Mississippi Assistance Programs: Your Resource for State and Local Support

Numerous Mississippi assistance programs offer a vital safety net for residents facing economic hardship. These support systems are designed to help low-income individuals and families meet their basic needs and work toward self-sufficiency. The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) oversees the policy and funding for most of these programs, which cover needs like food, housing, healthcare, and child care.

While MDHS is the state-level authority, many services are delivered through local partners, such as Community Action Agencies (CAAs). This means your direct point of contact for applications is often a local office in your community. To streamline access, the state provides a centralized online portal at Access.ms.gov, allowing residents to pre-apply for multiple benefits at once.

Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs

For Mississippians struggling with food insecurity, the state offers several robust programs designed to ensure access to healthy and nutritious meals for individuals, families, and seniors.

A. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

What is SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation's largest program in the domestic hunger safety net. It provides monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at authorized grocery stores, to help low-income households purchase food.

Who Qualifies for SNAP?

Individuals who typically qualify for SNAP include:

• People working for low wages
• Unemployed or part-time workers
• Recipients of other assistance like TANF or SSI
• Elderly or disabled individuals with a small income

How to Apply for SNAP

The application process is designed to be accessible and straightforward.

1. Check Eligibility: Before applying, you can use the optional online SNAP Pre-Screen tool at Access.ms.gov to see if you might be eligible.
2. Gather Documents: You will need documents to verify your identity, residency, income, and expenses. Common examples include a driver's license, utility bills, pay stubs, and rent receipts.
3. Submit Your Application: The fastest way to apply is online through the Access MS portal. You can also download a paper application (available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese) or get one from a local MDHS office to submit in person, by mail, or by fax.
4. Complete an Interview: An MDHS caseworker will schedule a mandatory interview to review your application and information.
5. Receive a Decision: Most applications are processed within 30 days. Households in urgent need may receive a decision within 7 days. If approved, your Mississippi EBT card will be mailed to you. For card issues, call customer service at 1-866-512-5087.

B. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

What is WIC?

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides specific healthy foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals. The program serves pregnant, breastfeeding, and post-partum women, as well as infants and children up to age five.

WIC Eligibility

Eligibility for WIC is based on four criteria:

• Categorical: Must be a pregnant or post-partum woman, an infant, or a child under five.
• Residential: Must live in Mississippi.
• Income: Household income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. If you already receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you automatically meet this requirement.
• Nutritional Risk: A health professional must determine that you are at "nutrition risk," which can be due to a medical condition or a diet lacking key nutrients.

How to Apply for WIC

To apply, call the statewide scheduling center at 1-800-338-6747 to make an appointment at a local county health department or WIC clinic. You will need to bring proof of income, residence, and identification to your appointment.

C. Additional Food Resources for Urgent Needs

Beyond SNAP and WIC, Mississippi provides other targeted food programs.

• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): This program distributes USDA commodities to households in need through local organizations like food pantries and soup kitchens.
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): This program specifically serves low-income adults aged 60 and over by providing a monthly package of nutritious USDA foods.

Housing and Utility Bill Assistance

Maintaining stable housing and essential utilities is a primary concern for many families. Mississippi offers programs aimed at both long-term affordability and immediate crisis intervention.

A. Securing Affordable Housing

Rental Assistance (Section 8)

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford safe housing in the private market. The program is run by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). To apply, contact your local PHA to see if their waiting list is open. There is never a fee to apply for a Section 8 voucher.

Homeownership Support (Mississippi Home Corporation - MHC)

The MHC promotes affordable housing and offers several programs for homebuyers. 

• Smart6: Provides a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a $6,000 second mortgage at 0% interest for a down payment.
• Housing Assistance for Teachers (HAT): Offers up to $6,000 in grant funds for certified public school teachers in certain areas. Eligibility and income limits vary by county, so check the MHC website for details.

Emergency Housing and Homelessness Prevention

For residents in a housing crisis, help is available.

• Community Action Agencies (CAAs) often provide short-term mortgage or rental assistance. 
• The Emergency Housing Voucher Program provides rental assistance for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Contact a Continuum of Care provider like Mississippi United To End Homelessness (MUTEH) to access this program.
• Non-profits like Grace House and The Salvation Army also offer emergency shelter and financial assistance.

B. Managing Utility Costs

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP provides financial assistance to help eligible households pay for home heating and cooling bills. To qualify, household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. The application process starts with a pre-application online through Access.ms.gov, followed by an in-person appointment at your local CAA.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps reduce energy costs by making homes more energy-efficient at no cost to the resident. Services can include adding insulation and modernizing heating and cooling systems. A household may be eligible if its income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if a member receives TANF or SSI. The application process is similar to LIHEAP, starting with an online pre-application.

Utility Company Programs

Many Mississippi utility providers offer their own assistance programs. For example, Entergy's "Power to Care" and Mississippi Power's "Project Share" provide emergency bill payment assistance to customers in crisis.

Financial, Healthcare, and Family Support

Mississippi provides a range of programs that offer direct financial aid, comprehensive healthcare coverage, and essential support for working families to promote stability and well-being.

A. Temporary Financial Assistance (TANF)

What is TANF?

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides temporary cash assistance to very low-income families with children under 18. The program has a 60-month lifetime limit and includes work requirements to help participants move toward self-sufficiency through the TANF Work Program (TWP).

TANF Eligibility and Application

To be eligible, a family must have a child under 18, meet strict income limits, and have resources of no more than $2,000. The application process is thorough:

1. Use the TANF Pre-Screen tool on Access.ms.gov.
2. Gather required documents, including proof of identity, residency, income, and resources.
3. Apply online at Access.ms.gov or get a paper application from a local MDHS office.
4. Complete a mandatory interview with a caseworker.
5. Submit any additional information requested.
6. Receive a decision notice within 30 days.

B. Healthcare Coverage (Medicaid & CHIP)

Mississippi Medicaid provides quality health coverage for vulnerable residents, including low-income families, children, pregnant women, and individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. To qualify, you must be a Mississippi resident and meet specific income and resource limits.

There are several ways to apply for Medicaid:

• Online: Through the Access.ms.gov portal.
• By Mail or Fax: Download an application from the Mississippi Division of Medicaid website.
• In Person: At any of the 30 regional Medicaid offices.
• By Phone: Call 800-421-2408 to have an application mailed to you.

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides coverage for uninsured children under 19 in families whose incomes are too high for traditional Medicaid but who cannot afford private insurance. 

C. Prescription Drug Assistance

For help with medication costs, several options are available.

• Medicaid: Beneficiaries receive comprehensive prescription drug coverage.
• Mississippi Drug Card: A free program for all residents that provides discounts of up to 80% on prescriptions.
• Medicare Extra Help: A federal program that helps Medicare beneficiaries with limited income pay for their prescription drug plan costs.

D. Child Care Payment Program (CCPP)

The Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) helps low-income families pay for child care so parents can work or attend school. The program provides a voucher that can be used with a licensed provider.

To be eligible, families must meet income limits (at or below 85% of the State Median Income) and work or attend school for at least 25 hours per week. Priority is given to certain groups, including families receiving TANF and families with special needs children. Parents may have a monthly co-payment based on their income.

Education and Employment Opportunities

To promote long-term economic stability, Mississippi offers programs focused on advancing education and providing robust employment support services.

A. Higher Education Grants

Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)

This grant assists Mississippi residents who may not qualify for full federal need-based aid. To be eligible, entering freshmen must be a one-year resident, have a high school GPA of at least 2.5, and an ACT score of at least 15. Applicants must also be eligible for less than the maximum Federal Pell Grant. The grant provides up to $500 per year for freshmen and sophomores and up to $1,000 for juniors and seniors.

Other State Grants

Mississippi also offers the Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP) grant for students with significant financial need and the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG) for high-achieving students. 

B. Employment and Unemployment Services

The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) is the state's primary resource for workforce support.

• Unemployment Benefits: Individuals who have lost their job through no fault of their own can file for unemployment benefits online.
• WIN Job Centers: These centers offer free services for job seekers, including career counseling, resume assistance, and connections to local employers.

Accessing Local and Community-Based Help

While many assistance programs are funded at the state and federal levels, the gateway to accessing them is often through local, community-based organizations that provide direct services to residents.

A. Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federal grant that allows local agencies to address the specific causes of poverty in their communities. Individuals do not apply for CSBG funds directly but instead apply for services at local agencies that receive this funding.

These services can include short-term mortgage or rental assistance, help finding a job, or support for educational goals. To qualify, a household's income must generally be at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

B. Finding Your Community Action Agency (CAA)

For many essential programs—including LIHEAP, WAP, and aid funded by CSBG—the local Community Action Agency (CAA) is the primary point of contact. These organizations help residents navigate the application process and connect them to the right resources. The Mississippi Department of Human Services provides an online directory to help you find the CAA that serves your county, making it the critical next step for anyone seeking help.

Frequently Asked Questions