How to apply for Family Caregiver Support — Missouri

Who it's for

Missouri's Family Caregiver Support Program helps unpaid caregivers 18 and older who care for someone 60 or older or anyone with Alzheimer's disease, and older relatives 55+ raising children or caring for adults with disabilities. The local Area Agency on Aging offers counseling, support groups, training, respite care, and supplemental help such as home modifications and medical supplies. Call the Missouri Senior Resource Line at 1-800-235-5503.

What you'll need

• A description of the caregiving situation and the help needed

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Family Caregiver Support — Missouri. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need a description of the caregiving situation and the help needed — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm you meet the basic eligibility: you are an unpaid caregiver 18 or older caring for someone 60 or older or anyone with Alzheimer's disease — OR you are a relative 55 or older raising children or caring for an adult with a disability.
2. Prepare a brief description of your caregiving situation and the type of help you are looking for. This is the key information the agency will need.
3. Apply online through the official program link on this page, or call the Missouri Senior Resource Line at 1-800-235-5503 to apply by phone.
4. Speak with a program representative who will ask about your caregiving situation and connect you with your local Area Agency on Aging.
5. Work with your local Area Agency on Aging to discuss available services — such as counseling, support groups, training, respite care, home modifications, and medical supplies — based on your situation and local funding.

What to expect: After you apply, your local Area Agency on Aging will review your caregiving situation and determine which services are available to you based on your needs and current funding. Services and processing times can vary by location, so ask the agency for an estimate of next steps and timing. Because services depend on available funding, not everyone who applies will receive every type of support. If you are approved, keep in mind that this program renews annually — your local agency will let you know what is needed to continue receiving services each year.

Renewals

annual