Services and Programs Offered by the Family Support Division Springfield MO
The Family Support Division Springfield MO’s mission is to maintain and strengthen Missouri families. Learn more about the many resources this Division provides with our complete guide.
What Is the Family Support Division in Springfield MO?
Missouri Department of Social Services contains several program divisions for their citizens. Among them are the Children’s Division or Child Welfare Providers MO, responsible for the administration of child welfare services, MO HealthNet Providers, Family Support, as well as the Division of Youth Services.
The Division of Family Support (DFS) in Springfield, Missouri, is responsible for administrating programs and services for this state’s citizens’ welfare. The Missouri DFS and the Missouri Department of Social Services can help families regarding health care, child support, child care, food assistance, temporary assistance, and offering rehabilitation services for the blind, energy assistance, and other services that can strengthen Missouri families.
Although you do not need an attorney to apply for any of these services, it never hurts to consult one. Attorney Summer Masterson-Goethals at Masterson Law has a great deal of experience working with family law issues in the Springfield, Missouri courts. She can make sure you are getting all the help you need and that your documents are in order.
Family Support Springfield MO: The Food Stamp Program
The Family Support Division (FSD), among other services, offers assistance to low-income families to buy food by applying for the Food Stamp Program. Services are available upon application. To be eligible for these benefits, you have to meet certain requirements. For example, those who want to apply can’t own assets that value more than $2,250 at application, excluding home, vehicle, life insurance, etc.
Food stamps can be used only for buying food and products such as seeds to grow food. On the other hand, these stamps can’t be used for buying food that has been prepared to be immediately eaten, nor can you purchase alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, or soap.
How to Check the Status of Food Stamps from Springfield Family Support Program
If you want to apply for the Food Stamp Program, you have to complete the application for these benefits and do an interview. In the US State of Missouri, you can apply online or call 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636) and ask for an application. After you fill them out, you should send them to FSD by email (at FSD.Documents@dss.mo.gov), or fax. After receiving the application, you will be called to complete the phone interview within three days.
You can check the status of your Food Stamp application by calling 800-392-1261, where you can get help 24/7. However, have in mind that it can take up to 30 days for your application to be processed.
If you are approved for food stamps you will get a letter telling you when is the time to reapply. As long as you are eligible for programs such as food stamps, you will receive benefits.
Each household will receive food stamps monthly, and they will be loaded to a Missouri Electronic Benefits Transfer Card or EBT Card. This card functions like a debit card – there is a PIN number the user will have to enter. It can be used in any grocery store that is approved for this type of use.
It is also important to know that food stamps from another state can be used in Missouri, as well as the ones from Missouri can be used in other states.
What If Your Food Stamps Application Is Rejected?
If your application is rejected, you have the right to request a hearing within 90 days. At the hearing, you or your legal representative can present your case. Considering how vital these benefits can be, you’ll need an experienced lawyer who can help you and advocate on your behalf.
Summer Masterson-Goethals believes every client should have access to quality legal representation at a reasonable price. Hiring a lawyer is rarely inexpensive, but Masterson Law will work with you to find a litigation plan that works within your budget.
Missouri Department of Social Services – Family Support Center Springfield, MO
When it comes to the Missouri Department of Social Services, their services for families also include family support services, keeping kids safe, Crisis Care such as temporary assistance child care, and Home Visiting Program for families living in poverty and have a child younger than 3. You can learn more about child support services by visiting State of Missouri websites.
The FSD, on the other hand, also offers help with healthcare. The Medicaid program in the State of Missouri is called MO HealthNet, and it is designed to cover medical expenses for people who meet specific requirements, including people with disabilities, blind and visually impaired, seniors, kids, families, and uninsured women.
These services can be provided through different programs, which depends on the type of coverage you are qualified for. MO HealthNet also offers benefits like nursing home and personal care services that are usually covered by Medicare.
Division of Family Services Springfield MO: Child Care and Child Support Services
Low-income eligible parents and guardians of a child younger than 13 who are working, attending school, looking for employment, or are disabled or homeless can apply for a Child Care Subsidy Program to receive help with child care costs. By receiving this kind of help, parents and guardians can focus on finding or holding steady work.
If your application is approved, you have to be aware that there are certain responsibilities you have to fulfill. For example, parents and guardians are responsible for choosing a child care provider and providing their schedule. The amount of child care you’ll receive depends on that schedule and your child’s school schedule. Eligibility for child care is certified for a year, meaning you have to reapply every year if you want to continue receiving this kind of help.
MO DFS also offers child support services. These services include arranging for a paternity test, assistance with the establishment and review of support orders, as well as with the enforcement of the support orders.
The Missouri Department of Social Services Family Support Division can also help by ordering employers to enroll children in health plans, reporting non-custodial parents who owe support past due and working with other states to collect support when non-custodial parents live outside of Missouri.
Parents who live and those who don’t live with their children, custodians, alleged fathers, children between the ages 18-21, as well as the legal representatives of the custodial parents or their estate if the person is dead are eligible for child support services.
Family Support Division Springfield Missouri: How to Check the Status of Your Child Support Case
When you submit an application for Child Support services to FSD, this division will open your case using the information you’ve sent. The Missouri Department of Social Services Family Support Division will then send you the letter confirming that the case is open and providing you with a case number. It’s advisable that you keep that letter for future reference. If you want to check your Child Support case’s status, call (573) 556–3800.
Child custody cases can be complicated and challenging. If you are having issues with child support, child custody modifications, visitation rights, or other custody problems, make sure to hire a compassionate and capable child custody lawyer.
Other Family Support Services in Springfield Missouri
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is yet another family support program whose goal is to provide cash benefits to eligible low-income families with children. However, the money must be used for the children in that household. If your application is approved, you must participate in employment and training services through the Missouri Work Assistance program, which will help the recipients get the skills to find a job. The amount of benefits is determined by several factors.
The Family Support Division also offers other programs and services you can apply for. You don’t have to apply personally for any of these services. If you need help filling out the paperwork or understand the services offered, you can have an authorized representative explain to you everything you need to know.
Although an authorized representative can be your family member or a facility like a nursing home, a qualified family law attorney can also help. At Masterson Law, clients are not just case files. Summer Masterson-Goethals, a former legal aid attorney, has more than 20 years of experience and she is committed to assist however she can.
How to Contact Springfield MO Family Support Division
If you wish to apply for a program or a Family Support Division service, check out their homepage where you can see an overview of everything they are offering. If you have questions regarding their services or your case, you can contact DFS Missouri at 1-855-373-4636 or visit an FSD resource center. FSD also has an office in each of the counties in the State of Missouri.
Whether you need help applying for family support services, you think you have been wrongfully denied services, or you have another family legal issue, contact Masterson Law for help and consultation. Our law firm will give you peace of mind and look out for your best interests.
