You’re a single mom in Missouri doing your best to raise your kids, but some days it can feel like an uphill battle. Between work or job hunting, cooking meals, cleaning the house, and helping with homework, there never seem to be enough hours in the day. The good news is, you don’t have to deal with this alone.
There are programs and benefits for single mother assistance Missouri residents can seek help from Whether you need help paying for childcare, assistance putting food on the table, resources for continuing your education, or just want to connect with other single moms for advice and support, this state has got your back. In this guide, you’ll learn all about the resources and benefits available to single mothers in Missouri so you can get the help you need and give your kids the life they deserve.
Health Insurance Options for Single Mothers in Missouri
The first couple programs we have provide benefits for healthcare. As a single mom in Missouri, health insurance is essential for you and your kids. There are a few good options to consider:
Medicaid
If you earn less than $42,000 per year for a family of more than two, you likely qualify for Medicaid, Missouri’s version of the federal health insurance program. Medicaid covers all essential health benefits like checkups, vaccines, prescriptions, and hospital stays. One of the best parts is there are no monthly premiums.
CHIP
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides low-cost coverage for kids up to age 19. It covers things like routine checkups, prescriptions, dental and eye care, and more. The household income limits are higher than for Medicaid. If you think you may qualify, you can apply on healthcare.gov or on your state’s individual CHIP website.
Missouri SNAP Program for Single Mothers
On average, one of the largest monthly expenses for most Americans (besides housing) seems to be food. Missouri’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides monthly long-term or temporary assistance to help single moms in Missouri pay for groceries. To qualify, you must meet certain income requirements based on your family or household size.
Applying for SNAP in Missouri
To apply for SNAP food assistance in Missouri, you can apply online, fill out a paper application, or apply in person at your local Family Support Division (FSD) office. You will need documents verifying your income, expenses, and household size. The FSD aims to process applications within a month.
Once approved, you will receive a SNAP (or EBT) card, similar to a debit card, which can be used to purchase most grocery items at participating retailers. The amount of benefits depends on your household size and income. In 2022, the average monthly benefit for a small family in Missouri is $162.
Benefits are deposited into your SNAP account each month and must be used within 180 days. It’s best to use them for staples like:
- Rice, beans, pasta
- Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables
- Bread, cereal
- Milk, eggs, cheese
- Meat, poultry, fish
SNAP cannot be used for:
- Household supplies like paper towels, toilet paper
- Hot or prepared foods
- Vitamins, medicines, supplements
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes
Child Care Assistance for Single Mothers in Missouri
Besides nutrition, education, transportation, another important expense for you may be childcare. Whether you work or attend school, there’s not always time to look after the children. Finding affordable childcare can also be challenging. Don’t worry, there are resources that are here to help.
Child Care Subsidies in Missouri
Missouri offers child care subsidies and can provide cash assistance to help offset the cost of daycare for low-income families. If you’re currently a single mother, you may qualify for financial aid with the Child Care Subsidy program as long as your income meets certain guidelines. The subsidy will pay for a portion of your childcare costs at an approved daycare center or in-home provider. You can apply for the subsidy with the Missouri Department of Social Services.
To qualify, you must meet work or school requirements, as well as income limits based on your family size. Co-pays are based on factors like your income and family size. The subsidy can be used to help pay for daycare, preschool, before or after school care and summer programs for children up to age 13. Note that this program does not offer support for elementary and secondary education. It’s good to apply as early as possible, as funds are limited.
Early Head Start Program
For single mothers with young children, the federal Early Head Start programs provide financial assistance for child development and family support services. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and families with children with very young children. This child-care assistance program includes home visits, childcare, and support. Eligibility is based on income.
How To Get a FREE PHONE With FREE DATA in Missouri
Are you currently paying for a phone and phone plan that’s picking at your wallet each month? Don’t stress, as a single mother, you may be eligible for a bunch of incredible benefits including a FREE phone and FREE unlimited data. Whether you want to stop paying your bill or you need an extra phone to stay in touch with your child, we have you covered. Here’s how you can apply for the benefits with us:
Lifeline/ACP Programs with EASY Wireless.
Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are government assistance programs designed to make phone and internet services more affordable for eligible low-income individuals and families. At EASY Wireless, we understand the importance of affordable connectivity for everyone, and we want to help you access the benefits of these programs so you can always stay connected to your children and family without breaking the bank.
What Benefits Do You Get With EASY Wireless?
Upon qualifying for one of the programs above through EASY Wireless, you will receive the following benefits:
EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE SIM Card Kit and Activation
- Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
How do I Apply For EASY Wireless Benefits?
To get started with EASY Wireless, apply online by clicking the below:
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Or you can come to one of the EASY Wireless’s retail stores, where our customer service agent will help you apply for the benefits.
Either way, the first step is to provide proof of identity with a government-issued ID. This is so you can confirm your participation in one of the qualifying programs or that you meet the household income requirement.
We accept the following U.S. Government Issued ID:
- U.S. Driver License
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Government, State or Tribal issued-ID
- U.S. Military ID cards
- Permanent Resident Cards
- Permanent Resident Alien Cards
You can show the following documents to prove that you are taking part in a government assistance program or use them as proof of active benefits:
- Statement of benefits from a qualifying Program.
- Notice letter of participation, such as an award letter
- Program participation documents, such as a screenshot from an online account.
- In order to show income, you can provide any of the following proofs:
- Unemployment Documentation
- Copy of your State or Federal income tax return.
- Three months’ worth of current pay stubs.
- Veterans Administration or SSI benefits letter.
- A divorce decree or child support document that states income.
- Retirement or pension statement.
Need More Than Just One Line of Service or an Additional Phone?
EASY Wireless is a full-service cellular store that cares about all of your communication needs. We have a wide range of pre-paid plans for every budget and usage requirement. Also, we offer a selection of brand-name phones that combine quality, reliability, and the latest technology.
That’s not all – we also provide an array of amazing accessories to enhance your mobile experience. At EASY Wireless, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring you find the perfect plan, phone, and accessories to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Visit us for all your cell phone and wireless service needs today!
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