Mo. Rev. Stat. § 660.160

For the purposes of this plan, individual family emergencies may be declared by the department of social services when any crisis situation exists with respect to a family which threatens the family and creates urgent needs with respect to food, clothing, utilities or shelter for such family and which results from a sudden occurrence or set of circumstances which cause an immediate or extraordinary food, clothing, utility or shelter need for such family. No funds shall be allocated for the payment of utility expenses unless the applicant is determined to be ineligible for available assistance under the Federal Utility Crisis Intervention Program.