FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2020
In response to increased demand for services, Family Support Division Call Center operating 7 days a week and suspending Food Stamp phone interviews
JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Starting Saturday, March 28, 2020 the Family Support Division (FSD) Call Center will temporarily operate seven days a week and expand hours to handle the growing influx of calls from low-income Missourians for services. The temporary hours of operation starting on March 28 will be Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has just approved the Department of Social Services (DSS), Family Support Division’s waiver request to temporarily suspend Food Stamp telephone interviews. “As a state, we must ensure the fastest response to the essential needs of vulnerable Missouri citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Mike Parson said. “The temporary expansion of days and hours of operation for the Family Support Division Call Center and the temporary suspension of Food Stamp phone interviews will help low-income Missourians more quickly connect to the supports they will need to stay safe and healthy.”
“Many Missourians are turning to the Family Support Division for the very first time in their life and need information and guidance on how DSS helps low-income families,” said Jennifer Tidball, Acting Director, Department of Social Services. “The fastest way to find basic information about Food Stamp, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Child Care Subsidy benefits and who may qualify is to visit the DSS website. The waiver approval to temporarily suspend Food Stamp interviews is a tremendous boost to the Family Support Division’s ability to focus the efforts of all FSD call center staff on assisting Missourians who now need services.”
Applicants can apply for services any time of day. Simply fill out an application form online or download and send a completed application and the necessary documents by email or fax.
First-time applicants who may be unfamiliar with the eligibility criteria for Food Stamp, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or Child Care Subsidy benefit programs need to keep in mind that these programs are for low-income Missourians and some household incomes may still be too high to qualify, despite a family member’s job loss.
Missourians can apply for services 24/7 online by visiting MyDSS.mo.gov, or sending completed applications and verification documents by email to FSD.Documents@dss.mo.gov, or by fax to 573-526-9400. Missourians who have questions or need assistance can call 855-FSD-INFO or 855-373-4636 Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Department of Social Services is committed to serving the needs of Missouri citizens during COVID-19 pandemic. Information regarding the department’s response to the pandemic is available online https://dss.mo.gov/covid-19.
The mission of the Department of Social Services is to empower Missourians to live safe, healthy, and productive lives. Visit dss.mo.gov to learn more about the Department of Social Services and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
###