Help for Missouri residents in the Kansas City area
This page includes state-administered assistance programs for Missouri residents, including Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties. These programs help with food, healthcare, housing, utilities, childcare, income support, and more.
How to Use This Page
- Use the sections below to find the type of help you need
- Each program includes what it does and how to apply
- Most applications are completed online, but phone help is available
đ Need Local Help Near You?
If you need food pantries, clothing, hygiene items, shelters, or local nonprofits, use the Community Resource Map to find help near your address.
Get Required Documents
𪪠Birth CertificateÂ
What it is: A certified birth certificate is required for benefits, ID, school enrollment, and Social Security card applications.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Completed birth certificate application
- Valid photo ID (if available)
- Payment (state fee applies)
Apply online for a MO birth certificate
Help: 573-751-6387
đ˘ Social Security Card
What it is: A Social Security card is required for employment, benefits, and many assistance programs.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Certified birth certificate
- Valid photo ID (driverâs license, state ID, or passport)
- Original documents (no photocopies)
- By appointment only. No walk-ins.
No fee for a Social Security card.
Phone (appointments & help): 1-800-772-1213
đ State ID or Driverâs License
What it is: A Missouri-issued photo ID or driverâs license is commonly required to apply for housing, benefits, employment, and services.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security number or card
- Two proofs of Missouri residency (utility bill, lease, mail)
State ID cards are available for non-drivers. Fees vary.
Apply/find a MO license office
Phone: 573-751-0000
𼍠Missouri SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Missouri)
What it is: Monthly grocery assistance for eligible Missouri households to help buy food.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Missouri residency
- Household size
- Income information (pay stubs, benefit letters, etc.)
Phone: 855-823-4908
đź Missouri WIC
Women, Infants, and Children Program (Missouri)
What it is: Food benefits, formula, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant people, new parents, and children under age 5.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Proof of pregnancy or childâs age
- Proof of income (or proof you receive SNAP/Medicaid)
- Proof of Missouri residency
- Photo ID for the applicant
Start application (interest form)
Phone: 1-800-392-8209
đ Free & Reduced School Meals (Missouri)
National School Lunch & School Breakfast Programs
What it is: Provides free or reduced-price meals to eligible children enrolled in Missouri Kâ12 schools.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Household income information
- Student enrollment information
- Application through your childâs school or district
Apply online (many Missouri districts)
Phone: Contact your local school district
đ Find Food Near You
Need help now? Use our community resource map to locate food pantries, hot meal sites, and nutrition support in your specific neighborhood.
đĽ MO HealthNet
Missouri Medicaid Program
What it is: Free or low-cost health insurance for eligible Missouri residents, including adults, children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Missouri residency
- Household size
- Income information
- Social Security number (if available)
Phone: 855-373-2273
đ§ MO HealthNet for Kids
Childrenâs Health Insurance Program (Missouri)
What it is: Low-cost or free health coverage for children and teens in Missouri whose families earn too much to qualify for MO HealthNet.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Childâs age and residency
- Household income information
- Household size
Apply online for MO HealthNet for Kids
Phone: 855-373-2273
𤰠Show-Me Healthy Women
Missouri Womenâs Preventive Health Program
What it is: Free breast and cervical cancer screenings and follow-up services for eligible uninsured or underinsured women in Missouri.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Missouri residency
- Income within program limits
- No or limited health insurance
Apply/find a provider for Show-Me Healthy Women
Phone: 573-522-1407
Need coverage but donât qualify for the programs above?
Check the Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA) for income-based health plans.
Explore health insurance options through the Health Insurance Marketplace
Phone: 1-800-318-2596
Housing & Utility Support
⥠LIHEAP Utility Assistance (Missouri)
What it is: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible Missouri residents pay heating and cooling utility bills and avoid service disconnection.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Completed LIHEAP application
- Proof of income
- Recent utility bill
- Proof of Missouri residency
Apply online/download application for LIHEAP
Phone (help / questions): 1-855-373-4636
đ State Assistance for Housing Relief (SAFHR)
What it is: SAFHR helps Missouri renters with past-due rent and utility payments, forward rent, and related housing stability costs through an online application portal.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Proof of income
- Documentation of rent owed
- Documentation of utility bills (if included)
- Identification and household info
Apply (Renter application portal) for SAFHR
Questions / help: 833-541-1599
đď¸ Community Action Agencies (Statewide Network)
What it is: A network of 19 local organizations serving every Missouri county. They help eligible low-income families with emergency rent, utility payments, and weatherization services to prevent homelessness.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Proof of income (past 30 days)
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Copy of lease or current utility bill
- Photo ID for the applicant
Find your local agency (Map & Contact Info)
Questions / help: Contact your local agency
đ Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (Missouri)
What it is: A long-term rental assistance program that helps eligible low-income Missouri households afford safe, stable housing. Vouchers are used with private landlords.
Important to know: Section 8 is federally funded but applications are handled by local Missouri housing authorities. Waitlists may be open or closed depending on location.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Proof of income for all household members
- Household size and composition
- Background screening (varies by housing authority)
Find your local Missouri housing authority & apply
Tip: Search for housing authorities in nearby cities or counties. Some waitlists open unexpectedly and move quickly.
Family, Child & Income Support
đľ Temporary Assistance (TA)Â
Cash assistance for families with children
What it is: Monthly cash benefit to help eligible Missouri families cover basic needs for children (like clothing, utilities, and other essentials).
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Missouri residency
- Household size and child information
- Income information (pay stubs, benefit letters, etc.)
- Social Security numbers (or agreement to apply)
Phone (help applying): 1-855-373-4636
𧸠Child Care SubsidyÂ
Help paying for child care while you work, train, or attend school
What it is: Helps eligible Missouri families pay for child care so parents/guardians can work, look for work, attend school, or participate in job training.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Childâs information (age, household info)
- Proof of Missouri residency
- Proof of income
- Proof of work/school/training (as applicable)
Apply online for Child Care Subsidy
Phone (application help): 573-415-8605
đś Child Support ServicesÂ
Establish, enforce, or modify child support and medical support
What it is: Helps parents/custodians establish paternity, open a child support case, and set up or enforce child and medical support orders.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Parent/custodian contact information
- Child(ren)âs information (DOB, SSN if available)
- Other parent information (as much as you know)
- Court order info (if one already exists)
Apply online for Child Support Services
Check application status: 573-556-3800
Phone (help applying): 1-855-373-4636
Disability, Seniors & Veterans
đ§â𦽠SSDI / SSI Disability Benefits
What it is: Monthly disability income support for Missourians who are unable to work due to a long-term disability (SSDI) or who have limited income/resources (SSI).
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Medical records and diagnosis supporting your disability
- Work history (for SSDI) or income/resource information (for SSI)
- Certified birth certificate and photo ID
- Social Security number
You can apply online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.
Apply or make an appointment for SSDI/SSI
Phone (application & appointments):
1-800-772-1213
đď¸ Veterans Benefits Assistance
What it is: Free help for veterans and their families to apply for benefits like VA disability compensation, pension, healthcare, education, and more.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- DD-214 (military discharge document)
- Service history and basic contact information
- Medical records (if filing a disability-related claim)
Veteran Service Officers can help you gather documents and file claims correctly.
Get started with Veterans Benefits Assistance
Phone (benefits help): 573-751-3779
đ° MO ABLE Program
What it is: A disability savings program that lets eligible individuals save for disability-related expenses without risking eligibility for benefits like SSI or Medicaid.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Social Security number or Tax ID
- Missouri residency
- Disability documentation (as required)
- Basic contact information (email, address, birthday)
An ABLE account can help pay for housing, education, healthcare, transportation, and other qualified expenses without affecting public benefits eligibility.
Apply or create an account with MO ABLE
Phone (help & questions): 1-800-439-1653
Work, Legal & Financial Help
đź Missouri Job Center
What it is: Free help finding a job, resume support, job training, apprenticeships, and unemployment services through the Missouri Department of Labor.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Basic contact information
- Work history or resume (if available)
- Authorization to work in the U.S.
Services are available in person and online through Missouri Job Centers statewide.
Get started with the MO Job Center
Phone (help finding a location): 573-751-4800
âď¸ Legal Aid (Missouri)
What it is: Free civil legal help for eligible Missourians with issues related to housing, eviction, benefits, family law, domestic violence, and consumer debt.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Proof of income
- Information about your legal issue
- Missouri residency
Legal Aid does not handle criminal cases.
Phone (intake line): 1-800-775-1247
đ¸ Free Tax Help (VITA)
What it is: Free tax preparation for individuals and families who generally earn $60,000 or less per year.
Whatâs needed to apply (typical):
- Photo ID
- Social Security cards or ITINs
- Tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.)
Appointments are required at many locations.
Phone (IRS help line): 1-800-829-1040
Disclaimer: Serve the Block⢠provides this directory as a free community resource. We are not a government agency and do not administer these programs. While we work to keep this information current, funding availability, eligibility rules, and application requirements change frequently.
Please contact the specific agency directly to verify their current hours and requirements before visiting or applying. Serve the Block⢠is not liable for the availability, quality, or outcome of any service listed on this page.