Assistance for Disabled Single Mothers in Missouri

Assistance for Disabled Single Mothers in Missouri — 2025 Guide

Last updated: September 2025

Missouri has programs built for disability needs. This guide focuses on disability-specific benefits, services, and legal protections single moms can actually use. You’ll see what to do first, who to call, the usual wait times, and backup plans when Plan A fails. Throughout, we link straight to official agencies and trusted nonprofits so you can move fast.

If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Call MO HealthNet case status and NEMT ride scheduling back-to-back to secure coverage for medical visits and get a ride if you qualify. Use the Family Support Division line at 1-855-373-4636 to check or start your application through Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), then schedule your non-emergency medical ride with Missouri’s broker at 1-866-269-5927 through MO HealthNet NEMT. (dss.mo.gov)
Get in‑home help started by making a referral to Consumer Directed Services/In‑Home Services at 1-866-835-3505 via the Division of Senior & Disability Services (DSDS), and ask for a nurse assessment for the Aged & Disabled or related waivers if you may need that level of care. (health.mo.gov)
If facing shutoff, file a medical protection request today. Register life-sustaining equipment with Ameren Missouri’s Medical Equipment Registry and submit a medical emergency form to Spire Missouri; also verify PSC hot/cold weather rules and call the PSC consumer line at 1-800-392-4211 per Missouri Public Service Commission. (ameren.com)

Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy

MO HealthNet case info and applications: 1-800-392-1261 and 1-855-373-9994 via MO HealthNet/DSS; check status or apply by phone. (dss.mo.gov)
Home care referral (DSDS Intake): 1-866-835-3505 at DHSS Home & Community Based Services; request Consumer Directed Services or a waiver screen. (health.mo.gov)
Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (rides): 1-866-269-5927 (schedule) and 1-866-269-5944 (“Where’s My Ride”) for MO HealthNet NEMT. (dss.mo.gov)
Assistive technology & phone/Internet access devices: 1-816-655-6700 at Missouri Assistive Technology; see TAP Telephone/Internet and 2025 TAP Wireless pilot. (at.mo.gov)
Disability legal help: 1-800-392-8667 at Missouri Protection & Advocacy Services; get help with benefits, abuse, access, housing, and work rights. (moadvocacy.org)

Who this guide is for and how to use it

You’re a disabled single mom in Missouri. You need help that fits disability rules. Each section starts with the fastest action, then explains who qualifies, what to expect, and what to do if it stalls. You’ll see direct links to state agencies, disability offices, and local centers so you can reach a person. Always call to confirm current availability; funding and wait lists can change within days. (disability.mo.gov)

Health coverage and cash tied to disability

How to lock in disability‑based coverage fast

Start with MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD). If you already have SSI, you likely qualify for MHABD. If you work, ask about Ticket to Work Health Assurance (TWHA) to keep Medicaid while earning. Use the MO HealthNet toll‑free lines for status and enrollment support, and review TWHA policy at DSS policy manual. (dss.mo.gov)

Expect MHABD disability cases to take up to 90 days to process per DSS timelines; submit complete medical records to speed it up. If you need care before approval, ask about spenddown coverage for prior months and prior quarter rules in the MHABD manual. (dss.mo.gov)
Working while disabled: use the SSA “Red Book” to understand 2025 limits (SGA $1, 620/ m o n t h; T W P$ 1,160/month) and SSI’s 2025 benefit rate ($967/month for a single adult). See SSA 2025 updates and SSA COLA notice. (ssa.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 1-800-392-2161 for MO HealthNet Constituent Services to escalate, or get legal help from Missouri Protection & Advocacy if delays or denials seem wrong. You can also ask for benefits counseling and work‑incentive planning via SSA’s WIPA help line. (dss.mo.gov)

In‑home help so you can parent safely

Start a Consumer Directed Services referral today

Call DSDS Intake at 1-866-835-3505 and ask for an assessment for Consumer Directed Services (CDS) or In‑Home Services. CDS lets you hire and manage your own attendants to help with bathing, transfers, meal prep, and essential tasks. Use the DHSS HCBS referral page to submit online if calling is hard. (health.mo.gov)

If you meet nursing‑facility level of care and need more than basic help, ask the nurse to check eligibility for the Independent Living Waiver (ILW), Aged & Disabled Waiver (ADW), Brain Injury Waiver (BIW), or Medically Fragile Adult Waiver (MFAW). Learn what each covers at the HCBS services overview and the BI Waiver and MFAW program pages. (health.mo.gov)
Expect an assessment call within 10–15 business days when staffing allows. If approved, vendors or a fiscal agent will help you enroll attendants. You can request re‑assessment if your condition changes using contacts posted by DHSS Senior & Disability Services. (health.mo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you’re denied or the plan is too small, appeal through DSS hearings and ask a local Center for Independent Living like Paraquad or The Whole Person to help draft a stronger functional statement. (dss.mo.gov)

Waivers for developmental disabilities in your household

If you or your child has an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD), the Department of Mental Health (DMH) Division of Developmental Disabilities runs four waivers: Comprehensive, Community Support, Missouri Children with Developmental Disabilities (MOCDD), and Partnership for Hope. Start at the DMH Waivers page and, if you have a child at home, review MOCDD rules. (dmh.mo.gov)

Partnership for Hope is county‑based and caps annual service cost; it’s designed to keep people in the community with modest support. Read details and county participation via DMH Partnership for Hope and provider materials posted by MO HealthNet. (dmh.mo.gov)
If you’ve been on a waitlist, note DMH updates on funding and prioritization of need; see the March 2025 waitlist communication on the DMH site and rule 9 CSR 45‑2.015 about access priorities. Contact your Regional Office for targeted case management. (dmh-stage.mo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your county SB40 Board or a CIL (e.g., Paraquad) to help advocate for interim supports while waiting. File grievances or seek legal help through Missouri Protection & Advocacy if rights or access are blocked. (paraquad.org)

Transportation when driving or funds are limited

Book Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) for covered MO HealthNet appointments by calling 1-866-269-5927 (24/7 for urgent discharges) and use 1-866-269-5944 if your ride is late. See instructions in the MO HealthNet Hot Tips for late rides and in the 2010 update for scheduling details. (dss.mo.gov)

For non‑medical trips in rural areas, call OATS Transit at 1-888-875-6287 and check your county schedule on the OATS website; Relay users can dial 711 per their accessibility info. In larger cities, contact your local paratransit or a CIL such as The Whole Person (KC) for options. (oatstransit.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your managed care plan care manager (if enrolled) via the MO HealthNet managed care list about alternate transportation or mileage reimbursement. For appeals about ride denials, call MO HealthNet Constituent Services at 1-800-392-2161. (dss.mo.gov)

Assistive technology and communication access

You can get phones, Internet access tools, or wireless devices at no cost if you qualify through Missouri Assistive Technology. See TAP for Telephone and TAP for Internet income rules (most households under $60, 000 pl u s$ 5,000 per dependent) and apply at TAP Telephone and TAP Internet. For the 2025 TAP Wireless pilot, apply via TAP Wireless. (at.mo.gov)

If you need to buy durable equipment, vehicle mods, or home access features, ask MoAT about low‑interest “Show‑Me Loans” and device reuse via Missouri Assistive Technology. You can also try device demos and local TAP locations listed by partners such as Center for Hearing & Speech (Easterseals Midwest). (at.mo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Request advocacy from Missouri Protection & Advocacy for denials of medically necessary equipment, or ask your MO HealthNet provider about prior authorization rules posted on MO HealthNet Clinical Services. (moadvocacy.org)

Jobs, training, and keeping benefits while you work

Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) funds training, accommodations, supported employment, and more. Call 1-877-222-8963 or find your local office in the VR office directory. Check any public notices and hearing schedules on DESE VR. (dese.mo.gov)

Get free benefits counseling through Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA)—SSA will refer you to the correct provider when you call the Ticket to Work Helpline at 1-866-968-7842 or use SSA’s WIPA page. Review work incentives and 2025 limits in the SSA Red Book. (ssa.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If an employer resists reasonable accommodations, get advice and advocacy from Missouri Protection & Advocacy and log each incident. VR can help with Job Accommodation needs; keep your counselor looped in using state VR contacts. (moadvocacy.org)

Money tools that protect your benefits

MO ABLE accounts you can use now

Open a MO ABLE account to save for disability expenses without losing Medicaid. In 2025 you can contribute up to $19, 000 (pl u s p oss ib l e “ A B L Et o W or k ” co n t r ib u t i o n s i f yo u ’ ree m pl oye d) . S ee M i sso u r i ’ s pl an p a g e a t [* MO A B L E (ST A B L E) *] (h ttp s : // m o ab l e . co m /) an d co n t r ib u t i o n d e t ai l s a t [* MO A B L E Ho w I t W or k s *] (h ttp s : // m o ab l e . co m / h o w - i t - w or k s) . T h e f e d er a l ann u a l e x c l u s i o n f or 2025 i s$ 19,000 per the IRS and plan materials; confirm specifics on the IRS exclusion table. (moable.com)

SSI doesn’t count up to $100,000 in ABLE funds, and Medicaid is not affected; review the ABLE protections at MO ABLE “Benefits” and the ABLE National Resource Center state page. As of 2026, the age‑of‑onset expands to 46 under the ABLE Age Adjustment Act; track that timeline on MO ABLE’s update page. (moable.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If bank savings threaten your MHABD resource limit, move eligible funds to MO ABLE and ask DSS/FSD how to report changes; use the Change Report if needed. (formsportal.dss.mo.gov)

How to stop utility shutoff in Missouri today

Use three layers of protection the same day you get a shutoff notice.

Weather rules: Hot Weather Law (June 1–Sept 30) now blocks disconnections when forecasted temps exceed 95°F or heat index 105°F for the next 24 hours; winter Cold Weather Rule protects when temps are below 32°F. See the PSC’s notices and updates on the hot weather law and Cold Weather Rule at Missouri PSC and PSC Cold Weather Rule page. Recent 2025 coverage notes a 72‑hour forecast window under SB4. (psc.mo.gov)
Medical certification: Ask your doctor to submit a medical emergency form to your utility—see Spire’s medical emergency program—and register life‑sustaining equipment with Ameren’s Medical Equipment Registry. Utilities often delay shutoff 21 days after a doctor’s statement. (spireenergy.com)
Local water help: In Kansas City, check payment arrangements and partner aid via KC Water Financial Assistance Resources. In St. Louis City, call 1-314-771-2255 or email customerservice@stlwater.com through the City Water Division page for past‑due support updates. (kcwater.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call the PSC consumer hotline at 1-800-392-4211 via the PSC site. For legal pressure or ADA issues, contact Missouri Legal Services and Missouri Protection & Advocacy. (psc.mo.gov)

Support for your children when mom is disabled

If your infant or toddler has delays, First Steps (IDEA Part C) can bring therapy into your home. Refer by calling 1-866-583-2392 ext. 3 or use the First Steps contact page. For managed care children, use MO HealthNet plans to coordinate therapies. (dese.mo.gov)

For medically fragile youth aging out of HCY private duty nursing, the Medically Fragile Adult Waiver (MFAW) can continue in‑home nursing and supplies if criteria are met, per MFAW. If your teen or young adult has TBI, look at the Brain Injury Waiver (BIW) through DHSS Special Health Care Needs. (health.mo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask DESE Early Intervention staff at 573-522-0045 via First Steps to escalate a referral, or contact DESE’s Office of Childhood to troubleshoot service delays. (dese.mo.gov)

Disability‑focused legal help and self‑advocacy

For benefits denials, abuse/neglect, discrimination, housing access, or education rights, contact Missouri Protection & Advocacy at 1-800-392-8667 through their contact page. They help with ADA access, assistive tech, and work rights per their services overview. (moadvocacy.org)

If you need civil legal help by region, reach the legal aid offices: Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (1-800-444-0514), Legal Aid of Western Missouri (816-474-6750), Mid‑Missouri Legal Services (1-800-568-4931), and Legal Services of Southern Missouri (1-800-444-4863). (lsem.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Flag urgent safety issues to the Adult Abuse & Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210 via DHSS Stop Adult Abuse. Escalate agency problems by filing an appeal using DSS hearing rights. (health.mo.gov)

Tables you can use now

Key disability‑specific programs at a glance

Program	Who it’s for	What it covers	How to apply	Typical timeline
MO HealthNet MHABD	Adults with disabilities meeting MHABD rules	Full Medicaid; spenddown/prior quarter options	Call DSS 1-855-373-4636 and see MO HealthNet contacts	45–90 days for disability cases; ask for expedited review if hospitalized (dss.mo.gov)
Consumer Directed Services (CDS)	Adults with physical disability who can self‑direct	Attendants for personal care, housekeeping, errands	Call DSDS 1-866-835-3505 or use HCBS referral	2–6 weeks to start, varies by county and staffing (health.mo.gov)
ILW / ADW / BIW / MFAW	Higher‑need support at home	Expanded CDS, nursing, therapies, supplies	Read HCBS services; ask assessor to screen	30–60 days after assessment if slots/funding are open (health.mo.gov)
DMH DD Waivers (MOCDD, PFH, etc.)	People with IDD (children and adults)	Respite, ISL, day hab, ABA, AT, more	Start at DMH DD waivers	Varies; some areas use prioritization/waitlists (dmh.mo.gov)
NEMT (rides)	MO HealthNet members	Medical rides to covered care	Call 1-866-269-5927; late ride 1-866-269-5944 via NEMT info	Book ≥3–5 days ahead; urgent rides 24/7 (dss.mo.gov)

Utility shutoff protections snapshot

Protection	Dates	What it does	Where to learn more
Hot Weather Law	June 1–Sept 30	Blocks shutoff on days over 95°F or 105 heat index (utility jurisdiction applies)	Missouri PSC press release (psc.mo.gov)
Cold Weather Rule	Nov 1–Mar 31	Extra notice, payment terms; no shutoff below 32°F	PSC Cold Weather Rule and Legal Services explainer (psc.mo.gov)
Medical hardship	Year‑round	Delay disconnection; register critical equipment	Spire medical emergency and Ameren medical registry (spireenergy.com)

Quick phone and website directory

Need	Phone	Link
MO HealthNet apps/status	1-855-373-4636 / 1-800-392-1261	MO HealthNet contacts (dss.mo.gov)
DSDS HCBS intake	1-866-835-3505	HCBS info & referral (health.mo.gov)
NEMT rides	1-866-269-5927	NEMT details (dss.mo.gov)
Missouri Assistive Technology	1-816-655-6700	MoAT home (at.mo.gov)
Protection & Advocacy	1-800-392-8667	Mo P&A contact (moadvocacy.org)

Work and money rules that affect you

Item	2025 figure	Where to verify
SSI federal benefit rate (single)	$967/month	SSA Red Book 2025 (ssa.gov)
SGA (non‑blind)	$1,620/month	SSA Red Book 2025 (ssa.gov)
Trial Work Period	$1,160/month	SSA Red Book 2025 (ssa.gov)
MO ABLE annual contribution	$19,000	IRS gift exclusion 2025 and MO ABLE how it works (irs.gov)

Housing access tools for disabilities

Tool	What it does	Where to search
Inclusive/accessible rentals	State resources and tips for inclusive housing	DMH Housing portal and HUD Missouri (dmh.mo.gov)
Kansas City region locator	Search accessible/affordable units in KC	KC Housing Locator (marc.org)
State housing development	Programs including Section 811 PRA and trust funds	Missouri Housing Development Commission (mhdc.com)

Local organizations, charities, and support groups

Centers for Independent Living (CILs): CILs help with skills training, peer support, housing, CDS navigation, and self‑advocacy. In St. Louis, contact Paraquad (314-289-4200). In Kansas City, contact The Whole Person (816-561-0304). In Columbia and nearby counties, call Services for Independent Living (573-874-1646). Use the statewide directory at ILRU/MOCIL to find other CILs. (paraquad.org)
Assistive technology partners: Apply through Missouri Assistive Technology and visit local TAP demo sites like Center for Hearing & Speech. Ask your CIL to help with device trials and loan closets. (at.mo.gov)
Legal help and rights: If you need help with access, discrimination, or benefits appeals, get help from Missouri Protection & Advocacy and legal aid offices like LSEM or LSSM. (moadvocacy.org)

Resources by region

St. Louis City/County: Find disability‑savvy services at Paraquad and search DMH housing links via DMH Housing portal. For water bill issues, use the City Water Division contacts and talk to legal aid at LSEM. (paraquad.org)
Kansas City metro: Call The Whole Person for CDS support and access help; use KC Housing Locator for finding accessible units; and see KC Water assistance to manage shutoff risks. (twpmo.org)
Columbia/Jefferson City: Connect with Services for Independent Living for skills training and CDS; enroll with Missouri VR (Central Office) for job supports; search rentals through HUD Missouri tools. (silcolumbia.org)
Springfield/Bootheel/Southeast: Ask your local CIL (e.g., SADI) listed on ILRU directory; check housing leads at the DMH Housing portal. For legal help, see LSSM. (ilru.org)

Diverse communities and tailored tips

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask your CIL (like Paraquad) to note preferred name/pronouns on care plans; appeal any discrimination through Missouri Protection & Advocacy and consider HUD fair housing options listed on HUD Missouri. (paraquad.org)

Veteran single mothers: Use VR&E and VA healthcare, but also ask about state support; CILs such as The Whole Person can coordinate with VA social workers, and DMH’s housing page links to re‑entry and homelessness tools through DMH Housing. For benefits plus work incentives, check SSA WIPA. (twpmo.org)

Immigrant/refugee single moms: Tell agencies if you need an interpreter; DSS and DHSS will arrange language access. CILs like Services for Independent Living can help you ask for translated forms, and legal guidance is available through LSEM. Use HUD’s listings for accessible rentals via HUD Missouri. (silcolumbia.org)

Tribal members: If you’re a tribal citizen living in Missouri, coordinate with your tribe’s health or housing office and use federal protections; Missouri’s disability portal compiles links at the State Disability Portal. Pair this with benefits counseling via SSA WIPA. (disability.mo.gov)

Rural single moms: OATS Transit (1-888-875-6287) covers most rural counties; check your route calendar on the OATS schedule page. When home health agencies are short‑staffed, ask DSDS for CDS so you can hire local attendants via HCBS info. (oatstransit.org)

Single fathers raising children while disabled: All programs here apply to you too. Contact DSDS/HCBS for in‑home help and Missouri VR for job supports; use MoAT for assistive tech. (health.mo.gov)

Language access and disability accommodations: Ask for large‑print forms, TTY/Relay (711), interpreters, or accessible interviews. Agency pages list accommodation contacts, including DHSS Senior & Disability Services and DSS. Keep records of requests for appeals through DSS hearings. (health.mo.gov)

County‑specific variations that matter

A few supports vary by county because of local boards and funding:

Partnership for Hope Waiver operates only in participating counties and uses local tax funds; check your county on DMH PFH info and contact your Regional Office for openings. (dmh.mo.gov)
Housing navigation is easier in KC using KC Housing Locator, while St. Louis CILs like Paraquad run frequent housing skills classes. For rural counties, use DMH Housing resources. (marc.org)

Reality Check

Funding waits and seasonal delays: Expect longer waits after January and near fiscal year transitions; monitor updates on DSS caseloads and ask your assessor how to avoid case lapses between services. Hot/cold weather utility protections reduce shutoffs, but you still owe the bill; set payment plans early per PSC info. (dss.mo.gov)

NEMT pitfalls: Call 3–5 days ahead; have your Medicaid number, pickup time, and provider address ready. Use the late‑ride line (1-866-269-5944) if the driver is 15 minutes late, per MO HealthNet “Hot Tips”. (dss.mo.gov)

Common mistakes to avoid

Mailing partial medical records; instead, send full clinic notes and hospital summaries listed in the DSS timeline page and keep date‑stamped copies. (dss.mo.gov)
Waiting to report work or savings changes; use the DSS Change Report and confirm if MO ABLE fits your savings plan at MO ABLE. (formsportal.dss.mo.gov)
Not requesting CDS when agencies lack aides; ask DSDS for the CDS model via the HCBS services page to hire attendants yourself. (health.mo.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Task	First call or click	Backup plan
Start Medicaid due to disability	MO HealthNet contacts	Appeal via DSS hearings; get legal aid
Get in‑home help	DSDS HCBS referral	Ask for CDS or another waiver on reassessment
Book medical rides	NEMT contact & late ride line	Ask plan care manager; file complaint
Stop shutoff	PSC Hot/Cold rules	Submit utility medical forms; call PSC hotline
Save without losing benefits	MO ABLE	Confirm SSI/Medicaid rules with SSA Red Book

Application checklist you can screenshot

Proof of identity and SSN — ID, SSN, or SSA letter; see DSS for acceptable docs.
Medical records — clinic notes, discharge summaries, medication list; upload through MO HealthNet or bring to your assessment.
Income and resources — pay stubs, SSA letters, bank statements; consider MO ABLE if balances may exceed limits. (moable.com)
Housing and utility papers — lease, past‑due bills; see PSC rules for protections and utility medical forms like Spire. (psc.mo.gov)
Transportation details — clinic addresses and appointment times for NEMT. (dss.mo.gov)

Troubleshooting — If your application gets denied

Ask for the denial letter and your case file. Then file an appeal by the deadline using DSS hearing forms. Keep copies of everything. (dss.mo.gov)
Get advocacy. Contact Missouri Protection & Advocacy or legal aid like LSEM for representation. Ask your CIL (e.g., Paraquad) to help you prep. (moadvocacy.org)
Reapply with stronger evidence. Add new doctor letters, hospitalizations, and functional details. For home‑care denials, request a new nurse assessment via DSDS HCBS. (health.mo.gov)

St. Louis Water Bill Help

If water shutoff is looming, set a payment plan and ask about assistance using the City of St. Louis Water Division contacts at 1-314-771-2255 and customerservice@stlwater.com on the Water Division page. For disabilities that make in‑person visits hard, ask for reasonable accommodations, and get backup legal help through Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. (stlouis-mo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Check the PSC protections for electric/gas linked above and coordinate any cross‑utility help with your CIL such as Paraquad. (paraquad.org)

Kansas City Water Bill Help

If you’re behind, KC Water lists aid and payment arrangements; start at the Financial Assistance Resources page for KC Water or call 311 (816-513-1313). For broader shutdown risks, see PSC hot/cold rules and medical forms for electricity/gas (e.g., Spire). (kcwater.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask The Whole Person (KC) to help you document disability accommodations and pursue a payment plan waiver or extensions. (twpmo.org)

FAQs

How fast can I get a ride to the doctor once I’m approved for Medicaid?
Use NEMT: schedule 3–5 days ahead; urgent discharges are 24/7. If late by 15 minutes, call the “Where’s My Ride” line at 1-866-269-5944 listed in MO HealthNet “Hot Tips”. (dss.mo.gov)
Can I work and keep Medicaid?
Yes—Ticket to Work Health Assurance helps many workers with disabilities keep MHABD while employed; see the DSS TWHA manual and confirm earnings limits using the SSA Red Book. (dss.mo.gov)
What if the state says my case will take months?
Disability Medicaid cases can take up to 90 days; see the DSS processing timelines. Ask for prior quarter coverage if you had bills during the last 3 months, per MHABD policy. (dss.mo.gov)
What is Consumer Directed Services?
You hire and supervise your own attendants. Start with DSDS at 1-866-835-3505 via HCBS info. Ask about the Independent Living Waiver if needs are high (see HCBS services). (health.mo.gov)
How can I afford a TTY phone, screen reader, or tablet for communication?
Apply for TAP Telephone, TAP Internet, or TAP Wireless pilot via Missouri Assistive Technology. Demos are available at sites like Center for Hearing & Speech. (at.mo.gov)
What saves me from shutoff during extreme heat or cold?
PSC’s Hot Weather Law and Cold Weather Rule protect on extreme days; read the rules on the PSC site and Cold Weather page. Submit your utility’s medical forms too (e.g., Spire). (psc.mo.gov)
Can I save more than $2,000 without losing SSI/Medicaid?
Yes—MO ABLE lets you save and invest for disability needs. Confirm 2025 limits and Medicaid/SSI treatment at MO ABLE Benefits and the ABLE NRC Missouri page. (moable.com)
Who helps if my child is under 3 and delayed?
Refer to First Steps by calling 1-866-583-2392 or using the First Steps contact page. For IDD across ages, ask about DMH waivers at the DMH site. (dese.mo.gov)
What if I live in a rural county with no buses?
Use OATS Transit (1-888-875-6287) and book ahead through the OATS schedule page. Ask DSDS to authorize CDS so you can hire attendants nearby per HCBS services. (oatstransit.org)
Where do I report abuse or neglect?
Call the Adult Abuse & Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210 via DHSS Stop Adult Abuse, and seek legal help from Protection & Advocacy if needed. (health.mo.gov)

Spanish summary — Resumen en español

Esta guía ofrece ayuda específica para madres solteras con discapacidades en Misuri. Para cobertura médica por discapacidad, comuníquese con MO HealthNet/DSS (1-855-373-4636). Para cuidados en el hogar, solicite Consumer Directed Services con DHSS/HCBS (1-866-835-3505). Para transporte médico, programe viajes por NEMT al 1-866-269-5927 en la página de MO HealthNet. Para tecnología de asistencia, aplique a TAP con Missouri Assistive Technology. Para evitar cortes de servicios, revise las reglas de clima extremo de la Comisión de Servicios Públicos de Misuri y entregue formularios médicos de su empresa (por ejemplo, Spire). Esta traducción fue producida con herramientas de IA.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information. It is not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules change and local funding varies. Always confirm current eligibility, amounts, and timelines with the official agencies linked here, such as DSS/MO HealthNet and DHSS Senior & Disability Services, before you apply or spend money. (dss.mo.gov)

What to do if this guide missed something

We researched using current 2025 state and federal pages for Medicaid, waivers, assistive tech, and utility protections, including DSS, DHSS, DMH, MoAT, PSC, and SSA. If a link is broken or information is unclear, contact the agency listed or your nearest CIL such as Paraquad for live help. (ssa.gov)

Final tip

When you call, write down the date, time, name, and what was promised. If you get stuck, escalate using the agency’s constituent line and loop in Protection & Advocacy or your local CIL. Paper trails win appeals. (moadvocacy.org)

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