Disability and Special Needs Support for Single Mothers in Mississippi
Disability & Special Needs Support for Single Mothers in Mississippi
Last updated: September 2025
Mississippi programs exist that can pay for your child’s care, food, transportation, therapy, and school supports. This guide shows exactly how to qualify, what you’ll get, how to apply fast, and what to do if your application stalls.
Emergency help now
- Medical or safety emergency: 911
- Mental health or suicide crisis (24/7): 988 or the Mississippi Department of Mental Health crisis line 1-877-210-8513. (dmh.ms.gov)
- Medicaid rides for medical appointments (Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation): Member Reservations 866‑331‑6004; Ride Assist “Where’s My Ride” 866‑334‑3794. (medicaid.ms.gov)
Quick help box
- Medicaid/CHIP for kids: Apply online at Mississippi Common Web Portal (Access MS) or call Medicaid 800‑421‑2408 for help. Check current children’s income limits below. (medicaid.ms.gov)
- Katie Beckett (TEFRA) Medicaid for children with significant medical needs when parent income is too high: See MS Division of Medicaid Katie Beckett page. Only your child’s income/resources count. Start by applying to Medicaid (ABD for disability) and ask the caseworker to evaluate for Katie Beckett. (medicaid.ms.gov)
- SNAP food benefits: Apply at MDHS SNAP or call Economic Assistance Eligibility Client Services 800‑948‑3050. See the FY2025 maximum amounts below. (mdhs.ms.gov, fns.usda.gov)
- WIC for pregnant/postpartum, infants and children <5: Apply through your county health department; WIC info and clinic finder at MSDH WIC. (msdh.ms.gov)
- Cash assistance (TANF): Apply at MDHS TANF or call 800‑948‑3050. Child‑only TANF amounts (for non‑parent caretakers) start at $200/month for one child—see table below. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Child care help (Child Care Payment Program—CCPP): Priority includes children with special needs. Call 800‑877‑7882 or apply via CCPP. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Utility assistance (LIHEAP): Start an application via Access MS. Community Action Agencies contact within 30–45 business days for the appointment depending on household vulnerability. Helpline 800‑421‑0762. (mdhs.ms.gov)
What this guide covers that most search results miss
- Exact 2025 dollar amounts for SNAP, SSI, ESA scholarships, and Medicaid/CHIP income limits with sources.
- Direct phone numbers for reservations, call centers, and local help.
- Realistic timelines, common mistakes, and Plan B steps if your first attempt doesn’t work.
- Inclusive pointers for LGBTQ+, veteran, immigrant, tribal, rural families, single fathers, and language access.
Mississippi health coverage for children with disabilities
Start here. Getting Medicaid or CHIP unlocks doctor visits, therapies, medications, equipment, home nursing, and rides to care.
Medicaid and CHIP income limits (effective March 1, 2025)
Mississippi uses MAGI rules and a built‑in 5% FPL disregard. If your income is too high for Medicaid, your child may still qualify for CHIP up to 209% FPL. Apply first; the state will screen you for both. (medicaid.ms.gov)
Table — Monthly income limits (with 5% disregard applied)
| Age group | Family of 2 | Family of 3 | Family of 4 | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid infants 0–1 (≤194% FPL) | $3,508 | $4,420 | $5,332 | 
| Medicaid ages 1–6 (≤143% FPL) | $2,609 | $3,287 | $3,966 | 
| Medicaid ages 6–18 (≤133% FPL) | $2,433 | $3,065 | $3,698 | 
| CHIP (194–209% FPL for infants; 143–209% for 1–6; 133–209% for 6–19) | If over Medicaid limits and ≤209% FPL, CHIP may approve | 
Source: MS Division of Medicaid—Income Limits and CHIP overview. (medicaid.ms.gov)
- How to apply: Online: Access MS Common Web Portal. By phone: Medicaid 800‑421‑2408. In‑person: find your regional office via DOM Office Locations. (medicaid.ms.gov)
- Required documents: Child’s birth certificate, Social Security numbers, proof of Mississippi residency, last 30 days of income, insurance info if you have it.
- Timelines: Standard Medicaid decisions often take several weeks; urgent medical needs may speed things up. Keep all notices and respond quickly to document requests.
- Common mistakes:
- Not uploading all pay stubs (they need consecutive pay stubs covering 30 days).
- Stopping care while you wait. If your child has a pending Medicaid app, ask providers about sliding fees and keep all receipts—EPSDT/Katie Beckett approvals can cover many medically necessary services retroactively to the application date.
 
- Plan B: If denied for income but your child has significant medical needs, ask for evaluation under Katie Beckett (TEFRA) right away (details next). If you miss documents or deadlines, you can reapply anytime or file an appeal per the instructions on your denial letter.
Katie Beckett (TEFRA) Medicaid in Mississippi
This category (formerly DCLH) lets a child with significant, documented medical needs qualify for Medicaid based on the child’s own income and resources, even if parent income is too high. Mississippi formally adopted the “Katie Beckett” naming in 2025 rules. (medicaid.ms.gov)
- Who qualifies:
- Child under 19 with disability meeting Social Security rules.
- Needs an institutional level of care (e.g., hospital, nursing facility, or ICF/IID level) but can be safely cared for at home.
- Only the child’s income/resources count; resource limit $2,000. Care at home cannot cost Medicaid more than institutional care. (medicaid.ms.gov)
 
- How to apply:
- Step 1: Submit a Medicaid application (ABD/disability route) at Access MS or via your regional Medicaid office and request evaluation under Katie Beckett.
- Step 2: Gather clinical proof from the last 12 months showing level‑of‑care needs—hospitalizations, specialist notes, nursing orders, therapy plans, equipment needs. (medicaid.ms.gov)
 
- What it covers: Full Medicaid plus EPSDT (see next), private duty nursing, home health, DME, therapies, and more if medically necessary.
- Timelines: Reviews can take months due to medical documentation and level‑of‑care determinations. Keep copies of everything and respond quickly to any request.
- Common mistakes:
- Submitting diagnosis lists without level‑of‑care evidence (e.g., nursing notes, ventilator orders).
- Forgetting to include frequency/intensity of care at home (hours per day of suctioning, tube feeds, seizure monitoring, etc.).
 
- Plan B: If you’re denied, reapply if your child’s condition changes. Meanwhile, check Medicaid EPSDT services (if already Medicaid‑eligible) and look at SSI and SNAP below to protect your budget. Request a fair hearing if the denial seems wrong.
EPSDT (“Cool Kids”)—extra Medicaid services for anyone under 21
Under EPSDT, Mississippi Medicaid must cover any service that is medically necessary to “correct or ameliorate” a child’s condition—even if the service has limits for adults. That can include extra therapy visits, private duty nursing, DME, mental health services, glasses, hearing aids, and more (prior authorization may apply). (medicaid.ms.gov)
- Action to take now: Ask your child’s Medicaid plan or provider for an EPSDT medical necessity letter for therapies/equipment, and submit any denials for appeal with your doctor’s supporting notes.
- Screening schedule: Well‑child visits from the first week of life, then regularly through age 20 as listed by DOM. (medicaid.ms.gov)
- Plan B: If your plan denies coverage, request an EPSDT exception in writing and appeal. If you need help, call DOM 800‑421‑2408 and ask about Client Relations or contact Disability Rights Mississippi for advocacy. (medicaid.ms.gov, msdh.ms.gov)
Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NET) for Medicaid members
- Reserve a ride: 866‑331‑6004. Ride Assist: 866‑334‑3794. Same numbers after broker change to Modivcare. Schedule as early as possible; urgent add‑on rides may be possible with provider confirmation. (medicaid.ms.gov)
- Plan B: If a ride is late, call Ride Assist. If a trip is wrongly denied, document the call and file a complaint with Medicaid Client Relations 800‑421‑2408. (medicaid.ms.gov)
Managed care contacts (if your child is in a Medicaid CCO)
- Magnolia Health: 866‑912‑6285
- Molina Healthcare: 844‑809‑8438
- TrueCare (Mississippi True): 800‑230‑2050
 DOM general help 800‑421‑2408. (medicaid.ms.gov)
Social Security Income (SSI) for children with disabilities
SSI can provide a monthly cash benefit for a child with a disability and limited family income/resources (deeming rules apply). Mississippi does not add a state supplement to SSI. (ssa.gov)
- 2025 federal SSI payment amounts: 967/month∗∗foraneligibleindividual;∗∗967/month** for an eligible individual; **1,450/month for an eligible couple. Effective January 2025 (2.5% COLA). (ssa.gov)
- Student earned‑income exclusion (helpful for working teens): Up to 2,350/month∗∗,∗∗2,350/month**, **9,460/year excluded in 2025. (ssa.gov)
- How to apply: Start at SSA—SSI for children or call 800‑772‑1213 to schedule an intake; bring medical and school records (IEP/504, evaluations).
- Reality check: Initial decisions often take months. Keep copies of all records, track deadlines, and appeal on time if denied.
- Plan B: If denied, get the reason in writing, add missing evidence (specialist opinions, neuropsych testing, teacher statements), and appeal. Meanwhile, use SNAP, WIC, LIHEAP, and CCPP to stabilize the household.
Food and nutrition
SNAP maximums and income rules (FY2025; Oct 1, 2024–Sep 30, 2025)
The USDA sets one national schedule for the 48 states including Mississippi. (fns.usda.gov)
Table — SNAP maximum allotment (48 states/DC)
| Household size | Max monthly benefit | 
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 | 
| 2 | $536 | 
| 3 | $768 | 
| 4 | $975 | 
| 5 | $1,158 | 
| 6 | $1,390 | 
| 7 | $1,536 | 
| 8 | $1,756 | 
| Each add’l | $220 | 
Key FY2025 rules: Standard deduction for HH 1–3 is 204∗∗;assetlimit∗∗204**; asset limit **3,000 (or $4,500 if elderly/disabled member). (fns.usda.gov)
- Apply: MDHS SNAP or call 800‑948‑3050. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Timelines: Most cases within 30 days; expedited service may issue within 7 days for very low income/very low resources.
- Plan B: If you’re denied or waiting, visit a food pantry. Central MS: Mississippi Food Network 601‑353‑7286 (finder on site). Gulf Coast: Feeding the Gulf Coast—MS Branch 228‑896‑6979. (msfoodnet.org, feedingthegulfcoast.org)
WIC
Covers healthy foods for pregnant/postpartum, infants and kids under 5; also breastfeeding support and referrals. Apply at your county health department or call MSDH 866‑HLTHY4U; program details and clinic finder are at MSDH WIC—About & Apply. Specific monthly food package values (like fruit/vegetable cash value benefit) can change mid‑year—confirm your exact benefit at your WIC appointment or by calling 1‑855‑897‑5897 for eWIC card help. (msdh.ms.gov)
Fresh food vouchers in summer/early fall
Mississippi runs WIC FMNP and Senior FMNP—seasonal produce vouchers accepted at authorized farmers markets (typically June–October). See MS Department of Agriculture & Commerce—FMNP. (mdac.ms.gov)
Cash aid and child care so you can work or train
TANF cash assistance
- Who qualifies: Very low‑income families with a child under 18 (or 18 and still in school). Work participation is required unless exempt. Apply at MDHS TANF or call 800‑948‑3050. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Child‑only TANF (non‑parent caretaker, e.g., grandparent or other relative): Maximum monthly benefit is 200∗∗foronechild,∗∗200** for one child, **236 for two, 260∗∗forthree,∗∗260** for three, **284 for four (see full table on MDHS). (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Note: MDHS increased family benefits in 2021 (example—family of three to $260/month); check your MDHS approval notice for your current amount based on family size and income. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Plan B: If TANF is denied or too small, lean on SNAP, WIC, LIHEAP, and ask about CCPP child care help below so you can work more hours.
Child Care Payment Program (CCPP)
- Why this matters: Many single moms lose wages over child care. CCPP pays part of tuition directly to your provider; you pay a co‑pay.
- Priority includes children with special needs and single parents with disabilities; families can be served up to 85% of State Median Income. Call 800‑877‑7882; apply online and submit documents as instructed. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- 2025 updates: MDHS is inviting waitlist families in order and still accepts applications for exception categories, including children with special needs. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Plan B: If you’re on the waitlist, ask your provider about Head Start/Early Head Start, church‑based scholarships, and sliding‑scale options.
Utility bills and home energy
LIHEAP (including Energy Crisis Intervention)
- Apply: Start via Access MS and your local Community Action Agency will schedule your LIHEAP appointment. Vulnerable households (elderly, disabled, or with a child under 5) should get an appointment within 30 business days; others within 45 business days. Helpline 800‑421‑0762. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Documents: Photo ID (everyone 18+), Social Security numbers for all in the household, last 30 days of income, your utility bill, and proof of residency.
- Plan B: Ask your utility’s customer service about medical hardship notes, deferred payment plans, and local charity funds if LIHEAP funds are temporarily unavailable.
School, early intervention, and Mississippi scholarships
Early Intervention (birth to 3) — First Steps
If you suspect a delay, call the First Steps Central Referral Unit: 601‑576‑7427 (Jackson area) or 800‑451‑3903 statewide to make a referral; services are at no cost to your family. (msdh.ms.gov)
Special education rights in K‑12
You can request a special education evaluation in writing at your child’s public school. Mississippi’s Office of Special Education explains complaint, mediation, and due process options with clear timelines. If needed, the state investigates formal complaints within 60 calendar days. See MDE—FAQ for Families. (mdek12.org)
Mississippi Education Scholarship Account (ESA) for students with special needs
- Amount: For the 2025‑26 school year, the maximum reimbursement is $8,007.00 per student (paid quarterly by reimbursement). (mdek12.org)
- Who qualifies: Mississippi resident with a recent IEP; acceptance into an eligible private school; parent signs required assurances. Apply via the MDE ESA page and portal. (mdek12.org)
- Deadlines: Quarterly reimbursement request due dates are posted each year (e.g., Aug 29, 2025; Nov 28, 2025; Feb 27, 2026; May 29, 2026). Submit early; reimbursement is not lump sum. (mdek12.org)
- Plan B: If ESA funds are not available, consider the Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship or Nate Rogers Speech‑Language Therapy Scholarship below, and push your district for needed IEP services.
Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship and Nate Rogers Speech‑Language Therapy Scholarship
- Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship: For students diagnosed with dyslexia and accepted into an approved non‑public special‑purpose school; application and contacts at MDE Dyslexia page (601‑359‑2586). (mdek12.org)
- Nate Rogers Speech‑Language Therapy Scholarship: Max award equals the state’s base student cost (set annually). FY2025 base student cost is $6,695.34 under the new Mississippi Student Funding Formula. See MDE scholarship info and funding explanation. (mdek12.org, msparentscampaign.org)
Disability services beyond Medicaid
- Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)—Office of Special Disability Programs: case management, attendant care, home/vehicle mods, specialized medical supplies, and respite (varies by program). Call 800‑443‑1000 or request services online. (mdrs.ms.gov)
- Mississippi ID/DD Waiver and 1915(i) Community Support (via Department of Mental Health/DOM): Contact your regional IDD center for evaluation; if eligible, your name goes on the Planning List for waiver slots. DMH Helpline 1‑877‑210‑8513. (dmh.ms.gov)
Transportation, housing, and other stabilizers
Rides to care (Medicaid NET)
- Reservations 866‑331‑6004; Ride Assist 866‑334‑3794. Keep confirmation numbers and ask your clinic to verify appointment times to prevent no‑show marks. (medicaid.ms.gov)
Housing assistance
- Public Housing or Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8): Contact your regional housing authority. Examples: MRHA VI (Jackson area) 601‑373‑7040; MRHA V (Newton area) 601‑683‑3371. You can also reach HUD Mississippi and HUD‑approved housing counselors at 800‑569‑4287. (mrha6.org, mrhav.org, hud.gov)
- Plan B: While waiting lists are long, ask local authorities about Emergency Housing Vouchers (if available), or short‑term help via community action agencies and churches.
Local organizations and support (you can call today)
- Families as Allies—family‑run statewide support for children with behavioral health needs: 601‑608‑7525 Parent Concern Line; office 601‑355‑0915; toll‑free 800‑833‑9671. (faams.org)
- Disability Rights Mississippi—legal advocacy for Mississippians with disabilities: 601‑968‑0600; toll‑free 800‑772‑4057. (disabilityvotesms.com, msdh.ms.gov)
- The Arc of Mississippi—advocacy and local chapters: main office 601‑355‑0220; chapter directory online. (arcms.org)
- Food help: Mississippi Food Network 601‑353‑7286 (statewide finder); Feeding the Gulf Coast—MS Branch 228‑896‑6979 (Coast). (msfoodnet.org, feedingthegulfcoast.org)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Need | Where to start | Typical timeline | 
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid/CHIP for kids | Access MS; questions 800‑421‑2408 | Several weeks; faster if all documents uploaded. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
| Katie Beckett (TEFRA) | Apply for Medicaid and request Katie Beckett evaluation; see DOM page | Can take months; strong medical documentation speeds review. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
| EPSDT services | Ask plan/provider for EPSDT prior auth and medical necessity letter | Varies; appeal denials promptly. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
| SNAP | MDHS SNAP; 800‑948‑3050 | Standard 30 days; expedited 7 days. (fns.usda.gov) | 
| SSI (child) | SSA SSI; 800‑772‑1213 | Often several months; appeal if denied. | 
| WIC | MSDH WIC | Appointment‑based; bring ID, proof of income/residency. (msdh.ms.gov) | 
| LIHEAP | Access MS then CAA appointment; 800‑421‑0762 | Appointment within 30–45 business days depending on vulnerability. (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
| Child care (CCPP) | CCPP—Apply; 800‑877‑7882 | Depends on priority/waitlist invitations. (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
| Medicaid rides | 866‑331‑6004; Ride Assist 866‑334‑3794 | Book ASAP; urgent trips sometimes allowed. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
Tables you can use while you apply
Table — Who covers what medically
| Coverage | What’s unique | Key phone | 
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid | Full medical for eligible kids; EPSDT expands coverage | 800‑421‑2408 (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
| Katie Beckett (TEFRA) | Child qualifies on their own; intensive home care | 800‑421‑2408 (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
| CHIP | For uninsured kids above Medicaid limits up to 209% FPL | CHIP plans: Magnolia 866‑912‑6285; Molina 844‑809‑8438; TrueCare 800‑230‑2050. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
| NET rides | Free rides to covered care with advance scheduling | Reservations 866‑331‑6004; Ride Assist 866‑334‑3794. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
Table — SNAP FY2025 maximums (48 states & DC)
| Size | Max | Size | Max | 
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $292 | 5 | $1,158 | 
| 2 | $536 | 6 | $1,390 | 
| 3 | $768 | 7 | $1,536 | 
| 4 | $975 | 8 | $1,756 | 
| (Each additional person $220.) (fns.usda.gov) | 
Table — SSI 2025 amounts and student exclusion
| Item | Amount | 
|---|---|
| SSI individual maximum | $967/month | 
| SSI couple maximum | $1,450/month | 
| Student earned‑income exclusion | Up to 2,350/month∗∗,∗∗2,350/month**, **9,460/year | 
| (ssa.gov) | 
Table — TANF child‑only (non‑parent caretaker) monthly maximums
| Children in case | Max benefit | 
|---|---|
| 1 | $200 | 
| 2 | $236 | 
| 3 | $260 | 
| 4 | $284 | 
| 5 | $308 | 
| 6 | $332 | 
| 7 | $356 | 
| 8 | $380 | 
| (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
Diverse communities and targeted tips
- LGBTQ+ single mothers: Know your rights: Schools and agencies must serve your child without discrimination. If you face bias, call Disability Rights Mississippi 800‑772‑4057 for legal help and file complaints using agency civil‑rights processes. (msdh.ms.gov)
- Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: Ask about reasonable accommodations: phone interviews, extended deadlines, or alternate formats when applying for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CCPP, or housing. Request in writing and keep copies.
- Veteran single mothers: VA Caregiver Support Line: 855‑260‑3274 can screen you for respite and stipends under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers; ask the Jackson VA social work office for help coordinating with TRICARE/Medicaid.
- Immigrant/refugee single moms: Mixed‑status households can still get benefits for eligible children (U.S. citizen/LPR kids). Medicaid and WIC offer free language help; Medicaid Contact Center 800‑421‑2408 provides interpreter services. (medicaid.ms.gov)
- Tribal families: Coordinate with your tribal health/social services alongside state benefits to avoid coverage gaps; ask schools about consultation with tribal education programs for IEPs.
- Rural single moms: Use telehealth through Medicaid plans, and the NET ride line above for specialist visits. For local help finding services, contact the Mississippi Access to Care (MAC) Helpline 844‑822‑4622. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Single fathers raising disabled children: All programs here apply equally; use this guide and the same contacts for coverage, food, cash, and child care.
- Language access: Ask for an interpreter at Medicaid 800‑421‑2408 or at your county MDHS office—services are free. (medicaid.ms.gov)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the EPSDT angle: Don’t accept a “visit limit” for a child on Medicaid if more care is medically necessary—ask for an EPSDT exception.
- Not applying because “we’re over income”: Katie Beckett can ignore parent income; SSI uses deeming rules—get an actual decision.
- Submitting partial documents: Programs commonly ask for last 30 days of pay stubs; upload them in order.
- Skipping appeals: Many denials are reversed on appeal with stronger doctor letters or extra proof.
- Missing ride windows: For Medicaid rides, schedule as early as possible, confirm pick‑up windows, and keep a log.
Real‑world examples
- Example—Jackson: Your 6‑year‑old with autism has daily therapy orders and private duty nursing hours. You apply for Medicaid at Access MS, then request Katie Beckett with hospital discharge notes and nursing orders. While it’s pending, your pediatrician submits EPSDT prior auths for extra therapies. You use NET to reach appointments and CCPP to keep your work shifts. (medicaid.ms.gov, mdhs.ms.gov)
- Example—Gulfport: Your SSI application is pending. You enroll your toddler in WIC, apply for SNAP, and if needed, pick up food via Feeding the Gulf Coast’s MS Branch while you wait. (msdh.ms.gov, fns.usda.gov, feedingthegulfcoast.org)
Step‑by‑step application checklist
- Identity and residency: Photo ID, Social Security cards, lease/mortgage or utility bill.
- Income: Last 30 days of pay stubs; award letters (SSI, VA, child support), or a letter from a new employer with start date, hours, and pay rate.
- Medical: Doctor letters, hospital discharge summaries, therapy evaluations, plan of care, IEP/504.
- Expenses (for SNAP and others): Child care receipts, rent, utilities, medical costs for disabled/elderly members.
- Banking: Voided check or direct‑deposit form when allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions (Mississippi‑specific)
- How much can a family of four get in SNAP: The FY2025 maximum is $975/month, subject to your income and deductions. (fns.usda.gov)
- What if my child has private insurance but needs more therapy: If your child has Medicaid/EPSDT too, ask for EPSDT coverage of medically necessary extra sessions with prior authorization. (medicaid.ms.gov)
- Do Medicaid and CHIP cover autism services: Yes—coverage depends on medical necessity and your plan. EPSDT can authorize ABA and other therapies for children when medically necessary. (medicaid.ms.gov)
- Is there a premium for Katie Beckett in Mississippi: Mississippi evaluates the child’s needs and the cost of at‑home care versus institutional care; only the child’s income/resources are counted (resource limit $2,000). (medicaid.ms.gov)
- How do I get rides to my child’s appointments: If your child has Medicaid, call 866‑331‑6004 to schedule NET rides; use 866‑334‑3794 for “Where’s My Ride.” (medicaid.ms.gov)
- What are 2025 SSI amounts: Up to $967/month for an eligible individual; Mississippi does not add a state supplement. (ssa.gov)
- My toddler seems delayed—who do I call: First Steps Early Intervention: 601‑576‑7427 (Jackson) or 800‑451‑3903 statewide. (msdh.ms.gov)
- Are there school choice funds for special needs: The ESA program reimburses up to $8,007.00 in 2025‑26 for allowable expenses; apply through MDE. (mdek12.org)
- Can I get child care help if my child has special needs: Yes. CCPP lists children with special needs as a priority group; call 800‑877‑7882 and apply online. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Who can help if an agency isn’t following the rules: Disability Rights Mississippi 800‑772‑4057 (legal advocacy), or file program‑specific complaints using the links in this guide. (msdh.ms.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Escalate: Ask for a supervisor, then file an appeal by the deadline on your notice (15–30 days is common—check your letter). Keep copies of everything.
- Get backup: Call Families as Allies (601‑355‑0915) to strategize school/behavioral health issues; Disability Rights Mississippi (800‑772‑4057) for legal advocacy. (faams.org, msdh.ms.gov)
- Re‑apply: If something changes—income, diagnosis, hospitalization—submit a new application with updated documentation.
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
This guide uses official sources from the Mississippi Division of Medicaid, Mississippi Department of Human Services, Mississippi State Department of Health, Mississippi Department of Education, USDA, HUD, and established nonprofits. It follows our Editorial Standards and relies on primary, official sources. We update figures and links regularly, but we are not a government agency and can’t guarantee individual outcomes. Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026. Please report corrections to info@asinglemother.org; we investigate and respond within 48–72 hours.
Disclaimer
Information changes: Policies, dollar amounts, and contact details can change. Always confirm with the official agency before you act.
Health and legal: This guide is information only, not legal, medical, or case‑specific advice.
Site security: Do not email full SSNs or medical records. Use official portals (e.g., Access MS, MDE portals) to upload documents securely.
Sources used
- Medicaid/CHIP income limits and contacts: MS Division of Medicaid income table effective March 1, 2025; Medicaid/CHIP overview and contacts; office locations; NET broker update. (medicaid.ms.gov)
- EPSDT: DOM EPSDT pages (coverage and expansions). (medicaid.ms.gov)
- SNAP FY2025 amounts & rules: USDA FNS FY2025 COLA memo. (fns.usda.gov)
- WIC: MSDH WIC About/Apply and eWIC resources. (msdh.ms.gov)
- LIHEAP: MDHS LIHEAP page (eligibility, how to apply, appointment timelines). (mdhs.ms.gov)
- TANF: MDHS TANF overview; child‑only TANF benefit chart; 2021 increase notice. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- CCPP: Eligibility, priority groups, and 2025 updates. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- SSI: SSA 2025 federal payment amounts, SEIE, and note on no state supplement. (ssa.gov)
- ESA/Dyslexia/Speech scholarships: MDE ESA page and 2025‑26 FAQ (8,007);MDEscholarshipsummaries;FY2025basestudentcost∗∗8,007); MDE scholarship summaries; FY2025 base student cost **6,695.34** context. (mdek12.org, msparentscampaign.org)
- Local supports: Families as Allies; Disability Rights Mississippi; The Arc of Mississippi. (faams.org, msdh.ms.gov, arcms.org)
- Food banks: Mississippi Food Network and Feeding the Gulf Coast Mississippi Branch. (msfoodnet.org, feedingthegulfcoast.org)
If you spot anything outdated or a broken link, email info@asinglemother.org and we’ll fix it fast.
Learn more:
- Mississippi Department of Mental Health – Supporting a Better Tomorrow… Today
- Modivcare to replace MTM as the new Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) Broker – Mississippi Division of Medicaid
- How to Apply – Mississippi Division of Medicaid
- Who Qualifies for Coverage? – Mississippi Division of Medicaid
- SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Mississippi Department of Human Services
- SNAP FY 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustments | Food and Nutrition Service
- About WIC and How to Apply – Mississippi State Department of Health
- TANF – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Mississippi Department of Human Services
- CCPP Eligibility Guidelines – Mississippi Department of Human Services
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program – Mississippi Department of Human Services
- Income Limits for Medicaid and CHIP Programs – Mississippi Division of Medicaid
- Katie Beckett Program (DCLH) – Mississippi Division of Medicaid
- Expanded Mississippi Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment – Mississippi Division of Medicaid
- Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment – Mississippi Division of Medicaid
- Office of Client Relations – Mississippi Division of Medicaid
- Statewide Resources – Mississippi State Department of Health
- Members – Mississippi Division of Medicaid
- SSI Benefits | Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | SSA
- SSI Federal Payment Amounts for 2025
- https://www.ssa.gov/redbook/newfor2025.htm/
- https://www.msfoodnet.org/contact/
- Contact Us – Feeding The Gulf Coast
- Mississippi Farmers Market Nutrition Program | Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce
- TANF and Non-Parent Caretaker Relatives – Mississippi Department of Human Services
- Historic TANF increase delivered to Mississippi TANF recipients beginning today – Mississippi Department of Human Services
- Child Care Payment Program Updates – Mississippi Department of Human Services
- Early Intervention – Mississippi State Department of Health
- FAQ for Families – Special Education
- https://mdek12.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/39/2025/07/ESA-FAQ-revised-8-2025.pdf
- Education Scholarship Account – Special Education
- Dyslexia – Elementary Education and Reading
- K-12 Private School Scholarship Information – Special Education
- Education Funding – The Parents Campaign
- Office of Special Disability Programs (OSDP) | mdrs
- Intellectual & Developmental Disability Services – Mississippi Department of Mental Health
- Contact Us – MS Regional Housing Authority VI MS Regional Housing Authority VI
- Contact Us | Mississippi Regional Housing Authority V
- Mississippi | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- Contact Us – Families as Allies
- Contact — GO VOTE MISSISSIPPI
- Contact | The Arc of MS
- Covered Services – Mississippi Division of Medicaid
- Mississippi Medicaid Health Benefits – Mississippi Division of Medicaid
- Division of Aging & Adult Services – Mississippi Department of Human Services
🏛️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
- 🛋️ 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
- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery
