The Propel Guide To EBT In Missouri

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Here's what you need to know about SNAP in Missouri, from eligibility to renewals to using your EBT card.

SNAP, sometimes called food stamps or just EBT, can be an essential tool for low-income households in Missouri to help supplement their grocery budget every month.

SNAP is federally funded and operates under national rules, but each state manages its own program under those guidelines. That means application steps, benefit schedules, renewal processes, and customer service details can vary depending on where you live.

Here’s what to know about EBT and SNAP benefits in Missouri.

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How does SNAP work in Missouri?#how-does-snap-work-in-missouri

In Missouri, about 662,400 people receive SNAP benefits.

If you’re looking for help covering groceries, SNAP provides monthly support through an EBT card. Your benefits are loaded onto the card each month and can be used at stores that accept food stamps.

After you apply, a caseworker from your local county office will typically contact you for a phone interview to verify details like your household size, income, and expenses. Once your case is approved, benefits continue as long as you remain eligible and complete any required renewals.

How to apply for food stamps in Missouri#how-to-apply-for-food-stamps-in-missouri

There are several ways to apply for food stamps in Missouri.

Apply for SNAP online

You can apply through the official state website below.

Apply

You can also print and fill out the paper application ( aplicación Español) and return it to FSD by uploading to myDSS or any of the other methods listed on the application. If you have trouble downloading the application, you can request a paper application be sent to you via the online form.

Apply for SNAP by phone or in person

If you need help applying or prefer speaking with someone, you can

  • Call the Missouri SNAP hotline at 1-855-373-4636 for information and guidance on how to apply in your county (some counties may allow you to apply by phone)
  • Apply in person at a county or local benefits office
Find your local office

SNAP application assistance is also available through your local food bank.

What you’ll need to apply for SNAP#what-youll-need-to-apply-for-snap

When you apply, you’ll usually be asked for:

  • Proof of identity
  • Information about everyone in your household, like birthdays and immigration status
  • Income details, like pay stubs or benefit letters
  • Housing and utility costs

You may not need every document to start an application; you can often submit missing information later.

Who is eligible for SNAP in Missouri?#who-is-eligible-for-snap-in-missouri

SNAP eligibility is mostly determined by your household size and income, but some applicants may have to meet additional requirements.

In general, you may qualify for SNAP if:

Learn about SNAP eligibility and income limits in Missouri

When are SNAP deposits issued in Missouri?#when-are-snap-deposits-issued-in-missouri

SNAP benefits are sent out once per month in Missouri, over the first 22 days of the month. Your exact deposit date is on the same day every month depending on the primary account holder’s birth month and the first letter of their last name. For example if your birth month is January and your last name starts with A-K then your deposit is on the 1st of the month.

The primary account holder is usually the person who was listed first on the household’s SNAP application.

Your SNAP approval letter may also have information about your deposit schedule. You may find your past SNAP notices in your Missouri FSD Benefits Portal.

Check your deposit schedule

If your SNAP deposit doesn't arrive when expected, review these common reasons why deposits are delayed.

Propel is the best way to see upcoming deposits, check your EBT balance, and turn on security features that help keep your benefits safe from theft.

How do I renew my food stamps in Missouri?#how-do-i-renew-my-food-stamps-in-missouri

SNAP benefits don’t last forever—you’ll need to renew your case (also called recertification) to keep getting them.

When to renew

Households in Missouri are approved to receive SNAP benefits for a set period of time, called a certification period. The length of your certification period depends on your household situation.

Most households in Missouri must renew every 12 months with a mid-certification at 6 months. Some households, like those with no earned income and where all members are older adults or have disabilities, may only need to recertify every 24 months.

Your Family Support Division office should send you a letter in the mail when it’s time to reapply. To be safe, you could also put a note in your calendar or wherever you keep important reminders.

How to renew

When it’s time for you to renew or submit a mid-certification, you will get a packet in the mail. You will need to complete this and return it to the Missouri Family Support Division.

You can return your recertification packet:

  • Online: MyDSS
  • By Fax: 573-526-9400
  • By Mail: Family Support Division, PO Box 2700, Jefferson City, MO 65102
  • In Person: By visiting your local benefits office

You cannot complete your SNAP recertification or mid-certification in the Missouri FSD Benefits Portal at this time.

If you need assistance with your Missouri SNAP renewal, you can call your caseworker, local office, or the Missouri SNAP hotline: 1-855-373-4636.

What can I buy with EBT in Missouri?#what-can-i-buy-with-ebt-in-missouri

Under federal SNAP rules, you can use your EBT card to buy most food items meant to be prepared and eaten at home.

While SNAP benefits are strictly for groceries and related food items, some people also receive TANF (called Temporary Assistance in Missouri), which provides cash on an EBT card for household needs, including rent, bills, and other expenses.

Side by side image showing SNAP-eligible items like produce, eggs, and tuna next to ineligible items like hot food and paper goods

SNAP‑eligible foods in Missouri include:

  • Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, dried, or canned)
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy products, like milk, cheese, and yogurt
  • Bread and cereals
  • Snack foods, like popcorn, chips, and pretzels
  • Seeds and plants that grow food
  • Drinks like juice, water, and electrolytes
  • Pantry staples like flour, olive oil, and spices
  • Infant formula and baby food

What you can’t buy with SNAP in Missouri:

  • Alcohol, tobacco, or vapes
  • Vitamins, supplements, and medicine
  • Hot food that is sold prepared and ready to eat, like rotisserie chicken or soup from a deli
  • Pet food
  • Cleaning supplies and household items
  • Diapers and wipes
  • Live animals (except certain seafood and animals slaughtered before pickup)

Missouri has restrictions in place starting in October 2026, which means there are certain things you can no longer buy with your SNAP benefits. This includes items like candy, ready-made desserts like cake, carbonated soft drinks, fruit or vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, and some types of beverage mixes.

Where are EBT cards accepted in Missouri?#where-are-ebt-cards-accepted-in-missouri

You can use your EBT card at:

  • Grocery stores
  • Convenience stores
  • Farmers markets
  • Some online retailers

Download Propel to find nearby stores that take EBT, plus other Missouri SNAP resources

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What SNAP changes do I need to report?#what-snap-changes-do-i-need-to-report

You may be required to report changes to your SNAP case.

In Missouri, most changes are reported during your regular SNAP recertification/renewal or mid-certification, but some changes must be reported sooner to help avoid delays or issues with your benefits.

If required, you must report changes by the 10th of the month after the change (for example if the change happened in March, you must report it by April 10).

Changes you should report by the 10th:

  • Income goes over the limit: If your household's total gross monthly income goes over 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for your household size
  • Changes in income: If wages increase or decrease or if someone in the households gets a new job or losses their job
  • Work hours drop: If you are an "able-bodied adult without dependents" (ABAWD) and your work or training hours drop below 20 hours per week on average
  • Lottery or gambling winnings: If someone in the household wins $4,500 or more from the lottery or by gambling in a single game

If you want to keep receiving notices about your SNAP case, you should also report any changes in address or other contact information right away.

How to report changes

To report a change, you can do one of the following:

If you’re unsure whether a change needs to be reported right away, contacting your SNAP office is the safest option.

How do I report a lost or stolen EBT card in Missouri?#how-do-i-report-a-lost-or-stolen-ebt-card-in-missouri

If your EBT card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should report it as soon as possible so you can get a new one and protect yourself from EBT theft.

Here's what to do:

  • Call Missouri EBT customer service phone number: 1-800-997-7777
  • Follow the prompts to cancel your card or request a replacement

Learn more about EBT theft in Missouri

Frequently asked questions#frequently-asked-questions

Can I get any discounts with my EBT card?#can-i-get-any-discounts-with-my-ebt-card

Yes. In Missouri, your EBT card can unlock discounts and perks like:

  • Free or reduced price entry to museums through Museums for All. Find participating museums nationwide.
  • Double Up Heartland, which can match your SNAP spending on fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets, farm stands, and grocery stores, dollar for dollar.

You can even qualify for low–cost internet and discounted memberships to online retailers, like Amazon or Walmart.

You can explore more nationwide perks by viewing our list of everything you c an get for free with EBT.

Can I use my SNAP benefits at restaurants in Missouri?#can-i-use-my-snap-benefits-at-restaurants-in-missouri

No, in Missouri, you generally cannot use SNAP benefits to buy hot, prepared food or to eat at restaurants.

While some states have a Restaurant Meals Program for the elderly, disabled, or those experiencing homelessness, Missouri does not participate in this program.

You can only use your EBT card at authorized retailers (like grocery stores and farmers markets) for food items intended to be prepared and eaten at home.

Can I get more food stamps if I’m pregnant or a new parent?#can-i-get-more-food-stamps-if-im-pregnant-or-a-new-parent

Yes, once your child is born, you should report your new family member to your county. More household members mean more benefits.

If you're pregnant or have a child under five years old, consider applying for the WIC program, which gives you extra benefits on top of food stamps—including things like support with breastfeeding and extra grocery benefits.

Learn more about WIC

Can I use my Missouri EBT card in another state?#can-i-use-my-missouri-ebt-card-in-another-state

Yes, your EBT card works in all 50 states, as well as most U.S. territories, at any store displaying the Quest® symbol or EBT/SNAP/food stamps accepted sign.

Keep in mind that while your card will work nationwide, some states have restrictions that may prevent you from using SNAP benefits to buy items like soda or candy at local stores.

Using your card exclusively outside of Missouri for an extended period may trigger a residency review by your SNAP agency. If you move to another state permanently, you must close your Missouri SNAP case and reapply in your new state to keep receiving benefits.

How do I activate an EBT card in Missouri?#how-do-i-activate-an-ebt-card-in-missouri

To start using your Missouri EBT card, you’ll need to activate it and set your PIN. You can do this in a few different ways:

View our step-by-step guide on how to activate your new EBT card to learn more. Also check out how to change your PIN.

Do food stamps roll over in Missouri?#do-food-stamps-roll-over-in-missouri

Unused SNAP benefits roll over to the next month and stay on your EBT card to be used later. However, if benefits sit unused for a long period of time, usually 9 months, they may be permanently removed from your account under federal SNAP rules.

How do I report food stamp fraud in Missouri?#how-do-i-report-food-stamp-fraud-in-missouri

If you suspect food stamp fraud in Missouri, you can report it to the Missouri Welfare Investigations Unit.

You can report fraud by:

  • Using the Online Reporting Form
  • Calling the number for your region:
    • Central: 1-877-770-8055
    • Eastern: 1-877-860-3052
    • Southeast: 1-877-603-4323
    • Western: 1-877-698-0760
    • Southwest: 1-877-839-4316
  • Emailing your complaint to DLS.ReportFraud@dss.mo.gov

You can report fraud anonymously.

How do I cancel food stamps in Missouri?#how-do-i-cancel-food-stamps-in-missouri

If you no longer want SNAP benefits in Missouri, you can ask the Family Services Division (FSD) to close your case. The easiest way to start is by calling the FSD Support Customer Service Center at 1-855-373-4636 or contacting your local Family Support Division Resource Center.

When you reach out, be ready to share your name, case number, and that you want to stop your SNAP benefits. It’s a good idea to keep any confirmation notice or message for your records.

If your income, household, or other situation changed, you may not need to cancel your case. In some situations, you can simply report the change and FSD will review your eligibility instead.

What other benefits are available to me in Missouri?#what-other-benefits-are-available-to-me-in-missouri

In addition to SNAP, you may qualify for other programs in Missouri that help cover basic needs, including:

To learn more about services available in Missouri, visit the myDSS benefits information page. You can also talk to a local caseworker, benefits office, or community agency.