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Mississippi • Chronic Illness
If you have cancer in Mississippi, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs for healthcare, employment, and financial support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a severe impairment like cancer that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You must also have enough work credits from recent employment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses medical evidence to decide if your cancer meets their definition of disability. If you do not have enough work credits, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if your income and resources are low. Both programs have strict rules about income and assets. Family members may also be eligible for benefits based on your record.
For more details, see the SSA’s eligibility page.
[Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06]
Mississippi does not offer state-funded cash disability benefits for people with cancer or other disabilities. The main support comes from federal programs like SSDI and SSI. However, Mississippi does have Medicaid waiver programs that can help with home care, medical services, and support for people with physical or developmental disabilities, including some cancer patients. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers employment services and financial aid for assistive devices. Mississippi also has an ABLE account program, which lets people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing eligibility for public benefits.
For more information, see the Mississippi ABLE Program and Medicaid waiver resources.
[Source: americandisabilityactiongroup.com, 2025-11-06; mdrs.ms.gov, 2025-11-06; medicaid.ms.gov, 2025-11-06]
Start your application at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
For more details, see the SSA’s application guide and the Mississippi Medicaid waiver page.
[Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06; medicaid.ms.gov, 2025-11-06; mdrs.ms.gov, 2025-11-06]
For more information, see the SSA’s program page and the Medicaid waiver guide.
[Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06; medicaid.gov, 2025-11-06]
For more information, see the Mississippi ABLE Program page and the MDRS website.
[Source: mdrs.ms.gov, 2025-11-06; medicaid.ms.gov, 2025-11-06; americandisabilityactiongroup.com, 2025-11-06]
The Mississippi ABLE Program lets people with disabilities, including cancer, save money in a tax-advantaged account for qualified disability expenses. You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025) without losing eligibility for public benefits like SSI or Medicaid. Funds can be used for things like medical care, housing, education, and transportation. To qualify, your disability must have started before age 26 (or 46 for certain cases). You can open an account online at the Mississippi ABLE Program website.
[Source: mdrs.ms.gov, 2025-11-06; americandisabilityactiongroup.com, 2025-11-06]
For more details, see the SSA’s income limits page and the Mississippi Medicaid waiver page.
[Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06; medicaid.ms.gov, 2025-11-06]
If your income, work, or medical status changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much money or if your condition improves. If you receive an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. You can avoid overpayments by reporting changes as soon as they happen. For more information, see the SSA’s guide on reporting changes and avoiding overpayments.
[Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06]
Contact the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services for help with your application and to learn about employment services and assistive device aid.
Yes, you may qualify for federal SSDI or SSI if your cancer prevents you from working for at least 12 months. Mississippi does not offer state disability cash benefits, but you may qualify for Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts.
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records to prove your cancer diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI is based on financial need and limited resources. Both programs require medical proof of disability and have strict rules about income and assets.
You can work, but your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity limit ($1,620 per month in 2025). If you earn more, you may lose your benefits. There are work incentives to help you return to work.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability expenses without losing eligibility for public benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025) for things like medical care, housing, and transportation.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
No, Mississippi does not offer state-funded cash disability benefits for people with cancer or other disabilities. The main support comes from federal programs like SSDI and SSI.
Mississippi offers Medicaid waiver programs that can help with home care, medical services, and support for people with physical or developmental disabilities, including some cancer patients.
You must report changes in your income, work, or medical status to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.
Yes, family members may be eligible for dependent benefits based on your SSDI or SSI record. This includes spouses and children.
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. The appeals process can take several months. You may want to seek help from a disability advocate or attorney.
