People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in Mississippi can access federal programs, Medicaid waivers, and state supports. This guide covers eligibility, application steps, benefit programs, income limits, and resources—including Mississippi ABLE accounts.
Federal disability benefits rely on strict rules. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a severe medical impairment (such as ALS) expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and not be able to work. You must also have enough work credits (often 40 credits, 20 in the last 10 years)[2][6][9]. There’s a 5-month waiting period before SSDI payments begin, but for ALS, Medicare coverage starts immediately with SSDI approval—no 24-month wait[6].
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility depends on having limited income and resources, regardless of work history. In 2025, you must not earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind) and have less than $2,000 in assets for SSI, or $4,000 for Medicaid[4][6].
Medical eligibility is decided by Mississippi Disability Determination Services, which follows federal rules[2]. See our SSI vs SSDI guide for details.
Mississippi does not offer state disability income payments—federal SSDI and SSI are the main options[2]. However, Mississippi Medicaid Waiver Programs can provide in-home care, medical assistance, and support services for people with physical or neurological disabilities, including ALS[1]. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) may help with employment services and assistive devices, but does not provide direct cash benefits for disabled adults[1].
To access Medicaid, you must meet income and resource limits. The exact rules for “working disabled” individuals with ALS are complex; as of 2025, Mississippi allows earned income up to $6,587/month for a single person and $8,879/month for a couple to qualify for Medicaid—higher than SSI’s strict limits[7]. Mississippi ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities (onset before age 26) to save without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility, up to annual contribution limits[4][8].
If you have ALS and live in Mississippi, start here:
Step 1: Apply for federal benefits
Step 2: Apply for Mississippi Medicaid
Step 3: Explore Mississippi Medicaid Waivers
Step 4: Contact the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly income to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, but can no longer work due to disability (including ALS). Benefits are based on your earnings record. If you qualify, Medicare starts immediately for ALS—no 24-month wait[6].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A needs-based program for those with disabilities (including ALS), limited income, and resources. SSI recipients usually qualify for Medicaid[6].
Medicare: Offers health coverage to SSDI recipients. For ALS, there is no waiting period for Medicare after SSDI approval[6].
ABLE Accounts: Available nationwide, these tax-advantaged savings accounts help people with disabilities save money. See our ABLE Accounts guide for details.
Mississippi Medicaid: Covers doctor visits, therapies, hospital stays, medications, and personal care. For people with ALS, the “working disabled” category allows higher income ($6,587/month for a single person in 2025) than SSI[7]. Apply through the Mississippi Division of Medicaid.
Mississippi Medicaid Waiver Programs: Some waivers (Home and Community-Based Services, HCBS) offer at-home help, respite care, and equipment. Eligibility and availability vary; ask Mississippi Division of Medicaid for details[1]. See our Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) guide.
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS): Offers job training, assistive devices, and support for people with disabilities who want to work, but not direct cash benefits[1].
Mississippi ABLE Program: Lets Mississippians with disabilities (onset before age 26) save up to $18,000/year (2025 limit) without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility[4][8].
Mississippi does not have a state-run disability income program. If you have ALS, your main options are federal benefits (SSDI, SSI), Medicaid, and ABLE accounts.
Mississippi ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save money tax-free for qualified expenses while maintaining SSI and Medicaid eligibility[4][8]. There’s no Mississippi program restriction—out-of-state accounts are fine too. See our ABLE Accounts guide for details.
SSI: $1,620/month earnings limit (non-blind) in 2025, plus asset limits ($2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples)[6]. Medicaid: Mississippi’s “working disabled” category has a much higher income limit—$6,587/month for a single person, $8,879/month for a couple in 2025[7]. ABLE accounts: Do not count toward SSI or Medicaid asset limits up to $100,000 for SSI, higher for Medicaid[4].
Always report changes in income, resources, living situation, or health to Social Security and Medicaid. If you don’t, you could get overpaid and owe money later. For help, see Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes. Mississippians with ALS should be especially careful if earning income through work—rules are complex.
If you have ALS and are approved for SSDI, you do not have to wait 24 months for Medicare—coverage begins immediately[6].
Under Mississippi’s “working disabled” Medicaid rules, you can earn up to $6,587/month (single, 2025) and still qualify for Medicaid—a much higher limit than SSI’s strict rules[7].
Mississippians with ALS (onset before age 26) can open an ABLE account to save up to $18,000/year (2025) for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility[4][8].
Mississippi does not have a state disability income program for ALS; your main sources of support are federal SSDI and SSI, Mississippi Medicaid, and Medicaid waivers for home care services[1][2].
Yes. If you are approved for SSDI with an ALS diagnosis, Medicare coverage begins immediately, with no 24-month waiting period[6].
Mississippi’s “working disabled” Medicaid category allows much higher income ($6,587/month for a single person in 2025) than SSI, so you may keep Medicaid even if you earn too much for SSI[7].
A Mississippi ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities (onset before age 26), including ALS. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility[4][8].
Yes, if you qualify for Mississippi Medicaid waivers (HCBS), you may receive in-home care, medical equipment, and support services. Ask Mississippi Division of Medicaid about current waiver availability[1].
Yes. In 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind) or have more than $2,000 in assets to qualify for SSI. Mississippi does not set different income limits from federal rules[4][6].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Step 5: Open a Mississippi ABLE account if eligible
Step 6: Report any changes
Apply online, by mail, or in person through the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. You’ll need proof of your disability, income, resources, and identity. If you get SSI, you’re normally eligible for Medicaid automatically[6].
No, MDRS does not provide direct cash assistance. They help with job training, assistive devices, and support services, but not income benefits[1].
Contact Social Security or Mississippi Medicaid immediately to report the overpayment. Prompt reporting can help reduce your obligation to repay[see **Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes**].
Yes, you can work part-time and still qualify for SSDI, Mississippi Medicaid (under “working disabled” rules), and possibly SSI if your earnings stay under the limit. Report all income to avoid overpayments[6][7].
