Definitions for common Family Support Division terms, programs, and processes
The Family Support Division (FSD), a division of the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), helps Missourians access essential programs and services. This glossary provides definitions for common FSD terms, acronyms, and processes you may encounter when applying for or receiving benefits. It also includes key H.R. 1 terms to help participants, partners, and FSD team members understand new requirements and communicate them clearly.
- Programs and Organizations
Term What it means Department of Social Services (DSS) The Missouri state agency that helps run programs and services such as health care, food assistance, Temporary Assistance, child support, and other services. Family Support Division (FSD) The part of DSS that helps decide who qualifies for programs such as MO HealthNet, SNAP, and Temporary Assistance and helps manage those benefits. MO HealthNet Missouri's program that provides Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage to people who qualify. Medicaid A public health coverage program run by states and the federal government. In Missouri, Medicaid is called MO HealthNet. SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. A program that helps people who qualify buy food. Temporary Assistance A program that provides temporary cash help to families who qualify. Managed Health Plan A medical coverage plan offered through a Managed Care Organization (MCO). Managed Care Organization (MCO) The organization that administers the health plan that covers certain MO HealthNet participants - People and Participation
Term What it means Applicant A person who has applied for an FSD program or benefit. Participant A person who receives or takes part in an FSD program or benefit. Different programs may use different words for the people they serve Client A general term sometimes used for a person receiving services or help from FSD. Citizen A person who is a citizen of the United States. FSD programs also serve people who are not U.S. citizens if they meet the program's eligibility requirements. Household The people who are counted together for a program or benefit. Who is included can be different from one program to another. Benefit Program Technician / Benefit Program Specialist An FSD team member who may review information, decide if someone qualifies, process changes, or answer questions about benefits. FSD team member A general term for a person who works for or supports FSD. Authorized Representative A person you choose and allow to act for you for certain FSD program activities. - Applying, Eligibility, and Benefits
Term What it means Apply To ask FSD to see if you qualify for a program or benefit. Application The form and information you provide to FSD when asking for a program or benefit. Eligibility Whether a person meets the rules to receive a program or benefit. Eligible Meets the rules for a program or benefit. Ineligible Does not currently meet the rules for a program or benefit. Benefits The help or services a person receives through an FSD program. Coverage Health care benefits provided through MO HealthNet. Renewal A review to see if a person still qualifies for benefits. Ex parte review / ex parte renewal A review FSD can do using information already available to see if a person still qualifies for MO HealthNet or another MO HealthNet program. If FSD has enough information, the person may not need to complete a renewal form or provide additional information. Redetermination / Recertification Redetermination is a review to see if someone still qualifies for benefits. Recertification is a re-application process used to determine whether someone continues to qualify for benefits. Income Money a person or household receives. Different programs have different rules about which income counts. Countable income The income FSD uses to decide if a person qualifies for a program. Some types of income may not count. MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) A way FSD looks at income that starts with your adjusted gross income and adds a few types of non-taxable income. It is used to determine eligibility for most non-elderly adults, children, and pregnant women. Non-MAGI (Non-Modified Adjusted Gross Income) A way FSD determines MO HealthNet eligibility for certain people, including adults age 65 and older and some people who are blind, or have a disability. Non-MAGI eligibility may consider both income and countable assets or resources, such as money in bank accounts. - Community Engagement Requirements
Term What it means Adult Expansion Group (AEG) A MO HealthNet group for certain adults. Community Engagement Requirements apply to people in this group. Community Engagement Activities such as work, education, training, volunteering, or other activities allowed by program rules. Community Engagement Requirements Requirements that apply to adults ages 19-64 receiving Adult Expansion Group (AEG) coverage. Community Engagement hours Time spent doing qualifying Community Engagement activities that count toward the Community Engagement Requirements. Community Engagement activity An activity that may count toward meeting the Community Engagement Requirements, such as work, education, training, and volunteering. Work requirements A term people may hear when Community Engagement Requirements are being discussed. Missouri uses the term "Community Engagement Requirements," which may include work and other qualifying activities. Qualifying Community Engagement activity A Community Engagement activity that counts toward meeting the Community Engagement Requirements. Demonstration month A month that can be used to see whether a person met the Community Engagement Requirements. Exclusion Specific criteria that an individual can meet that make them not have to meet Community Engagement requirements to qualify for coverage under the AEG program. Excluded A term used for an individual who does not have to meet Community Engagement requirements due to meeting an Exclusion. Exception A situation allowed by program rules where the usual rule does not apply or is handled differently. Compliance Meeting a rule or requirement. Noncompliance Not meeting a rule or requirement. - Proof, Information, and Reporting
Term What it means Proof Documents or information that verifies your statement of an eligibility factor, such as income, employment, school attendance, or a qualifying Community Engagement activity. Verification How FSD checks information. FSD may ask a person to provide proof if the information cannot be confirmed another way. Documentation Documents or records that provide information or proof. Provide proof Give FSD documents or information it needs to confirm something. Keep records Save documents or information that may be needed later, including records of qualifying Community Engagement activities when they apply. Report a change Tell FSD when information that must be reported changes, such as an address, household information, or income. Contact information Information FSD uses to reach a person, such as a mailing address, phone number, or email address. Upload Send a document electronically through an approved website, portal, or other system. - Letters, Notices, and Decisions
Term What it means Notice An official message from FSD about a program, benefit, eligibility, requirement, or action. Letter A written message from FSD. Some letters are also official notices. Correspondence Another word for a letter, notice, or other message sent to or from FSD. Notice of Action An official notice that explains a decision or change involving a person's benefits or eligibility. Decision What FSD decides about an application, eligibility, benefits, requirement, or request. Approved FSD has determined that a person or request meets the rules for the benefit or action described, and coverage is granted. Denied FSD has determined that a person or request does not meet the rules for the benefit or action described, and coverage is rejected. Deadline The date by which something must be done or provided. Action required You need to do something. The notice or message should explain what to do and when to do it. No action needed You do not need to respond or do anything at that time. Missing information Information FSD still needs before it can finish a review, decision, or other action. - Common FSD Process Terms
Term What it means Case The record FSD uses to keep information about a person's benefits or services. Case number / DCN A number FSD uses to identify a person or record in its systems. Processing FSD is reviewing or working on an application, renewal, change, document, or other request. Pending FSD has not made a decision or taken action yet. More information or processing may still be needed. Effective date The date a benefit, decision, requirement, or other action starts. Appeal / Hearing If you disagree with an FSD decision, you can request an appeal, which will result in a hearing. At the hearing, you can provide evidence and explain why you believe FSD's decision is incorrect. An official notice will explain your rights, deadlines, and the steps to request an appeal.