Missouri SNAP for Grandparents Raising a Grandchild: Household Rules Explained

SNAP (food stamps) works differently from child-only Temporary Assistance. SNAP counts income for people in the household unit, generally those who live together and purchase and prepare food together. For grandparents raising grandchildren, that means your Social Security, pension, or wages go into the calculation when you are part of that unit.

That sounds like bad news, but there are deductions built into the program — especially for people over 60 — that can significantly increase your benefit.

Household Rules

If your grandchild lives with you and you purchase and prepare food together, the child must be included in your SNAP household. You cannot create a separate "child-only" SNAP unit the way you can with TA.

The household unit generally includes people who live together and purchase and prepare food together. If your spouse lives in the home, their income counts too. If an adult child under age 22 lives with you as their parent or guardian, federal rules require joint inclusion in the SNAP unit.

Income Limits (October 2026–September 2027)

Gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level:

• 2-person household: $2,345
• 3-person household: $2,960
• 4-person household: $3,575
• Each additional person adds $616

Net monthly income (after deductions) must be at or below 100% FPL:

• 2-person household: $1,804
• 3-person household: $2,277
• 4-person household: $2,750

Maximum Monthly Benefits

If you qualify and have minimal net income, the maximum monthly SNAP allotment is:

• 2 persons: $562
• 3 persons: $808
• 4 persons: $1,023

The Medical Expense Deduction

This is the most underused provision for grandparents on SNAP. If anyone in your household is 60 or older (or disabled), out-of-pocket medical expenses above $35 per month can be deducted from your countable income before FSD calculates your benefit.

Qualifying expenses include:

• Medicare Part B and Part D premiums
• Prescription co-pays
• Dental and vision co-pays
• Medical transportation costs
• Over-the-counter medications prescribed by a doctor
• Health insurance premiums not covered by Medicare

For elderly or disabled households, this deduction has no cap. If your medical expenses are $250 per month, the first $35 is not deductible, but the remaining $215 reduces your countable income — which can push you into a higher SNAP benefit tier.

Bring receipts, prescription printouts, and Medicare premium statements when you apply or recertify.

Shelter and Standard Deductions

On top of medical expenses, your household receives:

• Standard deduction: $217/month for 1–3 person households, $229 for 4 people, $268 for 5, $308 for 6+
• Excess shelter deduction: if your housing costs (rent, mortgage, property tax, insurance, utilities) exceed half your income after other deductions, the excess is deducted — with no cap for elderly or disabled households

These layered deductions mean a grandparent with moderate Social Security income and significant medical and housing costs can still qualify for substantial SNAP benefits.

Asset Limits

Countable liquid assets (cash, checking and savings account balances) are capped at $3,000 for standard households. For households with a member aged 60 or older or a disabled member, the limit increases to $4,750.

Your home, personal vehicles, and retirement accounts are excluded from the asset calculation.

How to Apply

Apply through myDSS at mydss.mo.gov, by phone at 1-855-373-4636, or in person at a local FSD Resource Center. Standard processing takes 30 days. If your liquid assets are under $100 and monthly gross income is under $150 (or if your shelter costs exceed your income plus assets), you qualify for expedited processing within 7 days.

The Missouri Kinship Financial Help Guide includes a SNAP medical expense worksheet and document checklists for every benefit available to grandparents and relatives raising a child.

See more Missouri guides →