TANF in Missouri, also known as Temporary Assistance (TA) in the state, provides financial relief for qualifying low-income families. TANF benefits in Missouri are reserved only for families with children. Households without children do not qualify for this type of assistance. Generally, eligibility is based on family size and the expenses required to care for children. Other MO TANF eligibility requirements state that a household’s total assets cannot exceed a certain amount set by the state of Missouri.

To apply for TANF, prospective recipients can fill out the form online. Those who would prefer a different method of submitting their TANF application, can turn it in person or send it through the mail. Applicants must ensure that their submitted information is correct and valid, otherwise, they risk consequences and revocation of benefits. While TANF benefits are awarded for a limited time for most households, they can provide great relief to families supporting children.

Who qualifies for TANF in Missouri?

when determining who qualifies for TANF in Missouri, there are many factors that are taken into account. TANF qualifications, first and foremost, require applicants to be legal residents of the state of Missouri. Applicants must also have children in the household and be the parents or primary legal caretakers of those children. The definition of a child under the TA program in Missouri is anyone younger than 18 years of age or is an attending high school student who is expected to graduate before 19 years of age.

Families who qualify cannot have resources or assets (other than a car or home) valued more than a certain amount. While felons and other criminals can apply, they cannot receive benefits for themselves. Only U.S. citizens are permitted to apply for TANF in Missouri. Legal immigrants only qualify under certain circumstances.

TANF requires the recipients to satisfy work requirements as well as comply with child support payment laws. Participants must continue to be considered eligible by meeting these ongoing requirements.

How to Apply for TANF in Missouri

There are many ways to apply for TANF in Missouri. Applications can be most easily be completed online. The TANF online application can be saved and resumed later if you are unable to finish in one sitting. Online applications can also be printed and faxed, mailed or delivered to a local Family Support Division (FSD) Resource Center. To find a local FSD center you can simply search “TANF office near me.”

When applying for TANF benefits, you must make sure to submit only accurate information. There are several necessary pieces of information that you will need to complete a TANF application in Missouri including:

• Names of all members in the household.
• Social Security Numbers of all participating members.
• Ages of children in the household.
• Applicant’s relation to members in the household.
• Amount of income from the last 30 days.
• Cost of child care expenses.
• Cost of child support or alimony payments that you pay to someone outside of the household.

Regardless of how applicants submit their forms, all are required to watch an orientation video to learn what is TANF and take a pre-qualification assessment. This tool assesses whether your income meets the eligibility criteria.

Learn more about applying for TANF benefits by downloading our free guide.

How much cash assistance will I get in Missouri?

Qualifying families ask, “How much cash assistance will I get if I apply for TANF in MO?” The FSD disburses TANF benefits by family size, or by the number of people that live under one roof together. Usually, TANF income limits place applicants who are at 30 percent of the federal poverty line.

But regardless of income, there is a maximum monthly TANF payment limit. For those still unsure of how much money you get from TANF, generally, the maximum that a family of one is around $130. For every additional family member, the monthly payment increases by about $50. You can use a Missouri TANF calculator to estimate your potential benefits.

Some recipients ask, “Do you have to pay back TANF?” TANF participants do not have to pay back the FSD to take advantage of the program itself. However, any overpayment will need to be paid back. For instance, if after applying for TANF and receiving funds participants start earning more and do not report the increase of pay, then they may receive an overpayment of TANF funds.

How long does it take to get TANF benefits in Missouri?

Applicants wonder, “How long does it take to get TANF benefits” and “When will I receive my TANF benefits?” after they submit their forms and information. First, the submitted information must be approved by the FSD. Qualified applicants receive a letter of approval in the mail on a business day. About a month after acceptance, participants are awarded either an EBT card in the mail or their first payment through direct deposit.  Afterward, a set amount is deposited monthly into the recipient’s EBT or bank checking account.

Many current and prospective recipients wonder, “What time does TANF deposit?” The TANF payment schedule differs for every recipient. This is because benefits are disbursed according to your birth month. For example, applicants born in either January, February or March will receive their benefits on the first day of the day of the month. Applicants born in other months will receive their benefits on a different day.

How long can you receive TANF in Missouri?

TANF benefits in Missouri are limited to 45 months. However, certain qualifying applicants can receive benefits for longer. Eligible applicants include parents or legal guardians who are:

• Teen parents younger than 18 years of age and are attending school.
• Older than 60 years of age.
• Parents or guardians with disabilities.
• Caring for another disabled family member at home.

Other extenuating circumstances such as violence or abuse and serious home devastation can grant qualified applicants extensions on TANF benefits.

How can I check my TANF status in Missouri

After submitting your application and are required to wait while it reviewed and might wonder, “How can I check my TANF status?” Local FSD centers offer many resources for applicants and TANF participants including answers to questions about their status. If you are having complications after receiving benefits, FSD centers can provide help with that too. Another method of checking your status is over the phone. The FSD has a TANF number you can call for any information or inquiries you have.

To learn more about cash assistance, download our comprehensive guide.