SNAP and food help for older adults in Missouri

SNAP (the Food Stamp Program)

Easier rules when someone is 60 or older

When someone in your home is 60 or older or disabled:

• Only the net income test. You must pass only the test on income after deductions, not the gross income test. For one person, the net limit is $1,330 a month (October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027).
• Medical deduction. Out-of-pocket medical costs over $35 a month can be deducted. Keep receipts.
• Housing costs. There is no cap on the housing cost deduction.
• Savings. Your household can have up to $4,750 in countable resources.

What does not count as a resource

Missouri's Family Support Division does not count:

• Your home.
• One car.
• Life insurance.
• Some retirement plans.

How to apply for SNAP

1. Apply online through formsportal.mo.gov (linked from dss.mo.gov/food-assistance), or print a paper application.
2. Send proof (such as income and medical bills) through the upload site, mydssupload.mo.gov, by mail to Family Support Division, P.O. Box 2700, Jefferson City, MO 65102, or by fax to 573-526-9400.
3. Do the interview. FSD will call you. If you miss the call, call 855-823-4908 to do your interview.
4. Get a decision. Most people hear back within 30 days.

After you are approved

• Benefits come on an EBT card each month.
• Report changes and return renewal papers when FSD asks, or benefits can stop.
• If you think a decision is wrong, you can ask for a hearing. Call 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636) or visit a Resource Center. Your notice gives the deadline.

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CSFP: monthly senior food boxes

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program gives a box of USDA foods each month to people 60 and over. DHSS runs it with five Feeding America food banks, which pack the food, and local partner groups, which hand it out.

Who qualifies

• Age 60 or older.
• Live in Missouri.
• Income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.

You do not need proof of income. You tell the site what your income is.

How to sign up

1. Find a site. Use the CSFP Site Map on the DHSS CSFP page at health.mo.gov.
2. Go in person to the distribution site.
3. Bring proof of age, such as a birth certificate, state ID, driver's license, passport, insurance policy, medical record, military record or voter registration card.
4. Bring proof you live in Missouri, such as a utility bill in your name, a driver's license, a letter addressed to you, or a Social Security document.

You can get CSFP and SNAP at the same time.

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Senior meals

Missouri's 10 Area Agencies on Aging offer group meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals for people who have trouble getting out. Call the Senior Resource Line at 1-800-235-5503 and enter your ZIP code to reach yours.

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Things people miss

• Report medical costs. The medical deduction can raise your SNAP amount. Keep pharmacy receipts and doctor bills and send them in.
• CSFP is easy to get. There are no income papers to bring, only proof of age and address.
• Do not miss the SNAP interview. If FSD's call does not reach you, call 855-823-4908 yourself.
• Savings rarely block older households. Your home, car and life insurance are not counted.

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Free help

• Family Support Division: 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636).
• SNAP interview line: 855-823-4908.
• Senior Resource Line: 1-800-235-5503.

For other programs, see all benefits in Missouri. If you get SSI or Social Security, have your award letter ready when you apply.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Missouri agencies

Check what you may qualify for