Food & Nutrition

Missouri Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Missouri pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card). This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Missouri to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Missouri SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once known as Food Stamps, is run by the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS). DSS offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in Missouri?

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DSS eligibility specialist can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Missouri SNAP:

Fill out an application: You can apply for Missouri SNAP online or by mail, email, or fax. You can also drop off an application in person. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process and secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: You must take part in a phone interview with a DSS eligibility specialist once your local office receives your application.
Wait for a decision: Most Missouri SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your new EBT card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for SNAP, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

All applicants must be a resident of Missouri.
All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen.
All able-bodied adults, with certain exceptions, must register for work and accept suitable employment.
The household must meet certain income and resource limits.
All applicants must have a Social Security number (or proof they have applied for one).

The amount of money you will get in Missouri SNAP benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

What are the Missouri SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross and net income households can earn and still get SNAP benefits. In Missouri, most households must meet a gross income limit of 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households with a member who is age 60+ or receives disability payments must only meet a net income limit of 100% FPL.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. Common deductions include:

20% earned income deduction
Standard deduction based on household size
Dependent care deduction
Certain medical expenses for older household members (60+) or members with a disability
Legally owed child support payments
Allowable deductions for utilities, rent, and mortgage/interest/property taxes

What are the Missouri SNAP resource (asset) limits?

Resources do not include your home, vehicle(s), life insurance, burial plots or prepaid burials, personal property that does not bring in an income, savings and pension plans, Indian and Alaskan Native payments, or any resources you do not have access to.

The resource limit for most households is $2,750, and $4,250 if at least one member of your household is age 60+ or has a disability.

How do I prepare to apply?

When you apply for SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather some basic information to make your application process easier:

Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members
Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs
Child care or dependent care costs
Medical costs (if you are age 60+ or have a disability)

Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

Driver's license or other government-issued ID
Birth certificate
Bank statements
Pension statements
Social Security statements
Pay stubs
Tax returns
Social Security card
Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)
Marriage license or divorce decree
For those age 60+ or with a disability: billing statements, mileage or transportation costs to/from medical appointments, itemized receipts for medical expenses (prescription drugs, medical supplies, etc.)

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative by completing an Authorized Representative form.

How do I apply for SNAP in Missouri?

There are several ways to apply for Missouri SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through the FDS Benefits Portal. You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply in the FDS Benefits Portal

To apply online:

Visit the FSD Benefits Portal.
- If you have an account already, click ‘Login’ and enter your username and password.
- If you do not have an account, click ‘Sign up’ and follow the steps to create one. Then, return to the portal home page and sign into your account. (Note: You can apply for SNAP without creating an account, but we strongly recommend you do. This will allow you to easily manage your benefits online if you are approved.)
Once you have successfully logged in, click on ‘Apply for SNAP.’
On the next screen, click ‘Apply Online.’
Follow the prompts to complete the SNAP application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes (but you can save your progress and come back if you need to).

Tips for success:

Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information.
If you need translation services, call 1-855-373-4636 and ask for a translator. Call TTY/TDD 1-800-735-2966/1-800-735-2466 for American Sign Language (ASL).
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for more guidance on creating an account and using the portal.

APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR FAX

To apply in person, by mail, or by fax, you will first need a paper application. Below, you will find the Missouri SNAP application that you can download and print out at home:

To apply in person, take the completed application to the nearest DSS office. To apply by mail, you can mail the completed SNAP application to:

Family Support Division
P.O. Box 2700
Jefferson City, MO 65102

To apply for Missouri SNAP by fax, fax the completed application to 1-573-526-9400.

If you are unable to print out a form, contact DSS at 1-855-373-4636 to have one mailed to you.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get Missouri SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. You can receive expedited (faster) SNAP assistance if you answer “yes” to at least one of the following conditions:

Does your household expect to receive less than $150 in income this month and have $100 or less available in cash and/or in a bank account?
Does your household have rent/mortgage and/or utility costs that are more than your total income, available cash, and bank accounts for this month?
Does your household include a migrant or seasonal farm worker whose income has stopped and whose available cash and bank accounts do not exceed $100?

Need food today? Visit the Feeding Missouri website to find local resources while you wait for your Missouri SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your Missouri SNAP application. You can:

Contact DSS at 1-855-373-4636.
Call the Feeding Missouri SNAP Outreach team at 1-573-355-1204, or call the Harvesters SNAP Helpline at 1-877-653-9522.
Reach out to Metro Lutheran Ministry by calling 1-816-931-0027 or by emailing info@mlmkc.org.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Missouri?

It can take up to 30 days for DSS to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After you submit your application, DSS will call you during normal business hours to have an interview over the phone. If you miss this call, you can call them back at 1-855-823-4908.

Note: To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from DSS, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DSS eligibility specialist can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will get a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

You can check your SNAP application status anytime by logging in to your FDS Benefits Portal account.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for Missouri SNAP, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). SNAP certification periods in Missouri typically range from 12 to 24 months. You will be required to complete a mid-certification and a recertification each year you get SNAP to make sure your household is still eligible.

When will I receive my EBT card?

Once you are approved for SNAP, you will get your EBT card in the mail within 5 to 7 days. Going forward, benefits will be deposited into your account on the same day each month based on your birth month and the first letter of your last name.

Other important tips to know

What if my Missouri SNAP application is denied?

If your application for SNAP is denied, and you disagree with the reason, you can appeal DSS’ decision and request a hearing. The hearing will give you the chance to explain why the decision made for your case is wrong. You must request a hearing within 90 days of the date of the notice denying your SNAP eligibility.

How can I view my SNAP benefits information?

You can sign into your FDS Benefits Portal account anytime to:

Check the status of your SNAP application
Report changes
Renew your benefits
View all your notifications

How do I manage my Missouri EBT card?

To create or change your EBT card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, call the EBT vendor Help Desk at 1-800-997-7777(or the number on the back of your card).

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

You must report certain changes that can impact your SNAP benefit amount. Changes must be reported by the 10th day of the month after the change happens. These include:

Changes in your income (new job, increase in wages)
Lottery or gambling winnings of more than $4,250 in a single game
If you, or a member of your household (age 18 to 52), who is able to work, decreases the number of hours they are working (or in training), below 20 hours per week

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Missouri?

You must renew your Missouri SNAP benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.

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