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Mississippi • Mental Health
Mississippi residents with depression may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Mississippi Medicaid. State programs offer limited additional support, but federal benefits are the main resource for mental health disabilities like depression. This guide explains eligibility, application steps, and how to manage your benefits.
If your depression is so severe that it prevents you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. SSDI is for individuals with a significant work history, while SSI is for those with low income and limited assets. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will review your medical records and work with Mississippi’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) to determine eligibility[2][8]. For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability[8]. SSI limits your assets to $2,000 (or $3,000 for a couple), but ABLE accounts may offer some flexibility[4]. Earnings above $1,350/month (2025) from work generally disqualify you from SSDI; SSI has similar income limits[2].
Mississippi does not offer state short-term disability benefits for depression—federal programs are the primary source of income support[1][2]. However, Mississippi Medicaid can provide health insurance for eligible individuals. Mississippi Medicaid Waiver Programs may offer services for those with mental health disabilities, but specific benefits for depression are limited and depend on the severity of your condition and need for home or community-based services[1]. There is no state-specific cash assistance for adults with depression. Mississippi’s ABLE Program helps you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility, but you must use funds for qualified expenses[6]. Always report all income and resources to avoid overpayments.
Step 1: Gather Documentation
Step 2: Apply for Federal Benefits
Step 3: Apply for Mississippi Medicaid
Step 4: Maximize Benefits
Step 5: Seek Support
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the main federal programs for Mississippians with depression. SSDI is based on your work history, while SSI is available if you have limited income and resources. Both have strict medical and financial eligibility requirements, and both consider your ability to work[2][8].
Medicare becomes available after 24 months of receiving SSDI. Medicaid is available for those with low income and disability; Mississippi Medicaid may also cover mental health services. ABLE accounts (federally authorized) let you save without affecting SSI or Medicaid, with Mississippi offering local enrollment[4][6].
Mississippi does not provide state short-term or long-term disability cash benefits for adults with depression[1][2]. Most support comes from federal programs. Mississippi Medicaid covers medical care for eligible individuals, and its Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers may provide limited additional support depending on needs assessment[1].
The Mississippi ABLE Program allows people with disabilities to open tax-advantaged savings accounts for qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, education, or assistive technology, without losing eligibility for federal benefits—contributions up to $19,000/year are allowed, and balances up to $235,000 do not count against Medicaid eligibility[6].
The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) can help with job training or vocational rehabilitation, but these services are not specific to depression[1]. For most Mississippians with depression, federal SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts are the primary tools for financial and healthcare support.
Mississippi ABLE accounts help you save for disability-related expenses without affecting your SSI or Medicaid eligibility (up to $100,000 for SSI, up to $235,000 for Medicaid)[6]. You can contribute up to $19,000 per year (as of 2025), and if you work, you may contribute additional funds up to the federal poverty level. The account balance grows tax-free if used for qualified expenses. You can open an account online at mdrs.ms.gov[6].
SSI has strict income and asset limits: individuals cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources ($3,000 for couples)[4]. The ABLE account offers some flexibility: money in ABLE accounts up to $100,000 does not count toward the SSI asset limit[6]. SSDI does not have asset limits, but your monthly benefit is based on your work history and how much you have paid into Social Security[2]. Medicaid in Mississippi typically has a $4,000 asset limit for those seeking long-term care services[4].
Always report changes in your income, assets, living situation, or health status to the SSA and Mississippi Medicaid. Failure to report changes may result in overpayments, which you might have to repay. If you receive a notice about an overpayment, you can request a waiver or repayment plan. It’s important to keep detailed records and respond to all requests for information. See our internal guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more tips.
Mississippi does not provide state disability cash benefits for adults with depression. If your depression prevents you from working, focus on federal SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. Always report changes in your situation to avoid overpayments[1][2].
Open a Mississippi ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing your benefits. Contributions up to $19,000/year are allowed, and balances up to $235,000 do not count for Medicaid. Over $100,000 may affect SSI, so plan carefully[6].
Mississippi Medicaid offers Home and Community-Based Services waivers for some disabilities, but availability for mental health conditions like depression is limited. Ask your Medicaid caseworker about your options[1].
No, Mississippi does not offer state short-term or long-term disability payments for adults with depression. Most support comes from federal programs like SSDI, SSI, and Medicaid[1][2].
Your depression must be severe, diagnosed by a doctor, and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. It must also prevent you from working. The SSA reviews your medical records and work history to decide[2][8].
An ABLE account is a special savings account for people with disabilities. Money in the account (up to $100,000) does not count against SSI asset limits, and up to $235,000 does not affect Medicaid. You can use the money for qualified disability expenses[6].
You can work, but your earnings must be below the SSA’s substantial gainful activity limit ($1,350/month in 2025). If you earn too much, you may lose SSDI or SSI benefits, but some work incentives may allow you to keep benefits while transitioning to work[2]. See our guide on [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives).
Yes, Mississippi Medicaid covers mental health services, including therapy and medication for depression, if you meet eligibility requirements based on income and disability status[1].
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always check with official government sources and consider consulting a qualified benefits specialist for your unique situation.
SSDI is for people with a work history who have paid into Social Security. SSI is for people with low income and assets, regardless of work history. Both have strict medical eligibility rules for depression. See our guide on [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi) for details.
You can have up to $235,000 in a Mississippi ABLE account without affecting Medicaid. For SSI, balances over $100,000 will pause your benefits, but other benefits are not affected[6].
You can apply online at SSA.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a Social Security office. For Medicaid, apply at the Mississippi Division of Medicaid website or visit your local county office.
Marriage may affect your SSI eligibility, as your spouse’s income and resources are counted. SSDI is not affected by marriage, but other benefits might change. Always report marital status changes to the SSA.
The SSA offers work incentives for SSI and SSDI, such as Ticket to Work. Mississippi’s Department of Rehabilitation Services may also help with job training, but services are not specific to depression[1]. See our [Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide for details.
