Emergency Assistance for Single Mothers in Mississippi

Last updated: August 2025 | Contact information verified: August 24, 2025
Sources: Mississippi Department of Human Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Mississippi Division of Medicaid, Mississippi State Department of Health

⚠️ Important: Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. Federal programs typically update in October (SNAP) and April (HUD limits). State programs may change with budget cycles. Always verify current information with the specific agency before making decisions based on this guide.

Quick Help – Need Assistance Today?

• Life-threatening emergency: Call 911 • Need shelter tonight: Call 211 or visit access.ms.gov • Out of food: Apply for SNAP at Access.ms.gov – emergency benefits in 7 days • Power being shut off: Call LIHEAP at 1-800-421-0762 for crisis assistance immediately • Eviction notice: Call Mississippi Legal Services at 1-800-498-8222 right now • Lost your job: File unemployment at mdes.ms.gov or 1-888-844-3577 • Need health coverage: Apply at medicaid.ms.gov or call 1-800-421-2408 • Pregnant or have kids under 5: Call WIC at 1-800-388-6747 for food help • Domestic violence: Call 1-800-898-3234 (24/7 confidential hotline)

If nothing above works: Call 211 and ask for a “warm handoff” to another agency that can help today.

If You Need Help Today

Get Food Within 24 Hours

Apply for SNAP benefits online at Access.ms.gov. If your income is under $150 this month and you have less than $100 in cash, ask for “expedited SNAP” – you can get benefits within 7 days.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under 5, call WIC at 1-800-388-6747. You can often get a same-day appointment and immediate food benefits if you qualify.

Stop a Utility Shutoff Right Now

• Call your power company and ask for a “hardship extension” – many give you 10-30 days • Call LIHEAP at 1-800-421-0762 immediately for crisis assistance • Apply for LIHEAP online at access.ms.gov and mark “Community Services”

Keep Your Housing

• Call 211 for emergency shelter and rental assistance programs • If you received an eviction notice, call Mississippi Legal Services at 1-800-498-8222 for emergency legal help • Ask about “rapid rehousing” programs that pay first month’s rent and deposits

Get Cash Quickly

Apply for TANF (Family Assistance) at Access.ms.gov. Mississippi only pays up to $327 monthly for a family of three, but it’s money you can count on.

If you lost your job, file for unemployment benefits immediately at mdes.ms.gov or 1-888-844-3577. Mississippi pays $30-$235 per week for up to 26 weeks.

Reality Check: Getting help isn’t instant. SNAP takes 7-30 days. TANF takes 2-6 weeks. Unemployment takes 2-3 weeks for first payment. Plan for these delays and ask every agency about emergency funds while you wait.

Main Points You Need to Know

• Apply the same day for multiple programs – SNAP, WIC, TANF, and Medicaid use overlapping income rules • Ask specifically for expedited processing when your situation is urgent • Keep copies of everything – take photos of documents with your phone as backup • Report changes immediately – income, address, or household changes within 10 days to avoid problems • Most programs have work requirements – understand them before you apply • Mississippi didn’t expand Medicaid – most adults without children or disabilities don’t qualify for health coverage • Apply to multiple housing lists – Section 8 waiting lists are years long in most areas

Don’t expect miracles: Mississippi has some of the lowest benefit amounts in the nation. TANF maxes out at $327/month for a family of three, and many adults can’t get Medicaid at all.

Emergency Cash and Food Programs

SNAP (Food Assistance) Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, October 2024

What it is: Monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to buy groceries. Mississippi follows federal SNAP rules – no state supplements.

How much you can get: Maximum benefits as of October 2024 through September 2025:

Household Size	Max Monthly Income	Max SNAP Benefit
1 person	$2,510	$292
2 people	$3,405	$536
3 people	$4,299	$768
4 people	$5,194	$975

Special Rules for Mississippi: • No gross income limit for households with someone 60+ or disabled • Asset limit: $3,000 for most households, $4,500 if someone is 60+ or disabled • Standard deduction: $204 for households of 1-3 people

How to apply:

Go to Access.ms.gov
Complete application online (takes 20-30 minutes)
Upload photos of your ID, pay stubs, rent receipt, and utility bills
Answer the phone when they call for your interview (usually within 1-2 weeks)

Timeline: Regular SNAP takes up to 30 days. Emergency SNAP takes 7 days if you qualify.

Documents needed: • Photo ID for adults • Social Security cards for everyone • Last 30 days of pay stubs (if working) • Rent receipt or lease • Recent utility bills

Reality check: Most families don’t get the maximum amount. If you work, expect roughly $200-400/month for a family of three.

TANF (Family Assistance Cash Help) Source: Mississippi Department of Human Services, 2025

What it is: Monthly cash assistance for families with children under 18. You must participate in work activities once approved.

How much you can get: Mississippi pays extremely low amounts based on state law from the 1990s:

Family Size	Maximum Monthly Cash
1 person	$200
2 people	$236
3 people	$260
4 people	$284

Income limits: Your gross monthly income must be very low to qualify. Most working families don’t qualify.

How to apply:

Apply at Access.ms.gov (same application as SNAP)
Attend required interview
Complete work activities (up to 30 hours/week) unless exempt

Timeline: Interview within 1-2 weeks, decision within 30 days, first payment the following month if approved.

Reality check: Mississippi has a 5-year lifetime limit on TANF. Benefits are among the lowest in the nation and haven’t increased significantly in decades.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

What it is: Special food packages for pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5. Includes formula, fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and cereal.

Income limits (July 2025-June 2026): Up to 185% of federal poverty level:

Household Size	Max Monthly Income
1 person	$2,510
2 people	$3,405
3 people	$4,299
4 people	$5,194

How to apply: Call 1-800-388-6747 or contact your county health department. You’ll need an appointment for a health screening.

Timeline: Often same week if appointments are available.

Automatic qualification: If you already get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you automatically meet WIC’s income requirements.

Health Coverage Options

Medicaid for Different Groups Source: Mississippi Division of Medicaid, March 2025

Pregnant Women: Income limit: 194% of federal poverty level (about $4,174/month for a family of 3 as of 2025). Covers prenatal care, delivery, and 12 months of postpartum coverage.

Children: • Under age 1: 194% of poverty level • Ages 1-5: 148% of poverty level • Ages 6-18: 138% of poverty level

Parents/Caretakers: Mississippi has extremely strict rules. Parents must earn less than 28% of poverty level – about $602/month for a family of three. Most working single mothers don’t qualify.

Adults without children: Mississippi didn’t expand Medicaid. Most adults without children cannot get Medicaid unless they’re elderly, disabled, or pregnant.

How to apply: Apply at medicaid.ms.gov or call 1-800-421-2408.

Reality check: A single mother earning $800/month with two children could get Medicaid for her children but not herself.

Housing Assistance Programs

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

What it is: Federal rental assistance where you pay 30% of your income toward rent and the program covers the rest, up to local payment standards.

Income limits: Must be “very low income” – typically 50% of area median income. Varies by county.

How much help: You typically pay 30% of your income toward rent. For example, if you earn $1,200/month, you’d pay about $360 and the program covers the rest.

Reality check: Waiting lists are extremely long – 2+ years in most areas. Many lists are closed.

Major Mississippi Housing Authorities: • Jackson Housing Authority: 601-346-4370 • Mississippi Regional Housing Authority VI: 662-453-1531 • Biloxi Housing Authority: 228-435-4545 • South Mississippi Housing Authority: 228-831-2992

Emergency Housing Assistance

Call 211 for: • Emergency shelter placement • Rapid rehousing (short-term rent assistance) • Deposit and utility connection assistance • Homeless prevention programs

Work and Training Support

Unemployment Benefits Source: Mississippi Department of Employment Security, 2025

How much you can get: Mississippi pays $30-$235 per week based on your past earnings. Your weekly benefit is calculated as 1/26th of your highest quarter earnings.

How long: Up to 26 weeks maximum.

How to apply:

File online at mdes.ms.gov
Call 1-888-844-3577 if you can’t apply online
You must contact at least 3 employers per week to maintain benefits

Eligibility Requirements: • Worked in at least 2 quarters of your base period • Earned at least $780 in your highest quarter • Base period earnings must equal 40 times your weekly benefit amount

Timeline: First payment typically comes 2-3 weeks after filing. There’s a one-week waiting period.

Job Training and Support

Mississippi WIN Job Centers provide: • Free job search assistance • Skills training programs • Help with resumes and interviews • Find locations at mdes.ms.gov

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Single Mom, Two Kids, Earning $1,500/Month

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: About $300-400/month (not maximum due to income) • WIC: If kids under 5, various food benefits • Medicaid for children: Yes • Medicaid for mom: No (income too high) • TANF: No (income too high) • Section 8: Maybe, depends on local income limits

Reality: She’d get some food help but struggle with rent and her own healthcare.

Example 2: Pregnant Woman, No Job, Living with Family

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: Expedited processing, up to $292/month for 1 person • WIC: Various food benefits including produce • Medicaid pregnancy coverage: Yes • TANF: Depends on family income and living situation • Section 8: Could apply but long waiting lists

Timeline: SNAP in 7 days, WIC same week, Medicaid in 2-3 weeks.

Example 3: Recently Lost Job, One Child, Was Earning $2,000/Month

What she could qualify for: • Unemployment: $150-200/week for 26 weeks • SNAP: About $400-500/month initially • Medicaid for child: Yes • Medicaid for mom: No • Emergency rent assistance: Maybe through local programs

Key: File for unemployment immediately – it’s based on when you file, not when you lost the job.

Specific Resources for Different Situations

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

• Apply for all programs normally – sexual orientation and gender identity don’t affect eligibility • If you face discrimination, document it and request a supervisor • Contact Lambda Legal (1-866-542-8336) for legal support if needed

Single Mothers with Disabilities or Disabled Children

• If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid • SNAP has special rules for households with disabled members – higher income limits possible • Ask about “child-only” TANF if your child gets SSI • Priority for housing assistance may be available

Veteran Single Mothers

• Ask about HUD-VASH vouchers (housing for homeless veterans) through VA • Contact Jackson VA at 601-362-4471 for veteran-specific programs • May qualify for expedited services through some programs

Immigrant/Refugee Single Mothers

• Qualified immigrants may be eligible after 5-year waiting period • Refugees, asylees, and trafficking victims often qualify immediately • Emergency services (like emergency Medicaid) may be available regardless of status • Contact local refugee resettlement agencies for guidance

Rural Single Mothers

• Use 211 to find traveling WIC clinics and Community Action office schedules • Some programs have mobile services that visit rural areas monthly • Transportation may be provided for required appointments • Internet access required for many applications – check public libraries

Single Fathers

• All programs listed here are available to single fathers with custody • “Caretaker relative” includes fathers, grandparents, guardians • Don’t be discouraged if staff seem surprised – you have the same rights

Mississippi Resources by Region

Jackson/Hinds County

• MDHS Jackson Office: Apply at Access.ms.gov • Jackson Housing Authority: 601-346-4370 • Legal Services: Mississippi Legal Services – 1-800-498-8222 • Community Action: Central MS Inc. – 601-355-6007

Gulf Coast (Harrison, Hancock, Jackson Counties)

• MDHS Gulf Coast Offices: Apply at Access.ms.gov • Community Action: Community Action of South Mississippi – 228-702-2500 • Housing: South Mississippi Housing Authority – 228-831-2992

North Mississippi (DeSoto, Marshall, Tate)

• MDHS Regional Offices: Apply at Access.ms.gov • Community Action: North Mississippi Rural Legal Services – 662-234-8731

Delta Region (Washington, Bolivar, Sunflower)

• MDHS Regional Offices: Apply at Access.ms.gov • Community Action: Delta Community Action Association – 662-335-3323

Program Comparison Table

Program	Max Monthly Benefit	Income Limit (Family of 3)	How Long to Get Help
SNAP	$768	$4,299/month	7-30 days
TANF	$260	Very low income required	2-6 weeks
WIC	Various food benefits	$4,299/month	Same week
Unemployment	$1,020/month ($235/week)	Based on past wages	2-3 weeks
Section 8	Varies by rent	~50% area median income	1-5+ years waiting
LIHEAP	Up to $1,500	60% state median income	7-21 days

Emergency Assistance Programs

LIHEAP (Energy Bill Help) Source: Mississippi Department of Human Services, 2025

What it is: Help with electric, gas, and other energy bills. Also provides weatherization assistance.

How much: Regular assistance: $1-$1,500. Crisis assistance up to $1,500.

Income limits: Up to 60% of state median income (varies by household size).

How to apply:

Apply online at access.ms.gov and select “Community Services”
Local Community Action Agency will contact you for appointment
Crisis cases (shutoff in 48-72 hours) get priority

Timeline: Regular assistance within 30 days, crisis assistance faster.

Community Action Agencies by Region:

• Central Mississippi: 601-355-6007 • South Mississippi: 228-702-2500 • North Mississippi: 662-234-8731 • Delta Region: 662-335-3323

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Benefits

SNAP/TANF Mistakes

• Not answering unknown calls: MDHS often calls from blocked numbers for interviews • Missing the interview: Reschedule immediately if you can’t make it • Not reporting expedited need: Specifically ask for “expedited SNAP” if you qualify • Incomplete documents: Take photos of everything as backup

Housing Mistakes

• Applying to only one housing authority: Apply everywhere you’re willing to live • Not updating contact information: You’ll lose your place if they can’t reach you • Waiting for “perfect” timing: Apply even if lists are closed – they’ll put you on the next opening

General Mistakes

• Not keeping copies: Always save confirmation numbers and emails • Not reporting changes: Income or address changes must be reported in 10 days • Giving up too quickly: If denied, you can often appeal or reapply with more documentation

What to Do If You’re Denied

Request written reason for denial
File appeal within 10 days if you disagree
Ask for “aid pending” to continue benefits during appeal when allowed
Get help from Mississippi Legal Services: 1-800-498-8222

When Programs Don’t Work – Plan B Options

If SNAP is denied or delayed:

• Contact local food banks through feedingamerica.org • Ask churches about emergency food assistance • Look into Salvation Army and local soup kitchens

If housing assistance isn’t available:

• Negotiate payment plan with landlord in writing • Ask family/friends about temporary housing • Contact domestic violence shelters if that applies (they help all women in crisis) • Look into transitional housing programs through 211

If utilities are being shut off:

• Ask utility company for budget billing plan • Get doctor’s note for medical necessity extension if anyone has health conditions • Contact churches and local charities for one-time bill assistance

If you can’t find work:

• Consider gig work (Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit) for immediate income • Ask current/former employers about temporary or part-time positions • Check with temp agencies for same-week work

Emergency mindset: When you’re in crisis, accept help that gets you through today. You can make longer-term plans once you’re stable.

Timeline Expectations – Be Realistic

Week 1

• Apply for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid online at Access.ms.gov • Call WIC for appointment at 1-800-388-6747 • File unemployment if applicable at mdes.ms.gov • Apply for LIHEAP if utility shutoff threatened

Week 2-3

• Attend SNAP/TANF interview • WIC appointment and first benefits • First unemployment payment (if approved) • Emergency assistance decisions

Month 2-3

• Regular SNAP benefits begin • TANF decision and first payment • Medicaid coverage starts • Begin required work activities

Month 6+

• Review and recertify for ongoing programs • Housing assistance applications may start moving • Job training programs may be available

Managing expectations: Getting stable takes months, not days. Focus on immediate needs first (food, shelter) then work on longer-term stability.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask

“Can I get help if I work?”

Yes, but income limits are strict. SNAP and WIC have the most generous limits. TANF has very low limits. Working actually helps you qualify for some programs like child care assistance.

“What if I don’t have all the documents?”

Apply anyway with what you have. Upload or bring additional documents later. Ask about “good cause” exceptions if you’re fleeing domestic violence or other crisis situations.

“How much can I earn and keep benefits?”

Each program is different. SNAP reduces gradually as income increases. TANF has strict limits. WIC income limits are more generous. Report all changes within 10 days to avoid overpayments.

“Can I get help if I live with family?”

Depends on whether you buy and prepare food together. If you’re a separate “household” for food purposes, you can often apply independently. Housing programs look at your individual income.

“What if I have a car payment or debt?”

Car payments don’t usually count as allowable deductions for SNAP. Student loans in deferment don’t count. Child support payments you make DO count as deductions.

“How long can I get help?”

• SNAP: As long as you meet requirements (recertify every 6-12 months) • TANF: 5-year lifetime limit • WIC: Until child turns 5, or 1 year postpartum • Unemployment: 26 weeks maximum • Section 8: No time limit if you follow program rules

“What if I’m denied?”

You can appeal most decisions within 10 days. Get help from Mississippi Legal Services (1-800-498-8222). Sometimes it’s just missing paperwork or a misunderstanding.

“Can I apply if I’m undocumented?”

Emergency services are available regardless of immigration status. Your U.S. citizen children can get benefits even if you can’t. Some local charities don’t check immigration status. Emergency Medicaid covers childbirth and emergency medical care.

Language assistance: Mississippi MDHS provides interpreters and translated documents for major programs. Call 1-800-948-3050 and ask for language assistance.

Resources Directory

Statewide Helplines

• 211 Mississippi: Dial 211 • Mississippi Department of Human Services: 1-800-948-3050 • Mississippi Division of Medicaid: 1-800-421-2408 • WIC: 1-800-388-6747 • Unemployment (MDES): 1-888-844-3577 • Mississippi Legal Services: 1-800-498-8222

Crisis Support

• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-898-3234 • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 • Mississippi Department of Mental Health: 1-877-210-8513

Online Applications

• SNAP/TANF/Medicaid/LIHEAP: Access.ms.gov • Unemployment: mdes.ms.gov • Housing Authorities: Use HUD’s Public Housing Authority directory

Document Help

• Vital Records (Birth Certificates): msdh.ms.gov • Social Security Cards: ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213 • Mississippi ID/Driver’s License: dps.ms.gov

Important Warnings and Reality Checks

About Benefit Amounts

Mississippi has some of the lowest assistance payments in the nation. TANF payments are based on 1990s levels and haven’t increased significantly. Don’t expect these programs alone to solve your financial problems – think of them as a foundation while you build stability.

About Waiting Times

Everything takes longer than you want. Section 8 waiting lists are years long. Even SNAP can take 30 days. Plan accordingly and don’t rely on just one program.

About Work Requirements

Most programs require you to work or participate in job training. Mississippi takes these requirements seriously and will cut benefits if you don’t comply. Understand what’s expected before you apply.

About Fraud Consequences

All programs monitor for fraud aggressively. Report income changes immediately. Never lie on applications. The penalties include permanent disqualification and having to pay money back.

About Income Reporting

Report ALL income – cash jobs, child support, help from family, unemployment benefits. Programs share information with each other. What looks like unreported income to one program can get you in trouble with all of them.

About Medicaid Expansion

Mississippi is one of only 10 states that hasn’t expanded Medicaid. This means most adults without children or disabilities can’t get health coverage through Medicaid, no matter how low their income.

What If Plans Fail – Last Resort Options

For Food:

• Contact Mississippi Food Network: 1-888-609-3663 • Visit local churches (many have food pantries) • Check community gardens for free produce • Ask restaurants about end-of-day donations

For Housing:

• Contact The Salvation Army: varies by location • Ask about transitional housing programs • Look into boarding house options • Contact local churches about temporary housing help

For Utilities:

• Contact your faith community for emergency assistance • Ask utility about medical exemptions if anyone has health issues • Check for low-income discount rates with your utility company • Contact local churches and charities for one-time bill help

For Transportation:

• Many areas have reduced-fare public transportation • Ask about medical transportation if you have health appointments • Check for volunteer driver programs through 211 • Consider bike programs or walking groups for safety

Remember: These are bridges to get you through until regular assistance begins. Don’t be too proud to ask for help when you need it.

Disclaimer

Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. This guide provides general information as of August 2025, but you should always verify current requirements with the specific agency before applying. Contact information and program availability can change without notice.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For legal questions about benefits, appeals, or eligibility, contact Mississippi Legal Services at 1-800-498-8222.

The information in this guide comes from official government sources, but errors can occur. Always check with the agency directly for the most current and accurate information about your specific situation.

When in doubt, apply anyway. It’s better to try and be denied than to assume you don’t qualify and miss out on help you need.

Emergency numbers to save in your phone: • 211 (general emergency assistance) • 911 (life-threatening emergencies) • 1-800-948-3050 (Mississippi Department of Human Services) • 1-800-421-2408 (Mississippi Medicaid) • 1-800-498-8222 (Mississippi Legal Services) • 1-800-898-3234 (Domestic Violence Hotline)

About This Guide

Compiled by ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Mississippi Department of Human Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Mississippi Division of Medicaid, and Mississippi State Department of Health.

This comprehensive resource follows our editorial standards using only official government sources and established nonprofit organizations. While carefully researched and regularly updated, this guide is not affiliated with any government agency and is not a substitute for official agency guidance.

Last verified: August 2025
Next review: February 2026

For corrections or updates, email info@asinglemother.org – we respond within 48 hours to serve Mississippi families better.

Official Sources Referenced

This guide references current policies and benefit amounts from:

• Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) – mdhs.ms.gov • USDA Food and Nutrition Service – fns.usda.gov • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – hud.gov • Mississippi Division of Medicaid – medicaid.ms.gov • Mississippi State Department of Health (WIC) – msdh.ms.gov • Mississippi Department of Employment Security – mdes.ms.gov • Mississippi Legal Services – mslegalservices.org • United Way 211 Mississippi – Dial 211

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