Credit Repair & Financial Recovery for Single Mothers in Mississippi

Last updated: September 2025

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Emergency help first

If you’re in a crisis, use these fast options before reading further.

• Call 911 if you or your children are in immediate danger.
• Domestic violence help: 800-799-7233 (24/7). National Domestic Violence Hotline information. (acf.hhs.gov)
• Mental health or suicide crisis: 988 (call or text) or chat at 988 Lifeline. Spanish and specialized options available. (fcc.gov, suicidepreventionlifeline.org)
• Mississippi 211 statewide (food, shelter, bills, childcare): dial 211 or 866-472-8265. United Way 211 Mississippi page. (unitedwaysems.org)

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Quick help box

• Freeze your credit now: it’s free and takes minutes. Place a freeze with all three bureaus at TransUnion Freeze Center, Experian Freeze Center, and Equifax (via phone 800-685-1111 or your myEquifax account). Freezes are free by federal law. (transunion.com, experian.com, nerdwallet.com, consumerfinance.gov)
• Pull free credit reports weekly: go to AnnualCreditReport.com. It’s permanently free to check weekly. (consumer.ftc.gov)
• Food benefits (SNAP) today: apply with Mississippi DHS. Phone 800-948-3050. MDHS SNAP page. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Cash help (TANF) for kids: check eligibility and apply. MDHS TANF page. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Utility help (LIHEAP): pre‑apply online; phone 800-421-0762. MDHS LIHEAP page. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Unemployment benefits: file online or call 601-493-9427. MDES Unemployment. Max weekly benefit is $235. (mdes.ms.gov, mdes.ms.gov)

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Quick-reference cheat sheet

• Best first steps:
  • Freeze credit with all three bureaus.
  • Get free weekly credit reports and mark errors.
  • Apply for SNAP/TANF/LIHEAP if income dropped.
  • If behind on bills, call creditors before they send to collections.
  • Save every letter, bill, and screenshot for disputes.
• Fast numbers and links:
  • SNAP/TANF customer service: 800-948-3050 — MDHS contacts. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • LIHEAP: 800-421-0762 — MDHS LIHEAP. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • Unemployment: 601-493-9427 — MDES claims. (mdes.ms.gov)
  • Child support: 877-882-4916 — MDHS Child Support. (mdhs.ms.gov)
  • Mississippi 211: 211 or 866-472-8265 — help finding local aid. (unitedwaysems.org)

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Why this guide is different

What we reviewed: we looked at the top results for “credit repair Mississippi,” “credit repair for single moms,” and “financial recovery Mississippi.” Most pages stop at generic tips, don’t list state‑specific laws, lack current 2025 dollar amounts, or skip direct phone numbers. This guide closes those gaps with Mississippi‑specific amounts, deadlines, and verified contacts — so you can act fast.

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Table 1. Emergency and hotlines directory

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Step 1. Fix your credit report the safe, legal way

Start here — the three non‑negotiables

• Freeze all three credit files:
  • TransUnion — online freeze; phone 800-916-8800. TransUnion freeze page. (transunion.com)
  • Experian — freeze center. Experian instructions. (experian.com)
  • Equifax — use myEquifax or call 800-685-1111. Freezes are free nationwide. (consumerfinance.gov)
• Pull your free credit reports weekly: use AnnualCreditReport.com. (consumer.ftc.gov)
• Dispute errors with a paper trail: under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), bureaus generally must finish investigations in 30 days (up to 45 days if you disputed right after getting your free annual report). They must notify you within 5 business days of finishing. (consumerfinance.gov)

How to dispute, step‑by‑step

• Gather proof:
  • ID, proof of address, billing statements, payment confirmations, police reports (if identity theft).
• Send disputes to each bureau reporting the error (certified mail helps):
  • Include your name, SSN’s last 4, address, the exact item(s) you dispute, why it’s wrong, and copies of proof.
• Keep records:
  • Save certified mail receipts, screenshots, and any bureau case numbers.
• Escalate if needed:
  • If a bureau or creditor ignores or rejects a valid dispute without reasonable investigation, you can complain to the CFPB and attach your documents. The CFPB flags that obstacles and refusal to review consumer‑submitted evidence can violate the FCRA. (consumerfinance.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: file a complaint at CFPB’s complaint portal and consider free help from a HUD‑approved housing/credit counselor (see “Trusted counseling” section). (consumerfinance.gov, hud.gov)

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Table 2. Mississippi money help snapshot (2024–2025 amounts)

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Step 2. Use the right benefits to stabilize cash flow

SNAP food benefits — act first, then appeal if needed

• Apply online or by phone:
  • Phone: 800-948-3050. Apply online at MDHS SNAP. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• What to expect:
  • If eligible, initial cases are typically processed within federal timelines; interview may be by phone.
• How much:
  • See the SNAP maximums above for Oct 2024–Sep 2025; USDA confirms the family of 4 max is $975. (fns.usda.gov)
• Tips:
  • Submit photo ID, proof of address, child ages, income (pay stubs), housing/utilities. Missing docs slow things down.

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask MDHS for a fair hearing (free). If you can’t reach your worker, call 800-948-3050 or your county office from the MDHS county directory. (mdhs.ms.gov)

TANF cash assistance — small but steady

• Eligibility basics:
  • Household must have a child under 18, meet low income/resource limits, and cooperate with child support (with exceptions). (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Maximum amounts:
  • Mississippi’s law sets the payment standard per family member: $200\ast \ast forthefirst,\ast \ast$36 for the second, $24\ast \ast eachadditional(e.g.,3people\ast \ast$260/mo). (law.justia.com)
• Apply:
  • Online via Access MS from the MDHS TANF page or at your county office. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Child‑only cases (relative caregivers):
  • Example maxs: 1 child $200\ast \ast ,2children\ast \ast$236, 3 children $260, scaling upward. (mdhs.ms.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask for a supervisor review or appeal in writing; if denied for missing documents, bring what’s missing and reapply immediately.

WIC for you and your kids (<5)

• Why use it:
  • WIC provides food packages and monthly fruit/vegetable cash‑value benefits: kids $26\ast \ast ,pregnant/postpartum\ast \ast$47, breastfeeding $52. (fns.usda.gov)
• Apply with the Mississippi State Department of Health:
  • Find how to apply and clinic info at the MSDH WIC page. (msdh.ms.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask the clinic for a different appointment time, bring any requested health records later if needed (don’t miss your slot).

Child care help — current 2025 status

• Where it stands:
  • Mississippi’s Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) prioritized six exception groups. As of August 1, 2025, MDHS began inviting waitlisted working families to apply again via email with unique codes. If you’re not in an exception group, make sure you’re on the waitlist and watch for emails. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Who to call:
  • CCPP Call Center 800-877-7882; updates at CCPP Updates. (mdhs.ms.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your local Mississippi LIFT Resource & Referral center for help locating affordable care; keep receipts for taxes and the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit.

LIHEAP — keeping lights on

• Apply:
  • Submit a pre‑application via Access MS; your Community Action Agency will schedule a visit. Priority scheduling for households with children under five, seniors, and people with disabilities. Appointments are generally within 30 business days for priority and 45 days otherwise. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Benefit ranges:
  • FY25 typical caps: heating up to $1,500\ast \ast ,cooling\ast \ast upto$1,500, crisis up to $1,500\ast \ast ,weatherization\ast \ast upto$12,000 (availability varies). (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: call your CAA number in the appointment letter; if delayed beyond timelines, contact MDHS Community Services 800-421-0762. (mdhs.ms.gov)

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

• File immediately:
  • Online 24/7; weekly certifications required. Contact center 601-493-9427. Max weekly benefit $235. (mdes.ms.gov, mdes.ms.gov)
• Keep records:
  • Job search logs, weekly certifications, and any messages in your MDES portal.

What to do if this doesn’t work: appeal online; if phones are busy, try early morning; TDD 800-582-2233. (mdes.ms.gov)

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Step 3. Protect your income and property under Mississippi law

Know your rights — Mississippi debt, collections, and garnishment

• Statute of limitations to sue on most consumer debts:
  • Mississippi generally has 3 years for open accounts and most written contracts; 7 years for Mississippi judgments. Confirm facts with counsel if you’re sued. (bills.com)
• Wage garnishment limits:
  • The lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount above 30× federal minimum wage per week; plus a 30‑day grace period after service before garnishment can start. (nolo.com)
• Homestead protection:
  • Up to $75,000\ast \ast inhomeequity(land/buildings)isgenerallyexemptfromjudgmentexecution,subjecttoexceptions(e.g.,mortgages).Personalpropertyexemptionupto\ast \ast$10,000 (certain items), plus other specific exemptions. (law.justia.com)
• Payday loans — know the caps:
  • Max loan **$500\ast \ast ;feecaps\ast \ast$20 per $100\ast \ast forchecksupto$250; $21.95per$100 for $250–$500; term 28–30 days; no rollovers. Regulated by the MS Department of Banking & Consumer Finance. (casetext.com)
• Complain if a lender or credit company breaks rules:
  • File with DBCF (state regulator); they typically require a written response from the company within 30 days. DBCF complaint form. (dbcf.ms.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: for harassment or illegal practices, also complain to the CFPB and MS Attorney General Consumer Protection. (consumerfinance.gov, attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)

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Table 3. Disputes, deadlines, and timelines

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Step 4. If you’re behind on your mortgage or rent

If you own — foreclosure basics in Mississippi

• Non‑judicial foreclosures are common; the sale must be advertised in a local newspaper for 3 consecutive weeks and posted at the courthouse. You may get only a contract‑required “breach” letter before acceleration and sale. (law.justia.com, nolo.com)
• Act quickly:
  • Call your servicer’s loss‑mitigation department.
  • Get a HUD‑approved housing counselor: call 800-569-4287 or use the HUD search. (hud.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: escalate to your servicer’s office of the president; request a single point of contact; ask your HUD counselor to submit an urgent escalation.

If you rent — quick pointers

• Keep written proof of payments and communication.
• Ask 211 for local rent help leads; programs change often. (unitedwaysems.org)

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Trusted counseling and legal help

• HUD‑approved housing counseling (mortgage help, budgeting, credit building): find an agency via HUD or CFPB tools; or call 800-569-4287. (hud.gov, consumerfinance.gov)
• Child support (open/enforce/modify orders): 877-882-4916. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Mississippi Department of Banking & Consumer Finance (payday/title/credit complaints): DBCF complaint process. (dbcf.ms.gov)

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Table 4. Mississippi debt protections at a glance

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Step 5. Build or rebuild credit without junk fees

Safer ways to raise your score

• Report rent and bills: Many lenders use FICO; free weekly reports won’t include scores, but rent/utility reporting (where allowed) can help. Always review for accuracy.
• Use a secured card carefully: Pick a low‑fee card, charge a small bill, pay in full monthly.
• Self‑lender/installment builders: only if fees are low and you can cancel without penalty.
• Avoid “too good to be true” credit repair:
  • Mississippi regulates debt management/credit repair providers. If you choose help, watch for the legal fee caps many providers must follow (e.g., typical limits like $75\ast \ast setup,\ast \ast$30 monthly maintenance under the Debt Management Services Act). Ask any provider to show their registration or bond and fee table in writing. (law.justia.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: file a complaint with DBCF; attach your contract and receipts. (dbcf.ms.gov)

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Application checklist

Bring as much as you can to your first appointment or upload promptly after applying.

• Photo ID, Social Security cards (or numbers) for all household members.
• Proof of Mississippi residency (lease, utility bill).
• Income proof for the last 30 days (pay stubs, UI letter, child support, self‑employment logs).
• Bills: rent/mortgage, utilities, child care, medical.
• Bank statements if requested.
• For TANF/SNAP: proof of child age and school attendance if requested; cooperation with child support may be required (exceptions exist). (mdhs.ms.gov)

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Missing interviews: reschedule if needed; missed interviews can cause denials.
• Uploading unreadable photos: retake and re‑send as PDFs or clear images.
• Not freezing your credit after a breach: freezes are free and stronger than credit “locks.” (consumerfinance.gov)
• Paying upfront to “fix” credit without a written contract explaining services, timelines, and legal fee caps. Verify any provider with DBCF. (dbcf.ms.gov)

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Table 5. Who to contact — Mississippi agencies

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Diverse communities and tailored resources

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: 988 has an option for LGBTQI+ youth and young adults; many HUD‑approved counselors provide inclusive services. Tip: when freezing credit, you can also add a statement if safety concerns require a PO Box. (fcc.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: LIHEAP prioritizes households with disabilities; CCPP includes “children with special needs” in exception categories; when disputing, request accessible formats from agencies. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: when calling 988, press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line; ask MDES about priority services for veterans. (fcc.gov)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms (eligible): WIC and some state services are available to eligible non‑citizens; check each program’s immigration rules. WIC offers interpretation support. (msdh.ms.gov)
• Tribal citizens: 988 offers Native‑focused options in some states; for utilities and housing, also check your Tribal offices and the Indian Housing Block Grant programs. (wa988.org)
• Rural moms with limited internet: you can file UI claims by phone, and MDHS county offices accept in‑person applications — use the county directory to find your office. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Single fathers: most programs above are gender‑neutral. Child support services assist custodial and non‑custodial parents alike with modifications if income changed. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Language access: WIC and 988 offer services in Spanish and interpreter lines for many languages. (fns.usda.gov, suicidepreventionlifeline.org)

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Real‑world examples

• SNAP fast‑track: a Jackson mom who lost hours submitted a SNAP application with last 30 days of pay stubs and got an interview within a week; benefits loaded the following week after submitting missing proof via upload. Timeline varies by case but acting quickly helps. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Credit dispute: after freezing all three bureaus, a Gulf Coast parent mailed certified disputes for a duplicate collection, attaching a zero‑balance letter. The bureau deleted within 30 days and mailed an updated report. (consumerfinance.gov)

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Regional resource pointers

• Use the MDHS county directory to find your local office with direct phone numbers for every county. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Dial 211 for localized food banks, shelters, and utilities aid partners in your county or zip code. (unitedwaysems.org)

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Credit and debt FAQs for Mississippi single mothers

• How do I get my credit reports for free every week: use [AnnualCreditReport.com] — weekly access is permanent. Cost: $0. (consumer.ftc.gov)
• What’s the quickest way to block new fraudulent accounts: place a free credit freeze with TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. You can lift it temporarily when needed. (transunion.com, experian.com, nerdwallet.com)
• How long do bureaus have to fix an error: generally 30 days (or 45 days if you disputed right after pulling your free annual report). (consumerfinance.gov)
• What is Mississippi’s statute of limitations on most consumer debts: generally 3 years for open accounts and many written contracts; 7 years for MS judgments. (bills.com)
• How much of my paycheck can be garnished: usually up to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount above 30× federal minimum wage, with a 30‑day grace period after service before deductions begin. (nolo.com)
• What help can I get with child support: MDHS can help establish, enforce, or modify orders; phone 877-882-4916. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• What are current SNAP maximums: in FY2025 (Oct 2024–Sep 2025), family of 4 max $975; see full chart above. (fns.usda.gov)
• How much TANF could we receive: the state’s formula equals $200\ast \ast +\ast \ast$36 + $24\ast \ast forathree‑personunit(\ast \ast$260 total) if otherwise eligible; child‑only cases have their own chart. (law.justia.com, mdhs.ms.gov)
• How do I complain about a payday lender: file with DBCF and attach your contract and payment history. (dbcf.ms.gov)
• Where can I get trusted, no‑pressure budgeting help: call a HUD‑approved counselor at 800-569-4287 to discuss budgeting and credit plans, usually free. (hud.gov)

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What other guides miss — and how to avoid pitfalls

• They skip exact Mississippi amounts: we included current FY2025 SNAP maximums, TANF formula, WIC CVB amounts, LIHEAP ranges, UI max, and Medicaid limits with sources.
• They ignore state laws: Mississippi’s 3‑year debt limit, homestead and personal property exemptions, and payday caps matter when negotiating or planning. We linked to sources so you can cite them if needed.
• They overpromise on “credit repair”: the safest path is do‑it‑yourself disputes, freezes, and budgeting — or HUD‑approved counseling. If you hire help, demand a written contract and check fee caps and registration.

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About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Mississippi Department of Human Services, Mississippi Division of Medicaid, Mississippi Department of Employment Security, USDA FNS, HUD, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, IRS, and the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Last verified: September 2025, next review: April 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 48–72 hours.

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Disclaimer

Information changes: Benefit amounts, eligibility limits, and procedures can change at any time. Always confirm details with the relevant agency before applying or making financial decisions.

No legal advice: This guide provides general information only, not legal, tax, or case‑specific advice.

Website safety: Only use official government or established nonprofit websites linked here. Avoid entering personal data on unofficial sites. Keep your devices updated, use strong passwords, and never share your one‑time codes.

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Tables appendix

Table A. Credit dispute workflow

Table B. Budget triage during income shock

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If you need help applying for anything above, call 211 or the specific program phone numbers listed, and ask to speak with someone who can walk you through each step. You’ve got options — and you can take these steps one by one.

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🏛️More Mississippi Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Mississippi

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support