Mississippi Benefits Access Packet — LSC-Grade Legal Guide

This packet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, contact a licensed Mississippi attorney or your local legal aid organization.

Quick Facts: Public Benefits in Mississippi

1. Eligibility Checker — Mississippi Public Benefits

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

You MAY qualify if:

• Your gross monthly income is at or below 130% of federal poverty level
• Your net monthly income is at or below 100% of federal poverty level
• You have limited resources ($2,750 for most households, $4,250 if elderly/disabled)
• You are a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
• You meet work requirements (if applicable)

Mississippi SNAP Income Limits (2024):

Medicaid in Mississippi

You MAY qualify if you are:

• Child under 19 (income up to 210% of FPL)
• Pregnant woman (income up to 194% of FPL)
• Parent/caretaker (very low income limits apply)
• Aged 65+ or disabled (SSI criteria)
• Medicare beneficiary (Medicare Savings Programs)

Note: Mississippi has NOT expanded Medicaid under the ACA for non-elderly adults without children.

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

You MAY qualify if:

• You have dependent children
• Your income is very low (Mississippi has one of the lowest TANF benefits in the U.S.)
• You are a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
• You meet work requirements (unless exempt)
• You cooperate with child support enforcement

Maximum TANF Benefit (2024):

Lifetime Limit: 60 months (5 years) of TANF benefits

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

You MAY qualify if:

• Your household income is at or below 150% of federal poverty level
• You are responsible for heating/cooling costs
• You meet citizenship/residency requirements

Income Limits (2024):

2. Required Documents

For All Applications

For SNAP Specifically

• Proof of all income (employment, SSI, unemployment)
• Proof of housing costs (rent/mortgage)
• Utility bills
• Childcare expenses
• Medical expenses (if elderly or disabled)

For Medicaid Specifically

• Immigration documents (if applicable)
• Health insurance information (if any)
• Proof of pregnancy (if applicable)
• Proof of disability (if applying as disabled)

For TANF Specifically

• Proof of children's school attendance
• Immunization records
• Work/school schedule
• Childcare arrangements
• Child support information

3. Step-by-Step Application Instructions

SNAP Benefits

Option 1: Apply Online

1. Go to mdhs.ms.gov/snap
2. Access the online application portal
3. Create an account
4. Complete the application
5. Upload documents or submit them later
6. Complete a phone or in-person interview

Option 2: Apply In Person

1. Visit your local county Department of Human Services office
2. Request and complete application
3. Submit with documents
4. Schedule interview

Option 3: Apply by Mail

1. Download application from mdhs.ms.gov
2. Complete and sign
3. Mail to your local county DHS office

Medicaid

Option 1: Apply Online

1. Go to medicaid.ms.gov
2. Click "Apply for Medicaid"
3. Create an account or continue as guest
4. Complete application
5. Submit required documents

Option 2: Apply by Mail

1. Download application from medicaid.ms.gov
2. Complete all sections
3. Mail to:

Mississippi Division of Medicaid

Office of Eligibility

P.O. Box 119

Jackson, MS 39205

Option 3: Apply In Person

1. Visit your regional Medicaid office
2. Complete application with staff assistance

TANF (Cash Assistance)

1. Visit your local county Department of Human Services office
2. Complete application (MDHS Form ES-2100)
3. Submit required documents
4. Complete interview
5. Develop a work activity plan (unless exempt)

LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)

1. Contact your local Community Action Agency
2. Complete application
3. Provide proof of income and utility bill
4. Assistance is first-come, first-served (seasonal)

4. Local Office Information

Hinds County DHS (Jackson)

• Address: 750 N. President Street, Jackson, MS 39202
• Phone: (601) 359-4500
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Harrison County DHS (Gulfport)

• Address: 1550A Broad Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501
• Phone: (228) 868-5300
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

DeSoto County DHS (Hernando)

• Address: 2535 Highway 51 South, Hernando, MS 38632
• Phone: (662) 429-1272
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Rankin County DHS (Brandon)

• Address: 200 Crossgate Drive, Brandon, MS 39042
• Phone: (601) 824-7050
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Jackson County DHS (Pascagoula)

• Address: 2903 Pascagoula Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567
• Phone: (228) 762-6411
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Madison County DHS (Canton)

• Address: 152 Watford Parkway Drive, Canton, MS 39046
• Phone: (601) 859-4331
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Lee County DHS (Tupelo)

• Address: 510 S. Commerce Street, Tupelo, MS 38801
• Phone: (662) 841-1100
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Lauderdale County DHS (Meridian)

• Address: 2900 11th Avenue, Meridian, MS 39302
• Phone: (601) 483-5241
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Regional Medicaid Offices

Jackson Region: (601) 576-4170

Tupelo Region: (662) 841-1121

Gulfport Region: (228) 868-5360

5. Application Checklist

Before Applying

• [ ] Gather all required documents
• [ ] Know your household size and income
• [ ] Have Social Security numbers ready
• [ ] Know your housing and utility costs
• [ ] Have bank account information

During Application

• [ ] Answer all questions honestly
• [ ] Report ALL income sources
• [ ] List ALL household members
• [ ] Sign and date the application
• [ ] Get a receipt or confirmation number

After Applying

• [ ] Complete your interview (SNAP/TANF)
• [ ] Submit any requested documents
• [ ] Keep copies of everything submitted
• [ ] Report any changes in circumstances
• [ ] Check application status regularly

6. What to Bring to Appointments

• [ ] Photo ID for all adults
• [ ] Social Security cards for everyone
• [ ] Birth certificates for children
• [ ] Proof of residency (utility bill, lease)
• [ ] Last 4 weeks of pay stubs
• [ ] Bank statements (last 2 months)
• [ ] Rent/mortgage statements
• [ ] Utility bills (electric, gas, water)
• [ ] Childcare receipts
• [ ] Medical bills (if elderly/disabled)
• [ ] Immigration documents (if applicable)
• [ ] Any other proof of income or expenses

7. What Happens After Applying

SNAP Timeline

Expedited SNAP: If your income is very low, you may receive benefits within 7 days.

Medicaid Timeline

TANF Timeline

8. Appealing a Denial

Your Rights

If your application is denied or benefits are reduced/cut off, you have the right to:

1. Request a fair hearing within 90 days
2. Receive a written notice explaining the decision
3. Have legal representation at the hearing
4. Continue receiving benefits while appealing (in some cases)

How to Appeal

1. Contact your local DHS office
2. Request a fair hearing in writing
3. State why you disagree with the decision
4. Submit within 90 days of the notice

Fair Hearing Process

1. You'll receive notice of hearing date
2. Bring all relevant documents
3. Present your case to a hearing officer
4. Receive written decision

9. Local Legal Aid Resources

LSC-Funded Legal Aid in Mississippi

Additional Resources

10. Controlling Law Citations

Federal Law

• 7 U.S.C. § 2011 et seq. — Food and Nutrition Act (SNAP)
• 42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq. — Social Security Act (Medicaid)
• 42 U.S.C. § 601 et seq. — TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
• 42 U.S.C. § 8621 et seq. — LIHEAP

Mississippi Law

• Miss. Code § 43-1-1 et seq. — Department of Human Services
• Miss. Code § 43-7-1 et seq. — SNAP (Food Stamp) program
• Miss. Code § 43-13-1 et seq. — Medicaid program
• Miss. Code § 43-17-1 et seq. — TANF program

Disclaimer

This packet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Benefits eligibility is complex and depends on individual circumstances. No attorney-client relationship is formed by using this information.

For help with your benefits application or appeal, contact:

• Mississippi Center for Legal Services at (601) 948-4311
• Your local county Department of Human Services
• 2-1-1 Mississippi (dial 2-1-1)

Last updated: March 2026 | Jurist-Diction | "The law, precisely spoken."

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