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Mississippi • Neurological/Developmental
Mississippians with Down Syndrome may be eligible for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. Mississippi does not provide state disability cash assistance, but federal programs and waivers can offer crucial support, healthcare, and financial planning tools.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, a person with Down Syndrome must meet medical and non-medical rules. For SSDI, you must have a work history with enough Social Security credits and a disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Adults are evaluated the same way, regardless of diagnosis[1][8]. For SSI, eligibility is based on limited income and resources, not work history. You must have a disability and very low income/assets[5]. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620/month in 2025 ($2,700 if blind). You cannot earn above this and still get SSDI or SSI[5]. There is a 5-month waiting period for SSDI, and most people wait 24 months for Medicare, except for certain conditions[5].
Mississippi does not offer a state disability cash benefit—residents must rely on federal SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid programs[1]. For Medicaid, income and resource limits apply, but Mississippi offers waivers (like the Intellectual Disability/Developmental Disability waiver) that provide home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities, including Down Syndrome. These waivers have their own eligibility rules, which may be less strict than regular Medicaid. ABLE accounts allow savings up to $100,000 without losing SSI eligibility; over this, SSI payments pause until the balance drops[3][6]. There are no state-specific grants or cash assistance programs for adults with Down Syndrome beyond federal options.
Start by gathering medical records, proof of identity, and income/resource details. Apply online for SSI/SSDI at SSA.gov, by phone, or at your local SSA office. For Medicaid, apply through Mississippi Division of Medicaid online, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid waivers, contact Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. For an ABLE account, enroll online through the Mississippi ABLE website[6].
1. Gather Documents: Collect medical records, birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of income, and resources. For children, include school records.
2. Apply for SSI/SSDI: Complete the Adult Disability Report and Application for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office. For children under 18, a parent or guardian applies.
3. Disability Determination: Mississippi Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your case. You may need to see a doctor chosen by Social Security. Cooperate with all requests for information.
4. Medicaid Application: Apply online at Mississippi Division of Medicaid, by phone at 1-800-421-2408, or in person. If denied, ask about waiver programs for developmental disabilities.
5. Medicaid Waivers: Contact Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services to learn about Intellectual Disability/Developmental Disability (ID/DD) waivers. These can provide extra services not covered by regular Medicaid.
6. ABLE Account: Open an account at Mississippi ABLE online. Anyone can contribute, and funds can be used for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI up to $100,000[6].
7. Stay Organized: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence. Report any changes in income, living situation, or health promptly to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
8. Appeals: If denied, you have the right to appeal. Follow instructions in your denial letter to request reconsideration, hearing, or further review.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly cash assistance to low-income individuals with disabilities, including children and adults with Down Syndrome. No work history required, but strict income and resource limits apply[5].
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Pays benefits to adults who have worked and paid into Social Security, and who can no longer work due to a disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[1][8]. Family members may also qualify for dependent benefits.
Medicare: Available after receiving SSDI for 24 months (except for ALS or ESRD). Covers hospital, medical, and some prescription drug costs.
ABLE Accounts: Federally authorized savings accounts that allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid[3][6].
Mississippi Medicaid: Provides health coverage for eligible low-income individuals, including those with disabilities. Regular Medicaid has strict income and resource limits, but waiver programs (like the ID/DD waiver) offer home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities, even if they don’t qualify for regular Medicaid[7]. There is no state disability cash benefit—Mississippians must use federal SSI or SSDI for income support[1].
Mississippi ABLE Program: Lets residents with disabilities save in tax-advantaged accounts without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI, as long as the account balance stays under $100,000[3][6].
State-specific grants: Mississippi does not offer state-funded disability grants for adults with Down Syndrome. Private and nonprofit organizations may offer limited assistance.
Mississippi ABLE accounts let people with Down Syndrome save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI (up to $100,000) or Medicaid. You can contribute up to $19,000 per year (2025), and if you're working, you may contribute more. Earnings in the account are tax-free if used for qualified expenses[3][6].
To enroll, visit the Mississippi ABLE website and follow the step-by-step guide. Anyone can contribute, and Mississippi offers a state tax deduction for contributions[6].
For SSI and Medicaid, your countable resources must stay below $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple). The SSI income limit is very low and changes each year. For Medicaid waivers, income limits may be higher[3]. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than $1,620/month in 2025 ($2,700 if blind)—this is called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)[5]. Medicaid for working individuals with disabilities allows higher income—up to $6,587/month for an individual in 2025[7].
You must report changes in income, resources, living situation, or work activity to SSA and Medicaid. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Keep records and report changes right away. Visit our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more tips.
Mississippi does not provide a state disability cash benefit. Residents with Down Syndrome must rely on federal SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid programs for income support and healthcare[1].
A Mississippi ABLE account lets you save for disability expenses without losing SSI eligibility (up to $100,000). This is a key tool for financial security for people with Down Syndrome[3][6].
Mississippi’s ID/DD waiver may provide home and community-based services, even if your income is too high for regular Medicaid. Ask the Department of Rehabilitation Services about waiver options[7].
Yes, if the child meets SSI’s medical and financial rules. A parent or guardian must apply, and the family’s income and resources are counted[5].
No, Mississippi does not offer a state disability cash benefit. Residents must use federal SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid programs[1].
In 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620/month from work ($2,700 if blind) and still qualify for SSDI[5].
Yes, through a Mississippi ABLE account. Savings up to $100,000 do not affect SSI eligibility[3][6].
Contact the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services to apply for the ID/DD waiver, which can provide home and community-based services[7].
Most people wait 3–5 months for a decision. If approved, there is a 5-month waiting period before payments start[5].
Yes, if the disability began before age 22, an adult child may qualify for SSDI based on a parent’s work record[1].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. Eligibility and benefit amounts can change. Always check with official agencies for the most current information.
Your spouse’s income and resources may be counted, which could reduce or end your SSI benefits. SSDI is not affected in the same way.
Yes, both programs have work incentives that let you earn some money without losing all benefits. See [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) for details.
Contact your local Social Security office, Mississippi Division of Medicaid, or Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services for application help and referrals.
