Domestic Violence and Abuse Help & Safety Resources for Single Mothers in Mississippi

Last updated: September 2025

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Quick Help Box

• If you are in immediate danger: Call 911.
• Statewide domestic violence help via MCADV: Call 1-800-898-3234 (toll-free) or 601-981-9196 (Jackson). Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence: statewide shelter directory and help. (mcadv.org)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233, TTY 1-800-787-3224, or Text START to 88788. 24/7 confidential support, chat, and safety planning.
• File for a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO): Use the Attorney General’s forms and instructions. Mississippi AG: DAPO forms and guides. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• Crime Victim Compensation (help with costs): Call 1-800-829-6766 or 601-359-6766. Mississippi Victim Compensation: maximum award and covered expenses. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• Apply for food/SNAP: Call 1-800-948-3050 or apply online. MDHS SNAP: income limits and max benefits. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Apply for TANF cash aid: Call 1-800-948-3050 or apply online. MDHS TANF: rules and income limits. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• WIC for pregnant and postpartum moms and kids under 5: Call 1-800-338-6747 to schedule. MS State Department of Health WIC: how to apply. (msdh.ms.gov)
• Child abuse hotline: Call 1-800-222-8000 or report online. MS Department of Child Protection Services: report abuse/neglect. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• Mental health help: Call 1-877-210-8513. MS Department of Mental Health Helpline. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)

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Why this guide and what you’ll find here

What you get here: State-specific, no-fluff steps; exact dollar amounts; numbers to call; realistic timelines; Plan B options if the first door shuts. Most search results list general tips or national hotlines. This hub adds Mississippi-specific filing links for protection orders, current benefit amounts (SNAP, WIC, TANF), victim compensation dollars, shelter hotlines by region, court and agency directories, and practical workarounds when systems are backlogged. Sources are official Mississippi and federal sites or established statewide nonprofits. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com, mdhs.ms.gov)

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Emergency First Steps in Mississippi

Top action now: Get safe, then get proof. If you’re in danger, call 911. After you’re safe, 3 quick moves will help you secure protection and benefits:

• Call a shelter or advocate now: They can safety-plan, arrange transport, and help with court forms.
• Seek an Emergency Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO): You can get a same-day emergency order without the abuser present when there’s immediate danger; a hearing is usually set within 10 days. Forms and instructions are on the Attorney General’s site. Filing and service for DAPOs are free to the petitioner. AG DAPO brochure and forms. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• Preserve evidence: Photos of injuries and damage, threatening texts/voicemails, police report numbers, medical visit summaries. This helps with court, safety planning, and financial help (victim compensation).

Reality check: Shelters may be full the night you call, or you may need to travel to another county. Advocates can help you find a bed and plan interim safety (hotel voucher, friend’s place, police standby). (mcadv.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• No shelter bed tonight: Ask the advocate about hotel/motel vouchers and transportation help, or call another regional program (see “Resources by Region” below).
• Can’t get to a courthouse today: Ask a shelter advocate to help complete the petition and coordinate filing; use the AG’s fillable forms and file first thing the next court day. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)

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Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPO): How to file fast and what to expect

Top action now: File for an Emergency DAPO. It can order no contact, remove the abuser from a shared home, and cover kids.

• Where to file: Municipal, justice, or county court for emergency orders; chancery or county court can issue final orders. Use the AG’s forms and instructions or ask a shelter advocate or legal aid to help. AG: DAPO forms, MSPOR registry, instructions. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• Fees: You do not pay filing or service fees for DAPO cases. The court can assess costs to the respondent; your costs are only assessed if the court finds the abuse claim without merit. Miss. Code § 93-21-7. (law.justia.com)
• Timelines and durations:
  • Emergency DAPO: Issued without the abuser present if there’s immediate danger; effective for up to 10 days until the hearing.
  • Temporary DAPO: After hearing, can last up to 30 days if you share minor children; up to one year if you don’t.
  • Final DAPO: After a full hearing, can last as long as the judge finds necessary. Keep copies with you and at school/work. AG DAPO brochure; Miss. Code § 93-21-13. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com, codes.findlaw.com)
• Enforcement: Orders are entered into the Mississippi Protection Order Registry (MSPOR). Violations can lead to arrest; report violations immediately. MSPOR link via AG. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• Find your court clerk: The statewide chancery clerks directory lists phone numbers by county so you can ask where to file and when hearings are set. MS Chancery Clerks Association: directory. (mschca.org)

Table: DAPO at a glance

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Not bringing evidence: Bring screenshots, photos, call logs, medical summaries, and a simple timeline.
• Missing the hearing: If you don’t attend, the temporary order may expire.
• Assuming the order guarantees safety: It’s a legal tool; keep a safety plan, too. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If a judge denies emergency relief: You can still pursue a temporary or final order; get legal help from legal aid (see “Free Legal Help” below).
• If you can’t serve the abuser: Ask the clerk or sheriff about alternative service; a shelter advocate can coordinate. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)

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Where to sleep tonight: Mississippi shelters and hotlines by region

Top action now: Call the crisis line in your region. If full, ask the advocate to warm-transfer you to the next closest program or discuss hotel vouchers.

Table: Key Mississippi domestic violence shelters and hotlines (selected)

If your county isn’t listed, use MCADV’s map or call their statewide line 1-800-898-3234 for direct routing. (mcadv.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• No space: Ask for help contacting another region, a neighboring state, or a faith-based shelter for a short stay; request help with transportation.
• Language access: Request an interpreter; statewide and national hotlines can bring one on the line.

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Money lifelines: food, cash, WIC, and crime victim compensation

Top action now: Apply for SNAP the same day you leave or file your protection order. If your income is near zero, you may qualify for expedited service within 7 days.

SNAP (food benefits)

• Maximum monthly benefit (Oct 1, 2024–Sep 30, 2025) for 48 states (includes MS):
  • 1 person: $292
  • 2 people: $536
  • 3 people: $768
  • 4 people: $975\ast \ast (add\ast \ast$220 per extra person). USDA SNAP FY 2025 COLA. (fns.usda.gov)
• Mississippi income limits and max benefits: MDHS lists current gross/net limits and max benefits (same values above) and how to apply. MDHS SNAP page. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Expedited SNAP: If you qualify (very low income/resources), you should get a decision within 7 days; otherwise within 30 days. MDHS SNAP applying and timelines; MS Admin. Code 18-14-4.13. (mdhs.ms.gov, regulations.justia.com)
• How to apply quickly: Online or at your county DHS office; call 1-800-948-3050 for help. Upload documents via MDHS portal. MDHS apply for SNAP. (mdhs.ms.gov)

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Not claiming shelter and utility costs: These can raise your SNAP amount.
• Missing follow-ups: Watch your mail/portal for document requests.
• Thinking a job means no SNAP: Low-wage working moms often qualify.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If denied or delayed: Call 1-800-948-3050 and ask for a supervisor; you can request a fair hearing. Apply for WIC as well (below). (mdhs.ms.gov)

WIC (pregnant/postpartum women, infants, children under 5)

• Monthly fruit/vegetable benefit (CVB) amounts for FY 2025:
  • Children: $26
  • Pregnant & postpartum: $47
  • Fully or mostly breastfeeding: $52. USDA WIC FY 2025 CVB amounts. (fns.usda.gov)
• How to apply: Call 1-800-338-6747 to schedule at your county health department or apply online. Language assistance is available. MSDH WIC: how to apply and contact info; FNS contact page for MS WIC. (msdh.ms.gov, fns.usda.gov)
• What to bring to WIC: Proof of income, residence, and ID; MSDH lists accepted documents. MSDH WIC: what to bring. (msdh.ms.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Clinic backlog: Ask for the next-available appointment at a nearby county clinic; ask about temporary formula or referrals. (msdh.ms.gov)

TANF (cash assistance)

• Who may qualify: Low-income families with a child under 18, resource limit $2,000, and other rules. MDHS TANF. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Mississippi grant amounts (statutory payment standard): $200\ast \ast forthefirstfamilymember,\ast \ast$36 for the second, and $24\ast \ast foreachadditionalperson(afamilyof3equals\ast \ast$260/month). MS TANF State Plan—Admin. Code Title 18, Part 19; Miss. Code § 43-17-5(1). (law.cornell.edu)
• TANF child support “pass-through”: Up to $100/month of child support may pass through to TANF families. MDHS TANF page FAQ. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Domestic violence waivers: You can claim “good cause” to avoid cooperation with child support or other requirements if it would put you or your child at risk. MS Admin. Code 18-14-21.4 (SNAP child support good cause); Feds clarify TANF good-cause flexibility; ACF guidance. (law.cornell.edu, acf.hhs.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Denied due to noncooperation with child support: Ask MDHS to evaluate “good cause” due to domestic violence; provide any safe documentation you have (protection order, advocate letter). (law.cornell.edu)

Mississippi Crime Victim Compensation (CVC)

If you suffered injury, loss, or extreme psychological trauma from a violent crime (including domestic violence), Mississippi may reimburse some costs not covered by insurance.

At-a-glance amounts (2025 brochure):

• Maximum award: $20,000 per claim
• Medical expenses: up to $15,000
• Mental health counseling: up to $3,500 per claim
• Lost wages: up to $600/week\ast \ast for\ast \ast 52weeks\ast \ast (nottoexceed\ast \ast$20,000)
• Funeral costs: up to $6,500\ast \ast (+upto\ast \ast$800 transportation)
• Loss of support for dependents of a homicide victim: up to $600/week\ast \ast for\ast \ast 52weeks\ast \ast (max\ast \ast$20,000)
• Domestic violence temporary housing: one-time $500
• Domestic violence relocation: one-time $2,000
• Plus limited transportation, security/lock repairs, and crime scene cleanup. AG Victim Compensation brochure, Aug 2025. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)

Eligibility basics: Report the crime within 72 hours (or show good cause), apply within 36 months, and cooperate with law enforcement. Exams for sexual assault are billed to the AG’s office, not to you. AG BOVA page; Sexual Assault Payment Policy. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)

How to apply: Call 1-800-829-6766 or apply via the AG’s site; notarization is no longer required. Keep receipts and police report numbers. AG BOVA—Victim Compensation. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If denied: You can ask for reconsideration or appeal. Seek help from legal aid (below).
• If cash is needed sooner: Ask a shelter about temporary hotel aid, and apply for SNAP/WIC/TANF the same day.

Table: Money Lifelines

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Housing, rent, and keeping your address private

Top action now: Ask your shelter advocate or housing authority about VAWA protections and emergency transfers if you live in HUD-assisted housing.

• VAWA housing protections: Survivors can’t be denied or evicted from HUD-assisted housing because of violence against them; you can request emergency transfers and lease bifurcation to remove the abuser from the lease. Self-certification is allowed (HUD-5382). HUD: VAWA housing protections and programs covered. (hud.gov)
• Address Confidentiality Program (ACP): Mississippi’s ACP (run by the AG) gives you a substitute address for mail, driver’s license, school enrollment, and voter registration. It’s free; certification lasts 4 years. Apply via the AG’s office. Miss. Code § 99-47-1; AG ACP brochure; AG ACP brochure. (law.justia.com, attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• Mississippi Regional Housing Authorities: If you need longer-term help, contact your regional housing authority (wait lists open/close). Example: MRHA V (Newton) admin 601-683-3371 (HCV currently closed; check public housing list). MRHA V contact and apply pages; How to apply. For northeast counties, MRHA IV 662-327-4121. MRHA IV contact. HUD’s Mississippi field office can also direct you. HUD Mississippi Customer Service. (mrhav.org, mrh4.com, hud.gov)

Reality check: Mississippi has no statewide law guaranteeing early lease termination in the private market for domestic violence survivors (bills have been proposed but have not passed). Your options are strongest in HUD-assisted housing under VAWA; otherwise, negotiate with your landlord or seek legal help. Example bill attempts: HB 126 (2022) and HB 65 (2023) died in committee; (https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2023/html/HB/0001-0099/HB0065IN.htm). (legiscan.com, billstatus.ls.state.ms.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Private lease and landlord refuses to release you: Ask legal aid about options (constructive eviction, safety-based lease negotiation, or local ordinances).
• Afraid to use your true address: Apply for ACP; ask agencies and schools to use your substitute address. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)

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Free legal help and child support safety

Top action now: Tell child support and TANF/SNAP staff if pursuing child support would put you or your child at risk. Ask for a “good cause” exemption or heightened safeguards.

• Legal aid numbers:
  • North Mississippi Rural Legal Services intake: 1-800-498-1804; DV-specific LAV hotline 1-855-216-8731. NMRLS; NMRLS DV Assistance. (nmrls.com)
  • Mississippi Center for Legal Services: 1-800-498-1804 (statewide site and offices). MS Legal Services directory. (mslegalservices.org)
• Child support safety measures: MDHS can hide addresses, separate appointments, and upon good cause, close or not pursue your case if it’s unsafe. Child support pass-through up to $100 for TANF families. MDHS Child Support: receiving and paying pages; (https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/childsupport/pay/). (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Good-cause exemptions: Mississippi policy recognizes good cause if cooperation “would make it more difficult to escape domestic violence or unfairly penalize” a survivor. MS Admin. Code 18-14-21.4; federal TANF/IV-D guidance; (https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/policy-guidance/acf-dear-colleague-letter-state-tanf-and-child-support-cooperation). (law.cornell.edu, acf.hhs.gov)

Unemployment if you quit due to domestic violence: Mississippi law generally does not treat “domestic circumstances” as good cause for quitting; claims may be denied. Confirm your options with MDES. Miss. Code § 71-5-513; MDES claimant info; (https://www.mdes.ms.gov/unemployment-claims/benefit-information/ui-claimant-handbook). (law.justia.com, mdes.ms.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If child support contact feels unsafe: Request “good cause” in writing with any safe documentation (DAPO, police report, advocate letter).
• If MDES denies unemployment: Ask a legal aid attorney about appeal and alternative supports (SNAP/TANF/CVC).

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Diverse communities

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask up front for an advocate who is LGBTQ-affirming: shelters and hotlines serve all survivors regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The National DV Hotline offers LGBTQ+-informed advocates. If you’re in HUD-assisted housing, VAWA protections apply regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. HUD VAWA civil rights page. (hud.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Tell intake staff about disability-related needs: ADA accommodations, accessible rooms, ASL/VRS, transportation for medical visits, special diet needs for WIC/SNAP. State helplines can arrange interpreters; shelters can coordinate accessible transport.
• Veteran single mothers: Contact the VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP): Jackson VA coordinator 601-362-4471 x54454; Biloxi VA (Gulf Coast) 228-523-5000 or 800-296-8872. The Women Veterans Call Center is 855-829-6636. VA IPVAP directory and program; VA Jackson health care IPV services; Women Veterans health IPV. (socialwork.va.gov, va.gov, womenshealth.va.gov)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: You can seek protection orders and most advocacy services regardless of status. WIC and school meals don’t require immigration status. Ask legal aid about VAWA self-petitions or U/T visas if applicable.
• Tribal-specific resources: Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI): Family Violence & Victim Services with the Nittak Himmona Shelter and a 24/7 crisis line 601-663-7851; DFCS main 601-650-1778. MBCI Family & Community Services. (choctaw.org)
• Rural single moms with limited access: Ask for phone/telehealth advocacy and transport: Many shelters offer gas cards or rides. SNAP/TANF allow phone interviews and online uploads; ACP keeps your address private for mail and IDs. MDHS SNAP apply; AG ACP. (mdhs.ms.gov, attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• Single fathers: You have equal access to DAPOs and services. Mississippi shelters and hotlines assist all survivors. Use the same steps and contacts listed here. (mcadv.org)
• Language access: Ask for an interpreter: The AG’s brochures and forms are available in Spanish and Vietnamese; MSDH and WIC offer language assistance. AG BOVA multilingual resources; MSDH WIC language assistance. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com, msdh.ms.gov)

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Local resources by region (quick dials)

• Northern Mississippi: House of Grace 662-342-1432; S.A.F.E., Inc. 1-800-527-7233; Safe Haven 1-800-890-6040. (mcadv.org)
• Delta: Our House, Inc. 833-279-5683. (mcadv.org)
• Central (Jackson metro): Center for Violence Prevention 1-800-266-4198 / 601-932-4198; Catholic Charities Jackson Victim Services 1-800-273-9012 or 601-366-0222; Angel Wings 1-866-847-5802. (msc4vp.org, catholiccharitiesjackson.org, mcadv.org)
• East/Central: Care Lodge 601-693-4673. (mcadv.org)
• Pine Belt: Domestic Abuse Family Shelter 1-800-649-1092. (mcadv.org)
• Coast: Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence 1-800-800-1396 (Biloxi) / 228-762-8267 (Pascagoula). (mcadv.org)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

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Application Checklist (print or save)

• Identity and safety: Photo ID, kids’ birth certificates, SSNs (if you have them), protection order (if any), ACP card (if enrolled).
• Proof of Mississippi residence: Lease, utility bill, ACP substitute address if enrolled.
• Income/expenses: Last 30 days of paystubs, child support proof, rent, utilities, childcare receipts (for SNAP deductions).
• Evidence for victim compensation: Police report number(s), medical bills/visit summaries, proof of lost work, funeral invoices (if applicable). (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• WIC visit: Proof of income, residence, ID for each applicant; bring baby formula notes if needed. (msdh.ms.gov)

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Timelines you can expect

• Emergency DAPO: Often same day; hearing set within about 10 days. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• SNAP decision: 7 days if expedited; otherwise 30 days from application. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• TANF: Varies by county and case; apply early and ask about interviews and needed documents. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Victim compensation: Processing time varies; apply promptly and keep documents organized. Medical forensic exams for sexual assault are billed to the AG’s office, not to you. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)

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Real-world example scenarios

• Moving fast with kids: You leave a dangerous home on a Friday, go to the Coast program. The advocate helps you file an Emergency DAPO the same day, you get a hearing date within 10 days, and they help you apply for SNAP (expedited) and WIC for your toddler. You also apply for victim compensation to cover lock changes and $2,000 relocation costs. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com, mdhs.ms.gov, fns.usda.gov)
• Keeping your address private while restarting school/jobs: You enroll in the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) so your DMV record and kids’ school don’t show your location. You give agencies your substitute address. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)

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Staying safer day-to-day

• Tech safety: Use a safe phone or browser; clear history; change passwords; turn off location sharing on phones and social apps. Ask advocates for a personalized safety plan.
• Order plus safety plan: A protection order helps, but keep a go-bag with meds, IDs, keys, and essentials.
• School and employer notices: Share only what’s needed; give a copy of your order to the school/work security.

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting to apply: Apply for SNAP/WIC/TANF immediately—benefits often start from your application date. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Hiding risks from agencies: Tell TANF/SNAP and child support staff about safety risks to trigger “good cause” protections. (law.cornell.edu)
• Not asking for VAWA protections: If you’re in HUD-assisted housing, request emergency transfers or lease bifurcation. (hud.gov)
• Missing hearings or caseworker deadlines: Mark dates, set reminders, and confirm documents were received.

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If one door closes: Plan B options

• Shelter full: Ask for hotel vouchers or transport; call neighboring counties or MCADV’s line 1-800-898-3234. (mcadv.org)
• Court delay: Request an extension of the emergency order and a new hearing date; keep safety planning. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• Benefit denial: Appeal or request a fair hearing; contact legal aid. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Housing barrier: If private landlord refuses to release you, seek legal advice; if you’re on HUD assistance, file a VAWA request and contact your PHA. (hud.gov)

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Tables: More details you can skim fast

Table: Key program contacts and numbers

Table: SNAP income and benefit reference (FY 2025)

See MDHS for income tables and details. USDA FY 2025 COLA; MDHS SNAP; (https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/help/snap/). (fns.usda.gov, mdhs.ms.gov)

Table: TANF grant calculation (typical)

Based on Mississippi’s standard: first person $200\ast \ast ,second\ast \ast$36, each additional $24. MS TANF State Plan/Admin. Code; Miss. Code § 43-17-5(1). (law.cornell.edu)

Table: Victim Compensation highlights (2025)

AG Victim Compensation brochure (Aug 2025). (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)

Table: VAWA protections (HUD-assisted housing)

HUD VAWA protections overview. (hud.gov)

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FAQs (Mississippi-specific)

• How fast can I get an emergency protection order? Same day in many courts if there’s immediate danger; a hearing is usually set within 10 days. Filing is free. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com, law.justia.com)
• Can I include my kids in the protection order? Yes. Ask the judge to include minors and school/pickup restrictions where needed. See AG forms. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• What if the abuser violates the order? Call 911 and report the violation; violations can lead to arrest. Keep a copy of the order with you. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• Will pursuing child support put me at risk? Tell MDHS if it’s unsafe. You can request “good cause” so the state does not pursue child support. (law.cornell.edu)
• Can I quit my job and get unemployment because of abuse? Mississippi law generally does not treat domestic circumstances as “good cause” for quitting; talk to legal aid about options. (law.justia.com)
• How soon can I get SNAP? If you qualify for expedited service, within 7 days; otherwise within 30 days of your application. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• How much is TANF for a mom with two kids? Typically $260/month for a family of 3; amounts are fixed by statute (see table above). (law.cornell.edu)
• Can I keep my address off public records? Yes—apply for the Address Confidentiality Program; it provides a substitute mailing address for driver’s license, voter registration, and schools. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• Are sexual assault exams billed to me? No. The AG’s office pays for the medical forensic exam. (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• Where do I find my court’s number? Use the statewide Chancery Clerks Directory to find your county clerk’s phone and address. (mschca.org)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

Research standards: We rely on official Mississippi and federal sources or established statewide nonprofits. We verify links and figures and update after policy changes.

Core sources in this guide:

• Mississippi Attorney General’s Bureau of Victim Assistance: DAPO forms, protection order process, victim compensation (2025 brochure). (attorneygenerallynnfitch.com)
• Mississippi Department of Human Services: SNAP, TANF rules, income limits, timelines, child support safeguards. (mdhs.ms.gov)
• Mississippi State Department of Health (WIC): How to apply, language access; USDA WIC FY 2025 benefit amounts. (msdh.ms.gov, fns.usda.gov)
• USDA FNS: SNAP FY 2025 benefit amounts. (fns.usda.gov)
• HUD: VAWA housing protections. (hud.gov)
• MCADV: Statewide shelter directory and hotlines. (mcadv.org)
• Miss. Code and Admin. Code: DAPO fees/timelines, ACP statute, TANF payment standard. (law.justia.com, codes.findlaw.com, law.cornell.edu)

Our editorial promise: We follow primary sources, link to official forms, and flag local variations. If you spot an error, email info@asinglemother.org.

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Disclaimer

Information accuracy: Program rules, amounts, and phone numbers can change. Always confirm with the relevant agency or court before you act.

Safety and legal note: This guide is information, not legal advice. For case-specific guidance, contact a licensed Mississippi attorney or a certified advocate.

Security on shared devices: If someone monitors your devices, use a safe phone or a public computer. Clear your browser history after visiting sensitive sites. HUD and the AG link to safety tips on clearing history.

Site safety: We link directly to official government and established nonprofit sites. Still, use caution when entering personal information online.

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About Our Editorial Policy

Our methodology: We use primary sources (Mississippi agencies, federal sites) and established nonprofits, cross-check across multiple official pages, and monitor for policy updates. We verify links at publication and track changes. See our full standards here: ASingleMother.org Editorial Policy. Last verified September 2025; next review April 2026.

If you find outdated info, email info@asinglemother.org; we aim to respond within 48 hours and make urgent corrections within 24 hours. (mcadv.org)

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What this guide adds (content gaps we covered)

Most top results miss: exact Mississippi dollar figures for SNAP/TANF/WIC; victim compensation caps and the DV relocation amounts; links to the AG’s fillable DAPO forms; ACP details; county court directories; realistic timelines and Plan B steps. This guide includes all of those, with direct links and current 2025 figures. (fns.usda.gov, mdhs.ms.gov, law.cornell.edu, attorneygenerallynnfitch.com, mschca.org)

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Stay safe, and use the people and programs above to build your next steps one form, one call, one appointment at a time.

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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
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery