About

The SkillUP program offers Food Stamp recipients in Missouri the opportunity to gain skills, training, or work experience.  The SkillUP program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

SkillUP is offered at no cost to the participant and helps promote employability and self-sufficiency.  SkillUP is offered through Job Centers, the University of Missouri and some Community Colleges in the Springfield and Kansas City areas.​

SkillUP offers a variety of services to participants based on an Individual Employment Plan which is created between the participant and SkillUP staff. These services include:

• Staff Assisted Job Search
• Job Search Training
• Work-Based Learning
• Vocational Training
• Education
• Supportive Services

Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents​

Able Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) are Food Stamp recipients between the age of 18-49 years who do not have children in their household under the age of 18 OR are not:

• ​Unable to work due to an illness, injury or disability
• Pregnant
• Full-time students
• Required to care for an ill or incapacitated household member
• Receiving unemployment (in any state)
• Attending a drug or alcohol Treatment Program
• Homeless

ABAWDs must participate in work or training for at least 80 hours per calendar month, or they will only receive Food Stamp benefits for a total of three (3) months from January 2016 through December 2018. If you are an ABAWD who is already in work or training, you can contact the Family Support Division at 1-855-FSD-INFO (1-855-373-4636) or visit a Family Support Division Resource Center to see if this meets the requirement. Hours can also be met through participation in the SkillUP Program.

Resources

Missouri Department of Social Services