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Mississippi • Chronic Illness
If you have heart disease in Mississippi, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts. These programs can help cover medical costs, assistive devices, and daily living expenses.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with heart disease, you must have a severe impairment that stops you from working for at least 12 months. You also need enough work credits, usually 40 total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability started. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your medical records and work history to decide eligibility. If you don’t have enough work credits, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if your income and assets are low. Both programs require that your earnings are below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 (or $2,700 if blind) [6].
Family members may also be eligible for benefits based on your work record. There is a 5-month waiting period for SSDI, and most people must wait 24 months for Medicare, except for certain conditions like ALS [6].
Mississippi does not offer state-funded cash disability benefits for adults with heart disease. Instead, residents rely on federal programs like SSDI and SSI. However, Mississippi does provide support through Medicaid Waiver Programs, which can help with in-home care, medical assistance, and support services for people with physical or developmental disabilities, including heart disease. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers employment services and financial aid for assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids. Additionally, the Mississippi ABLE Program allows eligible individuals to save money in tax-advantaged accounts for disability-related expenses while keeping eligibility for public benefits [1][5][8].
The Mississippi ABLE Program lets eligible individuals with disabilities save up to $18,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account for qualified disability expenses. These accounts do not affect eligibility for SSI or Medicaid as long as the account balance stays under $100,000. You can use ABLE funds for things like medical care, education, housing, and transportation. To open an account, visit the Mississippi ABLE Program website and complete the application [5][8].
For SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in countable resources as an individual or $3,000 as a couple. For Medicaid, the resource limit is $2,000 for SSI and $4,000 for Medicaid. The income limit for Medicaid for working disabled individuals is $6,587 per month for an unmarried person and $8,879 for a couple in 2025 [5][7].
If your income or health changes, you must report it to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn more than the SGA limit or if your health improves. If you receive an overpayment, you may have to repay it, but you can request a waiver if it’s not your fault. Always report changes promptly to keep your benefits and avoid penalties [6].
Contact the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services for free help with applications, employment, and assistive devices.
Yes, if your heart disease prevents you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Mississippi does not offer state disability cash benefits, so federal programs are your main option. You must meet SSA’s medical and work history requirements.
The SSI income limit is $2,000 in countable resources for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. If you have more, you may not qualify for SSI. Medicaid has a higher limit of $4,000 for individuals.
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. You’ll need medical records and work history. The SSA will review your application and decide if you qualify.
Medicaid waivers in Mississippi provide in-home care, medical assistance, and support services for people with disabilities, including heart disease. These waivers help with daily living and medical needs. You can apply through the Mississippi Division of Medicaid.
Yes, you can work while getting disability benefits, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,620 per month in 2025). Work incentives let you try working without losing benefits. Report any changes in income to avoid overpayments.
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.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $18,000 per year. Funds can be used for medical care, education, housing, and transportation. Open an account through the Mississippi ABLE Program.
SSDI approval can take 3 to 6 months, but it may take longer if your application is denied and you appeal. The SSA reviews your medical records and work history to decide eligibility.
If your disability improves and you can work, you must report it to the SSA. Your benefits may stop, but you can get a trial work period to test your ability to work without losing benefits.
Yes, family members may be eligible for dependent benefits based on your work record. This includes spouses and children. Contact the SSA for more details.
If you’re denied, you can request a reconsideration within 60 days. You can also request a hearing if needed. Gather more medical evidence and consider getting help from a disability attorney or advocate.
