Senior Resources Resources in Missouri

Last updated September 23, 2026

Missouri has a strong network of programs designed to help older adults stay safe, healthy, and independent. Whether you need help paying for prescriptions, staying in your home, or finding a caregiver break, there are real resources available — and you don't have to navigate them alone. The best starting point for most Missourians is calling 2-1-1 Missouri (dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211), a free, confidential helpline that connects callers to local services for food, housing, health care, and more.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are the backbone of senior services across Missouri's 10 planning and service areas. These locally operated agencies coordinate everything from Meals on Wheels-style nutrition programs and transportation to legal assistance and caregiver support. You can find the AAA serving any Missouri county by calling the national Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET) or visiting eldercare.acl.gov.

Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the Department of Social Services (DSS) administer many of the state's largest programs for older adults, including Medicaid long-term care waivers, SNAP food assistance, and home- and community-based services. Eligibility for most programs is based on age, income, and functional need — a social worker or benefits counselor at your local AAA can help you figure out what you qualify for at no cost.

Key programs in Missouri

Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) — Home- and Community-Based Waivers

Pays for in-home personal care, adult day services, respite care, and nursing facility care for eligible low-income seniors who meet both financial and functional criteria. The Aged & Disabled (A&D) Waiver is the most common program for seniors who want to remain at home.

How to access: Apply through the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) Family Support Division online at mydss.mo.gov, by calling 1-855-373-4636, or in person at your local DSS office. A needs assessment is required; your local AAA can help you prepare.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — Missouri

Provides monthly electronic benefits (loaded onto an EBT card) to help low-income older adults purchase groceries. Many seniors are eligible but don't realize it, including those who receive Social Security income.

How to access: Apply online at mydss.mo.gov, call 1-855-373-4636, or visit a local Family Support Division office. You can also ask your Area Agency on Aging for help completing the application.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) — Missouri

Helps eligible low-income households — including seniors on fixed incomes — pay heating and cooling bills and address energy-related emergencies such as furnace repair.

How to access: In Missouri, LIHEAP is administered through local community action agencies. Call 2-1-1 Missouri (dial 2-1-1) or visit energy.mo.gov to find the agency serving your county and to learn about open application periods, which vary by location.

Eldercare Locator / Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)

Connects older adults and caregivers to local services including home-delivered meals, transportation, benefits counseling (including Medicare/SHIRE assistance), legal aid, caregiver support programs, and long-term care ombudsman services.

How to access: Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov to find Missouri's AAA for your county. Services are generally free or low-cost and available to adults 60 and older regardless of income.

Veterans Benefits — VA St. Louis Health Care System & Missouri Veterans Commission

Eligible Missouri veterans age 65+ may qualify for VA health care, the Aid & Attendance pension benefit (for those needing daily living assistance), home-based primary care, and state veterans home placement through the Missouri Veterans Commission.

How to access: Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit va.gov to apply for benefits. The Missouri Veterans Commission (mvc.dps.mo.gov) provides free claims assistance statewide — call 1-888-838-9267 to reach a service officer in your region.

Senior Resources resources for Missouri

Eldercare Locator

Nationwide

Public service connecting older adults and caregivers to trustworthy local support resources.

1-800-677-1116
Visit

Graham Ellery — free family-caregiver resources

Nationwide

Free printable agenda to help families discuss an aging parent’s preferences, divide everyday tasks, identify a backup and agree on a check-in. General planning material, not clinical advice or a care service. Published on the website promoting Apparently, I’m the Caregiver by Graham Ellery (a pen name); no purchase or signup required to use the resource.

Visit

Medicare

Nationwide

Federal health insurance information and enrollment help for people 65+ and some younger people with disabilities.

1-800-633-4227
Visit

National Council on Aging

Nationwide

Benefits screening and programs to help older adults age well and stay financially secure.

Visit
← Back to the full Community Resource Directory