Due to COVID-19, all state offices are now closed; however, anyone needing help through the Missouri Department of Social Services may call 1-855-FSD-INFO or visit the agency online.
Verification documents such as copies of identification cards, pay stubs or statements can temporarily be emailed to FSD.Documents@dss.mo.gov or faxed to 573-526-9400. Questions should not be sent to this email or fax number as the agency will not be able to respond.
FAMILY SUPPORT
DIVISION
The Family Support Division received approval to extend food stamp benefits for individuals up for recertification in March, April and May. Those benefits will be extended by six months and recipients do not need to call in or submit any verification.
The Family Support Division is waiving all work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents through the end the federal emergency COVID-19 declaration.
Once approved, DSS will issue Pandemic Food Stamp/Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (P-SNAP) benefits, which will allow all households currently eligible for SNAP to receive the maximum amount for their household size for March and April. Anyone who is currently eligible for SNAP will automatically receive P-SNAP.
Also to be offered is a Pandemic EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) (P-EBT).
P-EBT is a temporary SNAP benefit available while schools are closed for households with children who receive free and reduced lunch at school. You do not already have to receive SNAP to get this benefit.
MO HEALTHNET
Participants will have access to telehealth. There will be no co-pays for COVID-19 testing for MO HealthNet participants.
Consistent with the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, effective immediately, the Department of Social Services will not terminate eligibility for any Medicaid participant unless the individual requests a voluntary termination of eligibility or the individual ceases to be a resident of the state through the end the federal emergency COVID-19 declaration.
MO HealthNet coverage will be extended to Missourians ages 19-64 who test positive for COVID-19 and meet the income and resource eligibility guidelines. Income is not to exceed 85 percent of the federal poverty level. The resource limits are $4,000 for individuals and $8,000 couples.
MO HealthNet is relaxing requirements related to prescription refills and prior authorizations to ensure participants have access to essential medications.
CHILD CARE
Licensed child care subsidy provider agreements are extended through July 31, and registered child care subsidy benefits are extended for 90 days.
The Child Care Subsidy program will work on a case-by-case basis to approve additional hours of care for families affected by COVID-19.
Child Care Subsidy provider application renewals are extended for 90 days, and child care subsidy providers who choose to close their daycare need to notify the Children’s Division.
CHILDREN’S DIVISION
If you are concerned for a child’s safety, call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-3738. This toll-free telephone line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
For the safety of children in foster care and to help minimize the risk of exposure, all visits between parents and children in foster care will be virtual for the next 60 days. These virtual visits should happen at least twice per week, as appropriate, and more frequently if possible.
