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Missouri offers programs that will help felons who need financial assistance. The programs offer grants for felons that will help pay rent, purchase food, pay utility bills, and more. There are both short and long term assistance programs available. Many of the programs are funded through the federal government, while others are funded through state and local plans.
There is no limit to the number of grants you can receive at one time, so it’s a good idea to apply for all of the programs you feel you qualify for. Plus, being that it is a grant, you won’t ever have to pay it back. Grants are considered to be gifts that are given to people who need financial help. Be sure to check the qualification requirements closely, because program varies.
Grants for Felons in Missouri
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program is federally funded and provides people with food assistance. It’s known by many people as food stamps. Those who need help obtaining food may qualify for a monthly SNAP grant. The grant is given to people on an electronic debt card that they can use at the grocery store to pay for their food. To qualify for the grant, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. Also, you can’t have more than $2,250 in assets, and must be a citizen of the state. Felons who are in violation of their parole do not qualify for SNAP. To apply for SNAP in Missouri, click here.
MO Health Net – This is the state Medicaid program, which is federally funded. The program provides those with a low income help paying their healthcare bills. If approved, they would pay for you to see the doctor, stay in the hospital, get dental work, and for prescription drugs. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) –Felons who need help paying for their utility bills may be able to get a grant from LIHEAP. The program helps those with a low income by helping to pay for heating and cooling bills. The grant is given directly to the energy provider on your behalf. There are limits to how much you can get per season. For summer, the maximum is $300, and for winter the maximum is $800. The program runs from November through March each year. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the energy bill. To apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides those who qualify with a monthly cash grant. The cash can be used to pay for a variety of living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. To qualify for the cash grant, you have to have at least one minor child you care for, have a low income, provide your social security number, and you may have to participate in drug testing. The program is not open to felons who have had charges related to illegal substances after 1996. To learn more about the TANF program in Missouri or apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program helps those with a low income with their housing needs. The federally funded programs offered through HUD include helping people pay rent, avoid foreclosure, locate affordable housing, and obtain weatherization services. Plus, the government owns housing complexes, called Section 8, that provide people with low cost places to live. To qualify for HUD in Missouri, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To learn more about the programs or to apply, click here.
Lifeline – Felons who have difficulty affording a phone may be able to get help paying for it through Lifeline. The program is federally funded and aims to help ensure everyone who needs a phone has one. Those who are approved for the Lifeline program will receive a mobile phone that has free data, voicemail, and texting. To qualify for the program you have to have a low income. If are already receiving a grant from a program such as SNAP or TANF, then you may automatically qualify for a Lifeline phone grant. To apply, click here.
Trinity Lutheran Church – This is a reentry program for felons. The program aims to help support felons during reentry so they are successful. The reentry program helps with counseling, clothing, mentoring, and more. To learn more about the program, click here.
In addition to the grants for felons in Missouri that are listed above, be sure to check with local churches and organizations. Both provide helpful programs to give assistance to those in need, including providing food, clothing, transportation vouchers, and more.
