Residents of Mississippi who are hard of hearing can access federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state-specific programs such as Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, assistive devices, and daily living expenses.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Mississippi, you must have a severe hearing impairment that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough work credits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your earnings do not exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 ($2,700 if blind). Family members may also be eligible for dependent benefits. There is a 5-month waiting period for SSDI and a 24-month waiting period for Medicare, with some exceptions.
Mississippi does not offer state disability cash benefits for adults who are hard of hearing. However, the state provides Medicaid waivers that can help pay for hearing aids, assistive devices, and related services. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers employment services and financial aid for assistive devices like hearing aids. To qualify for Medicaid waivers, you must meet disability criteria, work at least 40 hours per month, and meet income and resource limits. The resource limit is $24,000 for an individual. ABLE accounts are also available, allowing individuals to save up to $19,000 per year without losing eligibility for public benefits.
Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI/SSDI. You must have a severe hearing impairment that prevents work for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough work credits. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources.
Step 2: Gather required documents, including medical records, proof of income, and work history.
Step 3: Apply online at SSA.gov or visit a local Social Security office. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance.
Step 4: For Medicaid waivers, contact the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. You must meet disability criteria, work at least 40 hours per month, and meet income and resource limits.
Step 5: For ABLE accounts, register online at the Mississippi ABLE Program website. You can contribute up to $19,000 per year.
Step 6: For employment and device support, contact the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. They offer financial aid for assistive devices like hearing aids.
Step 7: Report any changes in income or resources to avoid overpayments.
SSA: How to Apply (accessed 2025-11-06)
Mississippi Medicaid: Working Disabled (accessed 2025-11-06)
Mississippi ABLE Program (accessed 2025-11-06)
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (accessed 2025-11-06)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides income to adults who are unable to work due to a disability and have a work history. Payments are based on past earnings.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides income to those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Payments are based on financial need.
Medicare: Available after 24 months of receiving SSDI, with some exceptions.
Medicaid: Available for those with low income and resources, regardless of work history.
SSA: Disability Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06)
National Disability Institute: SSDI and SSI (accessed 2025-11-06)
Medicaid Waivers: Provide in-home care, medical assistance, and support services for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities, including those who are hard of hearing. Can help pay for hearing aids and related services.
Mississippi ABLE Program: Allows individuals with disabilities to save money in tax-advantaged accounts without losing eligibility for public benefits. Maximum yearly contribution is $19,000.
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS): Offers employment services and financial aid for assistive devices like hearing aids.
Mississippi Disability Assistance Program: Helps those who cannot work due to a disability but do not yet qualify for SSDI.
Mississippi Medicaid: Working Disabled (accessed 2025-11-06)
Mississippi ABLE Program (accessed 2025-11-06)
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (accessed 2025-11-06)
ABLE accounts are savings accounts for individuals with disabilities that do not affect eligibility for public benefits. In Mississippi, you can contribute up to $19,000 per year to an ABLE account. The maximum balance is $235,000. If your account goes over $100,000, SSI benefits will be suspended, but other benefits are not affected. Contributions can be made by anyone and may qualify for a state tax deduction.
For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For Medicaid, the resource limit is $4,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a couple. For Medicaid waivers, the resource limit is $24,000 for an individual. The SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month in 2025 ($2,700 if blind).
It is important to report any changes in income or resources to avoid overpayments. If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the excess. Report changes to the Social Security Administration and the Mississippi Division of Medicaid as soon as possible.
Contact the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services for personalized support with applications and device assistance.
Hard of hearing individuals in Mississippi can apply for federal SSI and SSDI benefits if they meet the eligibility requirements. These programs provide monthly payments based on work history and financial need.
No, Mississippi does not offer state disability cash benefits for adults who are hard of hearing. However, the state provides Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for support.
Medicaid waivers in Mississippi can help pay for hearing aids, assistive devices, and related services for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria.
An ABLE account is a savings account for individuals with disabilities that does not affect eligibility for public benefits. You can save up to $19,000 per year in Mississippi.
The resource limit for SSI is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For Medicaid, it is $4,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a couple.
You can apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records and proof of income.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Mississippi Disability Assistance Program (accessed 2025-11-06)
The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services offers employment services and financial aid for assistive devices like hearing aids for individuals who are hard of hearing.
Yes, you can work and still receive disability benefits if your earnings do not exceed the SGA limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 ($2,700 if blind).
If your ABLE account goes over $100,000, your SSI benefits will be suspended, but other benefits are not affected.
Report changes to the Social Security Administration and the Mississippi Division of Medicaid as soon as possible to avoid overpayments and potential repayment.
