The Missouri Temporary Assistance Program is an important source of support for families dealing with financial challenges in the state. Designed to help low-income families with children, this program offers temporary financial help while also focusing on helping participants gain independence through work and training opportunities.

Missouri's TANF program is all about giving families the tools they need to move away from needing assistance to stand on their own. By providing both immediate financial aid and access to skills development, the Missouri Temporary Assistance Program plays an important role in helping families build a stronger, more stable future.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for Missouri's Temporary Assistance Program, there are specific requirements you need to meet. This includes:

Family and Age Requirements:

You should be a parent or guardian of a child under 18, or if the child is in high school, they should be expected to graduate before turning 19.

Residency and Resources:

You must live in Missouri and your family can't own resources worth more than $1,000, not counting your home and one car.

Income Limits:

Your family's income should not exceed the set limit for the program.

Social Security Numbers:

Everyone in your household must have a Social Security Number, or you must agree to apply for one.

Drug Use and Testing:

You'll need to answer questions about illegal drug use and agree to a drug test if it's required.

If anyone in your household was convicted of a drug-related felony after August 22, 1996, or is running from the law or breaking probation or parole rules, they can't receive Temporary Assistance benefits.

How Long Can You Get Assistance?

Once you're approved, you can keep receiving help as long as you still meet the eligibility rules. But there's a time limit of 45 months that you can receive cash benefits, with some exceptions for teen parents, older adults, or those caring for a disabled family member.

Verification Process:

After you apply, the Family Support Division (FSD) will review your income, how much you own, the ages of your kids, and whether they live with you. They'll also look into the citizenship status of any non-citizens who provide their documents. Every year, they'll check your income and resources again, as well as the details for any new people in your household.

Using the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card

If you are approved for Temporary Assistance (TA) in Missouri, the Family Support Division will let you know in writing. It can take up to 10 days to process your application.

You will receive your Temporary Assistance benefit through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or direct deposit into your bank account, usually within 45 days of being approved. After that, your benefits will come every month. The amount you receive each month depends on how many people are in your family and what your family expenses are.

Your EBT card works like a debit card. You can use it to buy things your family needs at stores that accept EBT, or take out cash at ATMs. This makes using and managing your benefits easy and convenient.

TANF Application Instructions

To apply for the Temporary Assistance Program in Missouri, you need to follow a few steps:

Orientation Video:

The first thing you need to do is watch an orientation video. This video will give you an overview of the program and what's expected of you.This orientation video is available to watch on the Missouri Department of Social Services website.

Application:

Next, decide how you want to apply. You can apply online, or if you prefer to fill out a paper application, you can download and print it out.

Additional Forms:

Along with your application, you need to fill out a few more forms:

• Temporary Assistance Orientation Acknowledgement: This shows you've watched the orientation video.
• Personal Responsibility Plan: This plan outlines what you'll do to work towards self-sufficiency.
• Child Support Forms: These are needed to help the state collect child support for you.

Submit Your Application:

Once you have everything ready, you can submit your forms in several ways:

• Online: Go to mydssupload.mo.gov and upload your documents there.
• Mail: Send everything to
  Family Support Division

  P.O. Box 2700

  Jefferson City, MO 65102.

  • Fax: You can also fax your forms to 573-526-9400.

Pick the method that's easiest for you. Whether you apply online or send in your forms, make sure you've completed all the required paperwork to ensure your application is processed smoothly.

The Missouri Temporary Assistance Program provides essential support to families navigating financial challenges, particularly those with children. By offering temporary financial aid, the program aims to bridge the gap for low-income families, helping them to meet their basic needs while encouraging steps towards self-sufficiency.

The program emphasizes the importance of personal growth and development, requiring adults to participate in work-related activities, creating a path to independence. Through its comprehensive approach, the Missouri Temporary Assistance Program plays an important role in supporting families on their journey towards stability and self-reliance, strengthening the community as a whole.