Celebrate a New Independence with SkillUP: Your Path to a Better Future

This Fourth of July, invest in your future with SkillUP, a program designed to provide essential training for better job opportunities. Explore how you can take control of your career amid economic recovery and layoffs.

The Fourth of July, is quickly approaching, and there’s no better time to invest in your future by obtaining the training you need for a better job. Whether you’re facing low income challenges or struggling to find stable employment, The Narrative Matters is committed to helping our readers keep their options open.

With the economy showing signs of recovery, but also seeing some layoffs, now is the perfect moment to explore SkillUP — a program designed to provide valuable training and help you reach your new career goals.

As a reminder, if you are receiving SNAP or any other government assistance, it’s important to stay informed about the requirements to maintain your benefits. Take a moment to review the guidelines now, before it’s too late.

What is the SkillUP Program?

SkillUP is a free program that helps SNAP (Food Stamp) recipients get help with skills, training, and employer connections to get a job (or a better job). A SkillUP job coach will work with you to create an individual plan to help you reach your goals and start a new career. The SkillUP program can also help you:

• Pay for short-term training and certifications
• Create or update your resume
• Decide on your goals and a career pathway
• Get real work experience
• Connect you with employers
• Connect with resources such as childcare and housing assistance
• Buy clothing, books, supplies, or tools required for a training or a job
• Pay for minor car repairs to help you get to training or work

The SkillUP Program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).  The program is also funded through the Administration for Children and Families, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant.

How do I get started?

SkillUP is offered free of cost through a number of agencies across Missouri. Find a provider near you to get started today!

SNAP Work Requirements

If you are a SNAP participant who is able to work, you may be required to send the Family Support Division (FSD) proof that you are completing at least 80 hours of employment and/or training activities monthly. Hours can also be met through participation in the SkillUP Program. Beginning November 1, 2025, you could be exempt from the work requirement if you:

• Have a dependent in your household under age 14
• Are under age 18 or over age 64
• Already work 30 or more hours per week
• Do not work because of a physical or mental health reason
• Participate with work requirements for Temporary Assistance (TA)
• Take care of a child under age 6 or someone who needs help caring for themselves
• Receive unemployment benefits, or applied for them
• Participate in a drug or alcohol treatment program

• Go to school, college, or training program for at least 20 hours per week
• Are Pregnant
• Have circumstances that are beyond your control and require you to stay home
• Are an Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian

If you get a letter from FSD stating that you are required to submit proof of work or training hours, you can submit your documents in one of the following ways:

Online: mydssupload.mo.gov

Fax: 573-526-9400

Mail: Family Support Division, PO Box 2700, Jefferson City, MO 65102

Office: Visit your local FSD Resource Center

If you have more questions about SNAP work requirements, start a chat with us online at mydss.mo.gov, or call the FSD Information Line at 855-373-4636.

SkillUP Partners

• Missouri Job Center
• Area Resources for Community and Human Services (ARCHS)
• Missouri Community College Association (MCCA)
• Goodwill
• EQUUS Workforce Solutions
• LINC Stronger Families Together
• Missouri Community Action Network (CAN)
• Caring Communities
• Better Family Life
• Community Partnership of Southeast Missouri
• USDA
• Great Jobs KC
• Worknet
• Pawsperity
• Per Scholas

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