$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Missouri Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Missouri
SSDI in Missouri - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Missouri - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not your income. It is federal, so the rules are the same in Missouri as everywhere else.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, and most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA, 2026
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does Missouri add to my SSDI payment?
No. SSDI is a federal benefit, so the amount is the same whether you live in Missouri or anywhere else. Your check is based on your own past earnings.
How long does SSDI take in Missouri?
Missouri processes initial claims through its Disability Determination Services. An initial decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Missouri - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Missouri - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. In Missouri, getting SSI also opens the door to MO HealthNet, the state's Medicaid program.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. Missouri does not add a general state supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get MO HealthNet with SSI in Missouri?
Usually yes. In Missouri, SSI recipients are generally eligible for MO HealthNet (Medicaid). Missouri reviews SSI cases for Medicaid rather than enrolling everyone automatically, so confirm your coverage with the Family Support Division.
Does Missouri add to my SSI payment?
Generally no. Missouri does not pay a general state supplement, so most recipients get only the federal amount. A supplement exists only for certain living arrangements, such as residential or nursing care, and for some blind residents through the Blind Pension.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Missouri
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Missouri
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS, 2026
FREE MISSOURI HELP
State VSOs
Missouri Veterans Commission service officers help you file and appeal claims at no charge
Missouri Veterans Commission, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does Missouri offer a property-tax break for disabled veterans?
Not a broad exemption. Unlike some states, Missouri does not fully exempt disabled veterans from property tax, except for former prisoners of war who are 100% disabled. Instead, qualifying disabled veterans may claim the Missouri Property Tax Credit (up to $1,100 for owners, $750 for renters) if their income is within the limits. This is separate from your federal VA compensation.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Missouri
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Missouri
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout, 2026
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout, 2026
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout, 2026
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in Missouri?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
Is there free Medicare counseling in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri SHIP, formerly called CLAIM, offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling across the state. It does not sell insurance, and it is separate from the advocacy Turnout provides.
What's the difference between Medicare and MO HealthNet?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. MO HealthNet is Missouri Medicaid, based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Missouri
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Missouri
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed, 2026
HOW COMMON IT IS
1 in 7
Public school students receive special education under federal law
U.S. Dept. of Education, 2026
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in Missouri public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in Missouri?
Missouri schools must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of getting your written consent, then hold the meeting to develop the IEP within 30 calendar days of deciding the child is eligible.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid)
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Missouri residents.
MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid)
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Missouri residents.
MO HealthNet is Missouri Medicaid, a joint federal and state program that covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more, usually at no cost. Since Missouri expanded Medicaid in 2021, adults ages 19 to 64 can qualify with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, even with no children. This is a major change: childless adults who once could not get coverage now can.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
1.2M+
Missourians enrolled in MO HealthNet and CHIP, up sharply since Medicaid expansion
KFF, 2026
ADULT INCOME LIMIT
138% FPL
Adults 19 to 64 can qualify with income up to about 138 percent of the poverty level, roughly $21,600 a year for one person
MO DSS / KFF, 2026
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
MO HealthNet, 2026
Who qualifies
- Adults ages 19 to 64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, including those with no children
- Children in households up to the state's higher CHIP limit (about 300% FPL)
- Pregnant women, with coverage continuing 12 months after birth
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability
- SSI recipients are generally eligible
How to apply
Apply online at mydss.mo.gov, by phone at 1-855-373-4636, in person at a Family Support Division office, or by mail. Have proof of income, identity, and Missouri residency ready. Most decisions arrive within 45 days, longer if a disability determination is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is MO HealthNet the same as Medicaid?
Yes. MO HealthNet is simply Missouri's name for its Medicaid program. It's the same federal program, run by the Missouri Department of Social Services.
Can adults without kids get MO HealthNet now?
Yes. Since Missouri expanded Medicaid in 2021, adults ages 19 to 64 can qualify based on income alone, up to 138% of the federal poverty level, whether or not they have children.
What's the difference between MO HealthNet and Medicare?
MO HealthNet (Medicaid) is based on income. Medicare is based mainly on age or disability. Some people qualify for both.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Missouri
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Missouri
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP, still often called food stamps, helps qualifying Missouri households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto a Missouri EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, Walmart, and many farmers markets. The program is run by the Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~662,000
Missourians received SNAP benefits in a recent year
USDA FNS, FY2025
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in FY2026
USDA, FY2026
HOW FAST APPROVAL HAPPENS
7 days
Expedited benefits for households with very low income or urgent need; standard processing up to 30 days
MO DSS / USDA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Missouri
- Most adults age 16 to 59 must meet work requirements unless exempt
- Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability follow simpler income rules
How to apply
Apply online through myDSS at mydss.mo.gov, by phone at 1-855-373-4636, or in person at your local Family Support Division office. An interview is required, but it can be done by phone. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for SNAP in Missouri?
Yes. Many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, childcare, and earned income are applied. Income alone does not tell the full story.
Does Missouri let me earn more than the federal SNAP income limit?
Not for most households. Missouri applies the standard federal gross income limit of 130% of poverty. Households with a member who is 60 or older or has a disability can skip the gross income test and use the net income test instead.
Can I use my EBT card online or at farmers markets?
Yes. The Missouri EBT card is accepted at most grocery stores and at retailers like Walmart and Amazon for online orders, plus many farmers markets across the state.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Missouri
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Missouri
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on MO HealthNet, SNAP, or Temporary Assistance usually qualifies you automatically.
BABIES WIC REACHES
4 in 10
WIC serves about 4 in 10 of all infants born in the US
USDA, 2024
ON MEDICAID OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on MO HealthNet, SNAP, or Temporary Assistance automatically meets WIC's income test
USDA / MO DHSS, 2026
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving SNAP, MO HealthNet, or Temporary Assistance are automatically income-eligible
- Missouri residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Call TEL-LINK at 1-800-835-5465 or your local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of Missouri residency, and proof of household income or proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or Temporary Assistance enrollment. If approved, you receive your Missouri eWIC card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by Missouri's WIC food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limits are higher than people expect, and being on MO HealthNet or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in Missouri
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP in Missouri
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
Missouri's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying households pay their heating and cooling bills, with payments made directly to the utility company. It is federally funded and administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services through local community action agencies. It has two parts: Energy Assistance for your regular bill and the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) for shutoffs and emergencies.
INCOME LIMIT
135% FPL
Households at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can qualify for heating, cooling, and crisis help
MO DSS FFY2026 LIHEAP State Plan
CRISIS HELP
ECIP
The Energy Crisis Intervention Program helps households facing a shutoff or out of fuel, in winter and summer
MO DSS, 2026
PAID DIRECTLY
To your utility
The benefit is credited to your energy account, not paid to you as cash
MO DSS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Missouri households with income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Renters and homeowners responsible for paying energy bills
- Households with $3,000 or less in bank, retirement, or investment accounts
- Priority given to households with older adults, young children, people with disabilities, or high energy burden
How to apply
Apply online through myDSS, or submit the application to the community action agency that serves your county by mail, fax, or in person. Bring a current utility bill, photo ID, proof of income, and any disconnection notice. Applications are reviewed within about 30 business days, faster if it is a crisis. If approved, the benefit is credited to your utility account.
Frequently asked questions
What if my income is too high for LIHEAP?
Missouri uses a 135% federal poverty guideline income limit. If you receive SNAP or Temporary Assistance, that can help confirm your income, but you still need to be within the LIHEAP limit.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. LIHEAP payments go directly to your utility company. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
Can renters apply, or only homeowners?
Both renters and homeowners can apply. If utilities are included in your rent, your local community action agency can confirm how the benefit applies.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in Missouri
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Missourians.
ACA Subsidies in Missouri
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Missourians.
ACA subsidies are federal tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan bought through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. Missouri uses the federal marketplace rather than running its own. Because Missouri expanded Medicaid, adults with the lowest incomes are usually steered to MO HealthNet, while the marketplace covers those who earn a bit more.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR SUBSIDIES
9 in 10
Most Missouri marketplace enrollees receive premium tax credits that lower their monthly cost
CMS / healthinsurance.org, 2026
WHERE TO ENROLL
HealthCare.gov
Missouri uses the federal marketplace, so enrollment runs through HealthCare.gov
CMS, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 -- Jan 15
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage. Special enrollment is available year-round for qualifying life events
HealthCare.gov, 2026
Who qualifies
- Missourians without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning at or above 100% of the federal poverty level
- Those not eligible for MO HealthNet, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Missouri
How to apply
Apply online at HealthCare.gov. Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Jan 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Free local enrollment help is available.
Frequently asked questions
Does Missouri run its own health insurance marketplace?
No. Missouri uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov and has not launched a state-based exchange. Any site claiming to be the official Missouri marketplace other than HealthCare.gov should be treated with caution.
What if my income is too low for ACA subsidies?
If your income is under about 138% of poverty, HealthCare.gov will usually route you to MO HealthNet, since Missouri expanded Medicaid. That coverage is generally free, so you are not left without options.
How much can I save with subsidies?
It depends on your income, household size, and plan. About 9 in 10 Missouri enrollees receive subsidies, applied automatically when you enroll through HealthCare.gov.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Temporary Assistance in Missouri (TANF)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
Temporary Assistance in Missouri (TANF)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
Temporary Assistance is Missouri's version of TANF. It provides short-term cash to families with children who have very limited income. The cash is loaded onto an EBT card and can be used for basic needs like rent, utilities, food, and transportation. The program is run by the Missouri Department of Social Services and comes with a 45-month lifetime limit and a work requirement through the Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) program.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$292
The maximum cash grant for a family of three with no countable income. This is the benefit paid, which is lower than the income eligibility limit
Missouri Temporary Assistance, 2026
LIFETIME LIMIT
45 months
Missouri caps cash assistance at 45 months over a lifetime, shorter than the federal 60-month limit
Missouri DSS, 2026
FIRST PAYMENT BY
45 days
If approved, your first benefit arrives within 45 days by EBT card or direct deposit
Missouri DSS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Missouri residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 19 and still in secondary school)
- Households with very low income, below the state payment standard
- Adults must participate in the Missouri Work Assistance program unless exempt
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply online through myDSS at mydss.mo.gov for expedited processing, or in person at your county Family Support Division office. Complete an interview to determine eligibility. Applying through myDSS also screens you for SNAP. If approved, benefits are loaded onto an EBT card within 45 days.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I receive Temporary Assistance in Missouri?
Up to 45 months over your lifetime, which is shorter than the federal 60-month limit. Certain months, like transitional employment benefits, do not count toward that limit.
What's the difference between Temporary Assistance and TANF?
They are the same thing. Temporary Assistance is simply Missouri's name for the federal TANF program, run by Missouri DSS.
Can I receive Temporary Assistance and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. Temporary Assistance recipients are generally categorically eligible for SNAP. Applying at myDSS screens you for SNAP at the same time.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in Missouri (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Missouri (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. The federal credit is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. Missouri adds its own credit on top, the Missouri Working Family Tax Credit, worth 20 percent of your federal EITC, though the state credit is nonrefundable.
WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 federal maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
MISSOURI ADDS
20% of federal
Missouri's Working Family Tax Credit equals 20 percent of your federal EITC, but is nonrefundable
MO Dept. of Revenue, 2026
OWE NO FEDERAL TAX?
Still get cash back
The federal EITC is refundable, so you receive the full amount as a refund even if you owe nothing
IRS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers for the worker, spouse, and any children
- Missouri filers who claim the federal EITC and file Form MO-WFTC for the state credit
How to apply
You claim the federal EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don't normally have to file. To get the Missouri Working Family Tax Credit, file Form MO-WFTC with your Missouri return. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller credit, and having children increases the amount.
Does Missouri have its own state EITC?
Yes. Missouri offers the Working Family Tax Credit, worth 20 percent of your federal EITC. It is nonrefundable, so it can lower your Missouri tax to zero but will not create a refund on its own.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or MO HealthNet, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Missouri
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Missouri
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to Missouri families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning lower-income families can receive it as a direct payment even when they owe no federal tax. Missouri does not have a separate state child tax credit, so the federal credit is what applies.
WHO IT'S FOR
Kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS, 2026
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES
Most families
Most families with children qualify; the credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return. You can claim it even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through it and fill in the right forms (Schedule 8812) for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes. You, your spouse if filing jointly, and each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to qualify and claim it on Schedule 8812.
Does Missouri have a state Child Tax Credit?
No. Missouri does not have a state-level Child Tax Credit. The federal credit is fully available to Missouri residents, but there is no additional state credit on top of it. Missouri does offer a separate Working Family Tax Credit tied to the EITC.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Subsidy in Missouri
Subsidized child care for working Missouri families.
Child Care Subsidy in Missouri
Subsidized child care for working Missouri families.
Missouri's Child Care Subsidy Program helps working families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. It is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund and run by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood. The program pays providers directly, with families paying a sliding-scale share based on income.
ENTRY INCOME LIMIT
150% FPL
New families can qualify with household income up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level
MO DESE, 2026
KEEP HELP LONGER
Up to 242% FPL
Transitional tiers let families keep partial help as income rises, up to 242 percent of poverty
MO DESE, 2026
WAITLIST ACTIVE
Since Mar 1, 2026
New applications may go on a wait list, filled by priority; more than 27,000 children are served. Apply early
MO DESE, 2026
Who qualifies
- Missouri residents with a child under 13, or under 19 with a disability
- Parents who are working, attending school, or in job training
- New applicants with household income up to 150% of the federal poverty level
- Families already getting help whose income rose, through the Transitional Child Care tiers
How to apply
Apply online through the Child Care Subsidy Parent Portal at childcare.mo.gov, or use the pre-screening tool first. You will need proof of income, Missouri residency, identity for parent and child, and documentation of your work or training schedule. For help, call 573-415-8605. Note that a waitlist has been in effect since March 1, 2026, so apply as soon as you know you need care.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs Missouri's child care subsidy now?
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), through its Office of Childhood. The program moved from the Department of Social Services, so families should now use childcare.mo.gov rather than the old DSS portal.
Will I lose all help if I get a raise?
Not necessarily. Missouri has Transitional Child Care tiers that let you keep partial help as your income rises above the 150 percent entry limit, up to 242 percent of poverty, with a sliding fee.
What happens if I'm on the waitlist?
Your application stays active and slots are filled by priority as funding allows. Children with special needs, families experiencing homelessness, and the lowest-income families are prioritized first, and children in foster or protective care are not placed on the waitlist.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
