Life is unpredictable. When a blind or visually impaired Missourian faces an unexpected financial crisis — a sudden expense, a loss of essential services, or a gap in basic necessities — the MCB Special Services Program is here to help.
This program provides emergency financial assistance to MCB members and legally blind Missouri residents who demonstrate a genuine financial need. Because no blind Missourian should face a crisis alone.
Who Is Eligible?
All MCB members — both blind and sighted — are eligible to apply. Members receive the full benefit amount as determined by the Special Services Committee.
Membership is affordable and open to all. Joining before applying doubles your benefit eligibility.
Legally blind Missouri residents who are not MCB members may also apply. Non-members receive 50% of the benefit available to MCB members.
Non-members must submit written verification of legal blindness from a licensed physician or a state or private agency on official letterhead.
What Does Special Services Cover?
The Special Services Program provides grants to aid in unexpected expenses for everyday necessities vital for survival and well-being:
Essential Utilities
Electric, gas, water service
Emergency Housing Needs
Urgent shelter-related expenses
Household Necessities
Critical daily-living items
Other Crisis Situations
Temporary gaps in basic needs
Grant Details
- Grant Amount
- Determined case-by-case by the Special Services Committee, up to the maximum consistent with MCB's current economic ability.
- Frequency
- One grant per household per three-year period.
- Payment Method
- When possible, grants are paid directly to the third-party vendor or provider — not to the applicant.
How to Apply for Special Services
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Complete the application
Use the online application form for the fastest submission — you will receive an instant email confirmation. Or download the PDF to mail or email to the MCB office.
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Gather supporting documents
- Documentation of financial need (bills, statements, letters, or price quotes from providers)
- Proof of all sources of income
- Signed release of information form (authorizes MCB to verify with the relevant provider)
- Non-members only: written verification of legal blindness from a licensed physician or qualifying agency
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Submit your application
The online application submits instantly. For the paper form, mail your completed application and all supporting documents to Missouri Council of the Blind, 5453 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109 or email to moblind@moblind.org. Complete information speeds up review — incomplete applications may delay consideration.
Submit Application Online
Application Denied? Your Right to Appeal
You have the right to file a written appeal with the MCB Board of Directors at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The Chair of the Special Services Committee will notify you in writing of the Board's decision.
Special Services Committee Chair
Questions about the program or your application? Contact Melvin Smith directly.
Melvin Smith
Special Services Committee Chair
You may also contact the MCB office:
(314) 832-7172 |
moblind@moblind.org
Apply Online
The fastest way to apply is our secure online application. Your submission goes directly to the MCB Special Services Committee and you will receive an email confirmation. You can also download a PDF to mail or email to the MCB office.
Online Application
Complete the full Special Services Application online. After submitting you will receive a confirmation email with your reference number. The Special Services Committee will follow up within two business days.
- Secure, CSRF-protected submission
- Instant email confirmation with your reference number
- Submitted directly to the Special Services Committee
Prefer a paper form?
Download, complete, and mail or email to the MCB office.
Download PDF Form
Mail or email to:
moblind@moblind.org
Missouri Council of the Blind
5453 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109
Frequently Asked Questions
More MCB Support Programs
If Special Services doesn't address your specific need, another MCB program may.
Adaptive Technology Grants
Up to 50% reimbursement on screen readers, magnifiers, and more.
Learn MoreNeed Help? Don't Wait.
Apply online above, call our office, or reach out to the Special Services Committee Chair directly. We're here to help blind Missourians through difficult moments.