People in Mississippi with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs for healthcare, employment, and financial support. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a severe disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have enough work credits from recent employment. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the SSA’s definition of disability. For both SSDI and SSI, your income must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 (or $2,700 if blind). Family members may also be eligible for benefits based on your record[6].
Deaf-Blindness is considered a severe disability by the SSA, and you may qualify for expedited processing if your condition meets certain criteria. The SSA uses medical evidence and work history to decide eligibility[9].
Mississippi does not offer state-funded cash disability benefits for adults with disabilities, including Deaf-Blindness. Federal programs like SSDI and SSI are the main sources of income support[2].
However, Mississippi does offer Medicaid Waiver Programs, which can provide in-home care, medical assistance, and support services for people with physical or developmental disabilities, including Deaf-Blindness. These waivers may help with personal care, home modifications, and assistive devices[1].
The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers employment services and financial aid for assistive devices like hearing aids and communication tools. The Mississippi ABLE Program allows eligible individuals to save money in tax-advantaged accounts for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for public benefits[4][8].
The Mississippi ABLE Program lets eligible individuals with disabilities save up to $17,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account for qualified disability expenses. These accounts do not affect eligibility for SSI (up to $100,000) or Medicaid (up to $100,000). Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other disability-related costs[4][8].
For SSI, the individual resource limit is $2,000 and the couple limit is $3,000. For Medicaid, the individual limit is $6,587 per month and the couple limit is $8,879 per month (2025)[7]. For SSDI, there is no resource limit, but income must be below the SGA limit of $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind)[6].
You must report changes in income, living situation, or medical status to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Use the SSA’s online portal or contact your local office to report changes[6].
Mississippi does not offer state-funded cash disability benefits for adults with disabilities. Federal programs like SSDI and SSI are the main sources of income support[2].
Mississippi Medicaid Waiver Programs can help with in-home care, medical needs, and assistive devices for people with Deaf-Blindness[1].
Mississippi does not offer state-funded cash disability benefits for adults with disabilities, including Deaf-Blindness. Federal programs like SSDI and SSI are the main sources of income support[2].
Mississippi offers Medicaid Waiver Programs that provide in-home care, medical assistance, and support services for people with disabilities, including Deaf-Blindness. These waivers may help with personal care, home modifications, and assistive devices[1].
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The application will be sent to Mississippi’s Disability Determination Services for review[2][9].
The Mississippi ABLE Program lets eligible individuals with disabilities save money in tax-advantaged accounts for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for public benefits. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other costs[4][8].
Yes, but your income must be below the SGA limit of $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind). There are work incentives and reporting requirements to avoid overpayments[6].
The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers financial aid for assistive devices like hearing aids and communication tools for people with disabilities, including Deaf-Blindness[1].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
You must report changes in income, living situation, or medical status to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Use the SSA’s online portal or contact your local office to report changes[6].
Yes, the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers employment services and financial aid for assistive devices for people with disabilities, including Deaf-Blindness[1].
For SSI, the individual resource limit is $2,000 and the couple limit is $3,000. For Medicaid, the individual limit is $6,587 per month and the couple limit is $8,879 per month (2025)[7].
Yes, ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. The annual contribution limit is $17,000[4][8].
