211 Basic Needs
Information Guide
Poverty Guidelines
The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is a measurement of the minimum amount of annual income that is needed for individuals and families to pay for essentials, such as room and board, clothes, and transportation.
*Note that these amounts change based on the number of individuals in the household and the state in which one resides.
2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines
| Persons in Household | Poverty Guideline |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 |
| 6 | $44,360 |
| 7 | $50,040 |
| 8 | $55,720 |
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,680 for each individual person.
Source: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
Poverty Guideline Percentages
Many state and community organizations use Federal Poverty Guideline percentages to set certain income guidelines for their eligibility requirements. Use this chart to see what your annual or monthly income percentage is compared to the FPL.
Tax Preparation Assistance
Each year from the end of January through tax day (April 15) you can find local programs to provide free assistance preparing your taxes.
Important Tax Information
Find more information on the IRS website.
Call the IRS to:
- Request a copy of your return: 800-829-1040
- Check the status of your refund: 800-829-1954
KC Metro VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
VITA Tax Preparation Appointments: During tax season, for VITA Tax Preparation DIAL 211 or 816-474-5112 and speak with a Community Resource Navigator to make an appointment for area locations.
Make Your Own Appointment: This year, you can book an appointment with a volunteer yourself at the MU Extension website.
Eligibility: Any household with an income less than $69,000 in 2025 OR is a special population (Limited English proficiency, people with disabilities, and 60+) is eligible for free VITA tax preparation.
Tax Preparation Assistance – Find a Location: Free tax preparation listings for all locations, click on “Add a zip code to list by location” to find the service closest to you for appointment.
Other Tax-Related Services
- Federal Income Tax Information – Locations that provide guidance on filing federal taxes
- Tax Forms – Locations that provide tax forms
- State Income Tax Information – State Departments of Revenue
- Taxpayer Advocate Services – Programs that advocate for people who have ongoing tax issues
Off-Season Filing Resources
- IRS Online Filing – IRS links to options to file your own taxes online
- Military OneSource – Online tax filing services and over-the-phone tax consultants for service members and their spouses
State Benefits
Are you or someone you know needing help to support and maintain your family’s financial stability? State benefits may be able to help you or your family with SNAP (food stamps), health care and other needs.
MO HealthNet (Medicaid)
MO HealthNet covers qualified medical expenses for individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements; usually families, kids, pregnant or uninsured people, older adults and people with disabilities.
Family Support Division is required to complete annual renewals for MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid). They will send out important information in the mail, so please make sure to update your mailing address if you have moved. Learn more about annual renewals and what this means for you on their website.
Find out more about MO HealthNet programs and benefits on the MyDSS MO HealthNet page..
Health Coverage for Pregnant Women
Missouri has a program that provides health coverage for people who are pregnant: MO HealthNet for Pregnant Women (MPW).
Temporary Assistance (Previously TANF)
Temporary Assistance provides cash benefits to families with low income for the household’s children for basic needs. If approved for Temporary Assistance, most recipients are required to participate in employment and training activities.
Find out more about Temporary Assistance requirements and benefits on the MyDSS Temporary Assistance page.
Kansas has two combined sites that allow people to check eligibility, apply and access benefits for state programs: the Dept for Children and Families Non-Medical Self-Service Portal and the Medical Self-Service Portal
Cash Assistance (previously TANF)
The Kansas Cash Assistance program is called Successful Families, and offers employment services and support services which may include cash assistance to parents and relative caregivers of children.
Find out more about Cash Assistance requirements and benefits on the Successful Families page .
Other services such as Child Care Assistance, Refugee Assistance, LIEAP, Work Programs, Adoption Assistance, and Youth Independent Living Services are also available through the DCF Non-Medical Portal .
Child Care Resources
Finding appropriate and affordable child care can be very challenging for parents, especially new parents. There are Child Care Referral programs available that can help you find centers and programs that will fit your needs.
Finding Child Care
Child Care Aware is a national agency that partners with local Child Care Resource & Referrals agencies to provide an online search for childcare providers.
Missouri: Child Care Aware of Missouri
Kansas: Child Care Aware of Kansas
Choosing the Right Child Care
The Futures First Child Care Resources web page offers information on what to look for in high-quality child care, interview questions to help choose a child care provider, and other tips for choosing child care.
Child Care Subsidies
Child Care Subsidy programs are state-based assistance programs that help parents pay for child care. Eligibility for the subsidies is based on how many people are in your family and your income.
- Missouri: Find out more about eligibility and apply on the MO DSS Child Care page
- Kansas: Find out more about eligibility on the KS DCF Child Care Subsidies