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Grants for Single Mothers in Mississippi

Mississippi Single Mother’s Guide to Benefits, Grants, and Support Programs (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Emergency Help

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, here are three steps you can take right now:


  1. Call 2-1-1 – Free 24/7 help finding emergency assistance for housing, food, utilities, and more
  2. Apply for Emergency SNAP at Access.ms.gov – you can get benefits within 1-3 days if you qualify for expedited service
  3. Contact your local food bank – Find locations at Feeding America or call 2-1-1 for immediate food assistance

Quick Summary for Busy Moms

Mississippi provides assistance through 20+ programs for single mothers. Emergency help available within 1-3 days. Key programs include food assistance for families earning under $4,108/month, cash assistance up to $260/month, and emergency housing support.

Top Programs by Urgency:

  • Emergency Food: SNAP benefits up to $768/month for family of 3
  • Emergency Cash: TANF up to $260/month for family of 3
  • Emergency Housing: Contact local Community Action Programs
  • Healthcare: Medicaid for children and pregnant women, limited adult coverage
  • Child Support: State collection services available

Main Points

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Mississippi has the nation’s highest child poverty rate, yet its assistance programs provide some of the lowest benefit levels in the country. As of 2025, a family of three with no other income receives only $260 per month in cash assistance – just 10% of the federal poverty level.

What you need to know:

  • Benefits are very limited – Mississippi provides minimal cash assistance compared to other states
  • Emergency help is available – You can get food assistance within days and utility help within weeks
  • Time limits are strict – TANF has a maximum 60-month lifetime limit
  • Work requirements exist – Most programs require work, education, or job training
  • The system is complex – But this guide breaks it down step by step

Reality Check: Mississippi did not expand Medicaid, so many low-income adults have no healthcare coverage options. Benefits are among the lowest in the nation, and waiting lists exist for many programs.

Emergency Cash and Basic Needs

Cash Assistance (Mississippi’s TANF Program)

According to the Mississippi Department of Human Services, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash assistance to families with children under age 18.

Current benefit amounts (per MDHS Payment Standards):

  • $260 maximum monthly benefit for family of three
  • $200 for the first person, $36 for second person, $24 for additional persons
  • Benefits are paid through a Mississippi Debit MasterCard
Family Size Monthly Income Limit Maximum Monthly Benefit
1 person Varies by family composition $200
2 people Varies by family composition $236
3 people Varies by family composition $260
4 people Varies by family composition $284

Requirements:

  • Must have children under age 18 living at home
  • Must be Mississippi resident
  • Must have no more than $2,000 in resources (excluding home and one car)
  • Must participate in work activities unless exempt
  • Must complete mandatory job search and drug screening

⚠️ Important Time Limit Warning: According to MDHS, Mississippi limits TANF benefits to 60 months lifetime, with very limited hardship exemptions available.

How to apply:

  1. Apply online at Access.ms.gov
  2. Call MDHS at (800) 948-3050
  3. Visit your local MDHS office

Processing time: Up to 30 days from application date

Reality Check: According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Mississippi’s TANF benefits are among the lowest in the country at just 10% of the federal poverty level. The $260 maximum for a family of three won’t cover basic housing costs.

SNAP (Food Assistance)

According to the Mississippi Department of Human Services, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly food benefits to eligible low-income families.

Maximum benefit amounts (per USDA FY2025 Allotments):

  • 1 person: $292/month
  • 2 people: $536/month
  • 3 people: $768/month
  • 4 people: $975/month
Family Size Monthly Gross Income Limit Maximum Monthly Benefit
1 person $2,510 $292
2 people $3,408 $536
3 people $4,304 $768
4 people $5,200 $975

Income limits are based on 130% of Federal Poverty Level according to USDA guidelines.

How to apply:

  • Online: Access.ms.gov
  • Phone: (800) 948-3050
  • In person: Local MDHS office

Emergency SNAP: If you qualify for expedited service, you can get benefits within 1-3 days if you have less than $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in bank accounts.

Utility Assistance (LIHEAP)

According to the Mississippi Department of Human Services, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps with electric and gas bills.

Benefits available:

  • Up to $1,500 per household per year for energy bills
  • Crisis assistance for disconnection notices
  • Weatherization assistance to reduce energy costs

Income Guidelines (60% State Median Income for Mississippi):

Household Size Monthly Income Limit
1 person $2,141
2 people $2,800
3 people $3,458
4 people $4,117

How to apply:

  • Contact your local Community Action Agency
  • Apply online at Access.ms.gov
  • Call the statewide hotline for assistance

Reality Check: LIHEAP funding is limited and available first-come, first-served. Apply early in the program year (typically starts October 1st).

Healthcare for You and Your Kids

Mississippi Medicaid

According to the Mississippi Division of Medicaid, Mississippi provides health coverage through Medicaid programs and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

⚠️ Important Note: Mississippi has NOT expanded Medicaid, so most adults without children cannot get coverage regardless of income level.

Who qualifies for Medicaid:

  • Children 0-18: Based on family income and age
  • Pregnant women: Up to 194% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Parents with children: Very low income limits (about 24% of Federal Poverty Level)
Coverage Group Income Limit (% of Federal Poverty Level) Monthly Limit for Family of 3
Infants (0-1 year) 194% FPL $4,306
Children (1-5 years) 148% FPL $3,287
Children (6-18 years) 138% FPL $3,065
Pregnant Women 194% FPL $4,306

Coverage includes:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Prescription medications
  • Hospital and emergency room care
  • Mental health services
  • Preventive care including immunizations
  • Postpartum coverage extended to 12 months after birth

How to apply:

  • Online: Access.ms.gov
  • Phone: (800) 421-2408
  • In person: Local MDHS office

Reality Check: According to healthinsurance.org, Mississippi’s failure to expand Medicaid leaves approximately 123,000 adults in a coverage gap – earning too much for Medicaid but too little to qualify for marketplace subsidies.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

Mississippi’s WIC program provides nutrition assistance to pregnant women and children under 5.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women
  • Children under age 5
  • Income at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Level ($4,108/month for family of 3)
  • Must be at “nutritional risk” (determined by health screening)

Benefits include:

  • Monthly food packages with milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, baby formula
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support and breast pump loans
  • Referrals to healthcare and social services

How to apply:

  • Find local WIC office locations through MDHS
  • Apply in person (phone interviews not available)
  • Bring photo ID, proof of income, proof of address, children’s immunization records

Child Support Enforcement

Mississippi’s Division of Child Support Services helps single mothers get support from the other parent.

What they provide:

  • Locate absent parents using federal databases and employment records
  • Establish paternity through genetic testing
  • Establish and modify support orders through court system
  • Collect and distribute support payments automatically
  • Enforce support orders through wage garnishment and asset seizure

How to apply:

  • Online: Contact MDHS Child Support Services
  • Phone: Contact your local MDHS office
  • Visit local MDHS office

Costs:

  • $25 application fee for families not receiving TANF
  • Fee waived for TANF recipients
  • No other costs – services are free

Reality Check: According to MDHS, Mississippi has a child support pass-through policy that allows up to $100 of collected child support each month to go to custodial parents receiving TANF instead of being kept by the government.

Housing Help That Works

Emergency Rental Assistance

Several programs can help if you’re behind on rent or facing eviction.

Community Action Programs (CAP):

  • Emergency rental assistance for past-due rent
  • Utility assistance for disconnections
  • Case management and support services
  • Contact your local CAP office through 2-1-1

Statewide Emergency Assistance:

  • Call 2-1-1 for local emergency rental programs
  • Many nonprofits provide one-time emergency assistance
  • Churches and faith-based organizations often have emergency funds

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

According to HUD, the Housing Choice Voucher program helps very low-income families afford decent, safe housing.

Income limits (30% of Area Median Income):

Household Size Maximum Annual Income
1 person $18,850
2 people $21,550
3 people $24,250
4 people $26,900

How to apply:

  • Contact your local Public Housing Authority
  • Jackson: Jackson Housing Authority
  • Find other authorities at HUD’s PHA directory

Reality Check: Most housing authorities have waiting lists of 1-3 years. Apply as soon as possible and to multiple authorities if eligible.

Childcare Help While You Work or Go to School

Child Care Payment Program (CCPP)

⚠️ Important Update: According to the Mississippi Low Income Child Care Initiative, Mississippi implemented a temporary hold on new and renewed child care assistance in April 2025, affecting about 9,000 children.

When available, the Child Care Payment Program helps eligible families pay for childcare.

Who qualifies (when program is active):

  • Working parents (minimum 20 hours/week)
  • Parents in approved education/training programs
  • Income requirements vary

How to apply:

  • Online applications only through MDHS portal
  • Contact MDHS at (800) 948-3050 for updates on program status

Head Start and Early Head Start

Free comprehensive early childhood programs for low-income families.

Services include:

  • Free preschool education (ages 3-5)
  • Childcare for infants and toddlers (birth to 3)
  • Meals and snacks included
  • Health and dental screenings
  • Family support services

Income requirements:

  • Family income at or below 130% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Automatic qualification for families receiving TANF, SNAP, or SSI

How to apply:

  • Contact Mississippi Head Start Association
  • Use program locator: Call 1-866-763-6481
  • Apply directly to local Head Start programs

Support for All Types of Single Parent Families

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

All Mississippi state programs serve LGBTQ+ parents without discrimination under federal law.

Support organizations:

  • PFLAG Mississippi: Support for LGBTQ+ individuals and families
  • Campaign for Southern Equality: Advocacy and support services
  • Local community centers: Contact 2-1-1 for local LGBTQ+ resources

Legal protections:

  • Federal law prohibits discrimination in federally funded programs
  • Same-sex couples eligible for all family programs
  • Contact legal aid if discrimination occurs

Rural Mississippi Families

Additional challenges in rural areas:

  • Limited public transportation
  • Fewer service providers
  • Longer travel distances to offices
  • Limited internet access for online applications

Rural-specific resources:

  • USDA Rural Development: Housing repair loans and grants
  • Mobile services: Some programs offer home visits
  • Telehealth: Medicaid covers telehealth appointments
  • 2-1-1: Especially important for finding local resources

Single Fathers

Most programs in this guide also serve single fathers raising children alone:

Available programs:

  • SNAP (food assistance) – same eligibility and benefits
  • TANF (cash assistance) – same income limits and requirements
  • Medicaid (healthcare) – full family coverage available
  • Child support services – help collecting from other parent
  • Housing assistance – Section 8 and emergency rental help
  • Childcare assistance – same work/school requirements

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Special considerations for kinship families:

TANF eligibility:

  • Income limit may be different when grandparent applies only for grandchild
  • Grandparent’s needs not included in benefit calculation
  • May qualify even if grandparent receives Social Security

Kinship care support:

  • Contact MDHS for kinship care programs
  • Legal assistance for custody issues
  • Support groups through local Community Action Programs

Resources by Region

Jackson Metro Area

Emergency Services:

  • Jackson Housing Authority: Housing assistance
  • Mississippi Food Network: Emergency food assistance
  • Salvation Army Jackson: Emergency shelter and assistance

Legal Aid:

  • Mississippi Center for Legal Services
  • Volunteer Lawyers Project

Gulf Coast (Biloxi/Gulfport Area)

Food Resources:

  • Coast Episcopal Community Action Program
  • Salvation Army Gulf Coast
  • Local food banks and pantries

Northern Mississippi

Rural Services:

  • North Mississippi Rural Legal Services
  • Community Action Programs in rural counties
  • Mobile food pantries

Common Questions Single Mothers Ask (FAQs)

Q: Why are Mississippi’s benefits so low compared to other states? A: According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Mississippi historically kept benefit levels very low. The state raised TANF benefits by $90 in 2021 for the first time since 1999, but they remain among the lowest in the nation.

Q: Can I get help if I work but still struggle to pay bills? A: Yes! Many programs allow working families to qualify:

  • SNAP: Up to 130% of poverty level ($2,885/month for family of 3)
  • Medicaid for children: Up to 138-194% of poverty level depending on age
  • WIC: Up to 185% of poverty level
  • LIHEAP: Up to 60% of state median income

Q: What if I’m denied for a program? A: You have the right to appeal any denial within 30 days. Contact the MDHS Administrative Hearings Division at (601) 359-4921 or adminhearings@mdhs.ms.gov. You can also contact Mississippi Center for Legal Services for help with appeals.

Q: Can undocumented immigrants get help? A: Some programs are available:

  • Emergency Medicaid: Emergency medical care only
  • WIC: May be available depending on local policies
  • Food banks: Most don’t require documentation
  • Emergency assistance: Many nonprofits provide help regardless of status
  • Call 2-1-1 for guidance on what’s available in your situation

Q: How long do applications take to process? A: Processing times vary by program:

  • SNAP: 1-30 days (1-3 days if emergency)
  • TANF: Up to 30 days
  • Medicaid: Usually 30 days or less
  • Housing vouchers: Months to years due to waiting lists
  • Child care assistance: Currently on hold as of 2025

Q: What if I live in rural Mississippi where services are limited? A: Rural residents face extra challenges but have options:

  • 2-1-1 is especially important for finding local resources
  • Some MDHS offices offer home visits for disabled applicants
  • Mobile food pantries serve rural areas
  • Telehealth services available through Medicaid
  • USDA Rural Development offers housing assistance programs

Q: Why didn’t Mississippi expand Medicaid? A: According to healthinsurance.org, Mississippi lawmakers have considered Medicaid expansion multiple times but have not reached agreement. This leaves approximately 123,000 adults in a coverage gap – earning too much for traditional Medicaid but too little to qualify for marketplace subsidies.

Q: What should I do if I’m facing eviction? A: Take immediate action:

  • Call 2-1-1 for emergency rental assistance programs
  • Contact your local Community Action Program
  • Reach out to Mississippi Center for Legal Services
  • Apply for emergency assistance through local nonprofits and churches
  • Don’t ignore court papers – attend all hearings

Q: Can I get help paying for school while receiving benefits? A: Yes, education is encouraged:

  • Pell Grants: Federal education funding (apply via FAFSA)
  • State education grants: Contact Mississippi’s universities and community colleges
  • TANF work requirement: Education/training counts as work activity
  • Child care assistance: May be available for approved education programs (when program resumes)

Warning Signs and Red Flags

Scams to Avoid

Grant scams:

  • Red flag: Requests upfront fees for “guaranteed grants”
  • Reality: Legitimate government programs never charge application fees (except $25 for child support)
  • Action: Report to Mississippi Attorney General’s Office

Benefits card scams:

  • Red flag: Calls asking for your EBT card number or PIN
  • Reality: MDHS will never call asking for your card information
  • Action: Never give card information over phone; call MDHS directly if questionable

Program Warnings

TANF time limits:

  • 60-month lifetime limit with very limited extensions
  • Clock starts ticking immediately
  • Plan for transition off benefits

Work requirements:

  • Most programs require work, school, or job training
  • Exemptions limited and temporary
  • Sanctions can reduce or eliminate benefits

Emergency Resources and Crisis Numbers

Immediate Crisis Help

Food emergency:

  • 2-1-1: Find local food pantries and soup kitchens
  • Emergency SNAP: Apply at access.ms.gov or call (800) 948-3050
  • Mississippi Food Network: Statewide food bank network

Housing emergency (eviction/homelessness):

  • 2-1-1: Emergency shelter and rental assistance
  • Local Community Action Programs: Emergency rental assistance
  • Salvation Army: Emergency shelter in major cities

Utilities shut-off:

  • LIHEAP Emergency: Contact local Community Action Program
  • Utility company hardship programs: Call your utility provider directly
  • Churches and nonprofits: Many provide emergency utility assistance

Medical emergency:

  • 911: Life-threatening emergencies
  • Emergency Medicaid: Available regardless of immigration status
  • Community health centers: Sliding fee scale, call 2-1-1 for locations

Crisis and Mental Health Support

Crisis intervention:

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Mississippi Department of Mental Health Crisis Line: (877) 210-8513

Domestic violence:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence: (601) 981-9196
  • Local shelters: Call 2-1-1 for immediate shelter options

Resources and Important Phone Numbers

Statewide Resources

Primary contact numbers:

  • 2-1-1: Information and referral service (24/7) – Your first call for any crisis
  • Mississippi Department of Human Services: (601) 359-4500
  • SNAP/TANF/Medicaid applications: (800) 948-3050
  • Medicaid Customer Service: (800) 421-2408

Application portals:

  • SNAP/TANF/Medicaid applications: access.ms.gov
  • Child support services: Contact local MDHS office
  • WIC program: Contact local health department

Legal and Advocacy Help

Free legal assistance:

  • Mississippi Center for Legal Services: Contact local office
  • North Mississippi Rural Legal Services: (662) 234-8731
  • South Mississippi Legal Services: (228) 374-4416

Benefits advocacy:

  • Mississippi Low Income Child Care Initiative: Advocacy for child care access
  • Local Community Action Programs: Case management and advocacy

Useful Websites

Government portals:

Resource finders:

Disclaimer

Important Notice About Information Currency

Program details, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts change frequently due to federal and state policy updates, funding changes, and legislative action. All information in this guide was compiled and verified using official government sources as of August 2025, but policies may have changed since publication.

Verification Requirements:

  • Always verify current information directly with the relevant agency before making decisions
  • Contact program offices for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and benefit amounts
  • Check official websites for any recent policy changes or updates

Limitations:

  • This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or benefits counseling advice
  • Individual circumstances vary and may affect program eligibility
  • Processing times and benefit amounts may differ from those listed
  • Some programs may have waiting lists or limited funding not reflected in this guide

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Mississippi guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Mississippi Department of Human Services, USDA, HHS, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Mississippi Department of Human Services, USDA, HHS, and Mississippi Division of Medicaid sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

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