits, known as an allotment, to eligible households. The allotment amount you can receive is based on 1) the number of people in your household and 2) your household income.
To calculate your allotment amount, multiply your household’s net income by 0.3 and then subtract that number from the federal maximum monthly benefit amount in the table below.
| Household Number | Federal Maximum Allotment Per Month |
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,116 |
| 6 | $1,339 |
| 7 | $1,480 |
| 8 | $1,691 |
| Each additional household member | +211 |
You have one year (365 days) to use your allotment or the benefits on your EBT card will be canceled.
To qualify for SNAP in Missouri, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about Missouri’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Missouri Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Missouri Department of Social Services website here. You can view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Missouri’s myDSS here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Missouri Family Support Division (FSD) office location.
To apply for SNAP by email, fill out the Application for Food Stamp Benefits here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to FSD.Documents@dss.mo.gov.
To apply for SNAP by fax, fill out the Application for Food Stamp Benefits and send it with copies of your necessary documents to 1 (573) 526-9400.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for Food Stamp Benefits and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the following address:
Family Support Division
P.O. Box 2700
Jefferson City, MO 65102
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Missouri Family Support Division at 1 (855) 373-4636.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
It can take up to 30 days for your SNAP application to be processed. After the Missouri Family Support Division receives your application, a caseworker will contact you for an eligibility interview.
You will receive a notice in the mail from the Missouri Family Support Division with your determination and benefit amount after your interview is concluded. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 5 days of your determination letter.
If documents are missing from your application, or the Family Support Division needs more information from you to finish processing your request, you will need to provide that information or documentation before your application can be processed. If you need help, your caseworker can help you obtain the necessary documents.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (800) 997-7777. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Missouri Family Support Division, you can appeal your decision in person, by phone, or by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Family Support Division office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. Find your nearest location here.
To file an appeal by phone, call 1 (855) 373-4636 or your local FSD office.
To file an appeal by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (800) 997-7777. You can also check your balance online here.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 5 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (855) 373-4636 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Missouri’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 432-4328.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Family Support Division office in Missouri.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Missouri Family Support Division at 1 (855) 373-4636.
To send the Missouri Family Support Division information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to 1 (573) 526-9400 or mail them using the following address:
Family Support Division
P.O. Box 2700
Jefferson City, MO 65102
You can also visit or call a local Family Support Division Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
Last Updated: September 25, 2022
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Missouri Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Missouri Department of Social Services website here. You can view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Missouri’s myDSS here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Missouri Family Support Division (FSD) office location.
To apply for SNAP by email, fill out the Application for Food Stamp Benefits here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to FSD.Documents@dss.mo.gov.
To apply for SNAP by fax, fill out the Application for Food Stamp Benefits and send it with copies of your necessary documents to 1 (573) 526-9400.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for Food Stamp Benefits and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the following address:
Family Support Division
P.O. Box 2700
Jefferson City, MO 65102
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Missouri Family Support Division at 1 (855) 373-4636.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
It can take up to 30 days for your SNAP application to be processed. After the Missouri Family Support Division receives your application, a caseworker will contact you for an eligibility interview.
You will receive a notice in the mail from the Missouri Family Support Division with your determination and benefit amount after your interview is concluded. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 5 days of your determination letter.
If documents are missing from your application, or the Family Support Division needs more information from you to finish processing your request, you will need to provide that information or documentation before your application can be processed. If you need help, your caseworker can help you obtain the necessary documents.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (800) 997-7777. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Missouri Family Support Division, you can appeal your decision in person, by phone, or by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Family Support Division office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. Find your nearest location here.
To file an appeal by phone, call 1 (855) 373-4636 or your local FSD office.
To file an appeal by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (800) 997-7777. You can also check your balance online here.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 5 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (855) 373-4636 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Missouri’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 432-4328.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Family Support Division office in Missouri.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Missouri Family Support Division at 1 (855) 373-4636.
To send the Missouri Family Support Division information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to 1 (573) 526-9400 or mail them using the following address:
Family Support Division
P.O. Box 2700
Jefferson City, MO 65102
You can also visit or call a local Family Support Division Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
Last Updated: September 25, 2022