Benefits & Assistance in St. Louis, MO
Residents of St. Louis can access dozens of federal, Missouri state, and local programs — from food and health coverage to rent help and utility assistance. Use our free screener to find everything you qualify for in about 2 minutes.
Federal programs available in St. Louis
These federal programs are available to qualifying St. Louis residents:
St. Louis City & County programs & local resources
In addition to federal and state programs, St. Louis City & County has local resources that many residents don't know about:
Heat-Up St. Louis
UtilitiesAll-volunteer charity that provides emergency energy bill grants to elderly, disabled, and low-income St. Louis residents who have exhausted other assistance. Funds are limited — apply early each winter.
Learn more →Energy Care (City of St. Louis & County)
UtilitiesProvides free heaters and blankets in winter, air conditioners in summer, furnace/HVAC repairs, home weatherization, and utility assistance to low-income seniors 60+, people with disabilities, and families with children under 5.
Ameren Missouri — Keeping Cool / Keeping Current
UtilitiesAmeren's "Keeping Cool" program gives up to 5 bill credits of $50 (May–Sept) for income-eligible customers including seniors, households with children under 5, and those with a chronic medical condition or disability. "Keeping Current" provides credits during heating/cooling season for customers ≤135% FPL who stay current on their bill.
Family Care Health Centers (FQHC)
HealthcareFederally Qualified Health Center with 3 locations in St. Louis offering primary care, dental, mental health, and preventive services on a sliding-scale fee (often $0–$20/visit for low-income patients). No insurance or immigration documents required.
HomeSTL — Down Payment Assistance
HousingCity of St. Louis SLDC program offering a $40,000 forgivable loan (0%, no payments for 10 years) for first-time homebuyers. An additional $10,000 is available in HUD Qualified Census Tracts. Note: currently paused/funds exhausted — check developstlouis.org for reopening.
Metro Transit Reduced Fare
TransportationSeniors 65+ and individuals with qualifying disabilities ride MetroBus and MetroLink for half price with a Metro Reduced Fare Permit. Call-A-Ride paratransit is available for ADA-qualified riders.
Missouri Property Tax Credit (Circuit Breaker)
Tax ReliefMissouri seniors 65+ and disabled residents with household income under ~$27,500 (single) / $29,500 (married) can receive a tax credit of up to $750 (homeowners) or $1,100 (renters) on their state tax return.
Food assistance in St. Louis
- St. Louis Area Foodbank — serves 26 counties in Missouri and Illinois; find a nearby pantry or mobile distribution at stlfoodbank.org
- Feeding America food bank finder — find additional food pantries near you
- SNAP — if you don't have SNAP yet, apply online at Missouri FSD Portal. Most St. Louis households with low income qualify.
How to get help in St. Louis
- Use our free screener — answer a few questions and we'll show you every federal, Missouri, and local program you're likely eligible for.
- Call 2-1-1 — free, confidential, 24/7. A local specialist will connect you to programs in St. Louis you may not know exist, including emergency cash assistance, food, and rental help.
- Visit your local office — Missouri FSD has offices in the City and County of St. Louis. Visit fsd.dss.mo.gov or call 1-855-FSD-INFO (1-855-373-4636) to apply online or find the nearest office.
Related programs
- SNAP in Missouri — state-specific income limits and apply links
- Medicaid in Missouri — health coverage eligibility rules
- EITC in Missouri — federal + state earned income tax credits
- LIHEAP — utility bill help
Find all benefits you qualify for in St. Louis
Our free screener checks SNAP, Medicaid, housing, utility assistance, tax credits, and 70+ other programs — in about 2 minutes.
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