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.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.
Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.
In Missouri, the TANF program is known as Temporary Assistance (TA). To learn more about TA and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the Missouri TA website here.
Temporary Assistance (TA) provides temporary cash assistance to financially support families in need. The TA program also provides eligible families with work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment.
For more information on the services, the TA program provides to participating families, review the Missouri TA website here.
TA and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS). While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, TA benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.
To learn more about the restrictions on TA expenditures, visit the TA website here.
Both TA and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. However, TA benefits can be transferred directly into a participant’s bank account or withdrawn from an approved ATM. Food Assistance benefits cannot.
Many TA participants also qualify for Food Assistance due to the low-income requirement of both programs. For more information about Food Assistance, click here.
To apply for Food Assistance and/or TA, visit the MyDSS portal here.
If you have questions about TA or Food Assistance, call the Department of Social Services at 1 (855) 373-4636.
The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources.
Families can receive these benefits for up to 48 months throughout their lifetime.
Learn more information about TA and benefits in Missouri here.
To qualify for TA in Missouri, you must meet the following requirements:
To learn more about who can receive TA benefits, click here.
Before you apply for Temporary Assistance in Missouri, complete the following two steps:
Learn about the TA eligibility requirements here.
To apply for TA online, create an account on the MyDSS portal here and fill out the virtual application form.
To apply for TA in person, click here to find the nearest Missouri Family Support Office location.
To apply for TA by fax, fill out the Application for Temporary Assistance Cash Benefits found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to 1 (573) 526-9400.
To apply for TA by email, fill out the Application for Temporary Assistance Cash Benefits and send it with copies of your necessary documents to FSD.Documents@dss.mo.gov.
To apply for TA by mail, fill out the Application for Temporary Assistance Cash Benefits and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the following address:
Family Support DivisionPO Box 2700Jefferson City, MO 65102
If you have any further questions about the application process, call the Missouri Department of Social Services at 1 (855) 373-4636.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
You should receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Social Services with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits, if you are eligible.
If you have a valid bank account listed on your application, your TA benefits will be deposited within 45 days of when you receive your application date. Otherwise, you will receive an EBT card in the mail.
Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.
Learn more information about how to use your EBT card and how benefits will be distributed here.
If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call 1 (855) 373-4636.
If you do not agree with the TA benefit decision given to you by the Missouri Department of Social Services, 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 Office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You may also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to complete the appeal form that is included with your determination letter.
To file an appeal by phone, call 1 (855) 373-4636.
For help with obtaining Temporary Assistance, or for any further questions about your application, call the I Missouri Department of Social Services at 1 (855) 373-4636.
To send the Missouri Department of Social Services information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to 1 (866) 434-8278 or mail them to the following address:
Family Support Division
PO Box 2700
Jefferson City, MO 65102
You can also visit or call a local Family Support 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 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 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 TANF Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.