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Mississippi • Mental Health
People with anxiety disorders in Mississippi may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs for healthcare, employment, and savings. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a severe anxiety disorder that stops you from working for at least 12 months and have enough work credits from recent jobs. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your anxiety must meet SSA’s medical criteria. Both programs require that your condition prevents you from doing substantial work. The SSA uses a medical guide called the Blue Book to decide if your anxiety is disabling. If your anxiety is severe enough to stop you from working, you may qualify for benefits.
Source: National Disability Institute, 2025
Mississippi does not offer state-funded cash disability benefits for adults with anxiety disorders. However, you may qualify for other state programs that help with healthcare, employment, and savings. Mississippi’s Medicaid Waiver Programs can provide home care and support services for people with disabilities, including anxiety disorders. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers job training, counseling, and help with assistive devices. If you work, you may qualify for Medicaid under the Working Disabled program if you meet income and resource limits. Mississippi also has ABLE accounts, which let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
Source: American Disability Action Group, 2025
Start here: SSA.gov
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Step 2: Gather Documents
Step 3: Apply for Federal Benefits
Step 4: Apply for Medicaid and Waivers
Step 5: Apply for ABLE Account
Source: National Disability Institute, 2025
Source: American Disability Action Group, 2025
Mississippi ABLE accounts let people with anxiety disorders save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can contribute up to $19,000 per year. The account can be used for things like therapy, medications, and assistive devices. To qualify, you must have a disability that started before age 26 and meet SSA’s criteria. ABLE accounts do not count toward the $2,000 SSI or $4,000 Medicaid resource limits.
Source: Mississippi ABLE, 2025
Source: Mississippi ABLE Facts, 2025
Source: National Disability Institute, 2025
Source: Mississippi Division of Medicaid, 2025
Source: Mississippi ABLE Facts, 2025
If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to SSA and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back, but you can ask for a waiver if it wasn’t your fault. Always keep records of your reports and payments.
Contact the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services for free help with applications, job training, and assistive devices.
Yes, if your anxiety disorder is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for federal SSDI or SSI. Mississippi does not offer state cash disability benefits for adults, but you may qualify for Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and employment services.
SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI is based on financial need and disability. Both require that your anxiety disorder is severe and expected to last at least 12 months. SSDI pays more if you have a strong work history.
Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. Gather medical records and work history. If you work, check if you qualify for Medicaid under the Working Disabled program. Apply for Medicaid waivers or ABLE accounts if you need extra support.
You need medical records from doctors, therapists, or hospitals that show your anxiety disorder is severe and expected to last at least 12 months. The SSA uses a medical guide called the Blue Book to decide if your anxiety is disabling.
Yes, but you must not earn more than $1,620 per month (2025) from work if applying for SSDI, or $1,620 for SSI (unless blind, then $2,700). If you work, you may qualify for Medicaid under the Working Disabled program if you meet income and resource limits.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Step 6: Report Changes
Step 7: Get Help
Step 8: Appeal if Denied
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $19,000 per year for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. To qualify, your disability must have started before age 26.
For SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in resources (individual) or $3,000 (couple). For Medicaid, you must have less than $4,000 in resources (individual) or $6,000 (couple). Income limits depend on program and household size.
If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. You may need to provide more medical evidence or attend a hearing. You can get help from a disability advocate or attorney.
Yes, family members may be eligible for dependent benefits if you qualify for SSDI or SSI. This includes spouses, children, and sometimes parents.
Report changes online, by phone, or in person to SSA and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. Always keep records of your reports and payments.
