Intellectual Disability Benefits in Mississippi

To qualify for federal disability benefits in Mississippi, you must have a severe impairment that prevents you from working and earning more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) requires a work history and enough Social Security credits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require medical documentation and a review process by the Social Security Administration [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2025-11-06].

In Mississippi, individuals with intellectual disabilities may qualify for state-specific programs if they do not meet federal SSDI requirements. The Mississippi Disability Assistance Program offers support for those unable to work due to disability. Medicaid Waiver Programs provide in-home care, medical assistance, and support services for those with developmental disabilities. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers employment services and financial aid for assistive devices. Eligibility for these programs is based on disability status, income, and need for support [americandisabilityactiongroup.com/state-specific-disability-benefits-lesser-known-help-beyond-ssdi-and-ssi/, accessed 2025-11-06].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Contact the Social Security Administration for SSI/SSDI.
• Apply for Medicaid Waivers through the Mississippi Division of Medicaid.
• Register for an ABLE account online or by phone.
• Reach out to MDRS for employment and device assistance.

• Collect all medical documentation, including diagnosis and treatment records for intellectual disability.
• Visit the Social Security Administration website or local office to apply for SSI or SSDI. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2025-11-06].
• For Medicaid Waiver Programs, contact the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. You may need to complete an application and assessment to determine eligibility for home and community-based services [medicaid.ms.gov, accessed 2025-11-06].
• To open an ABLE account, visit the Mississippi ABLE Program website or call (888) 609-3469. You can register online and start saving for qualified disability expenses [mdrs.ms.gov/public-information/mississippi-able, accessed 2025-11-06].
• For employment services and assistive devices, contact the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. They can help with job training, device funding, and other support [mdrs.ms.gov, accessed 2025-11-06].
• Keep all records and follow up on applications regularly.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those with a qualifying work history and disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
• Medicare: Health coverage for those who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period (exceptions for ALS and end-stage renal disease).
• Medicaid: Health coverage for those with low income and disability, available through SSI or Medicaid Waivers.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses, available to those with disabilities onset before age 26 [nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/financial-resilience-center/benefits/, accessed 2025-11-06].

• Mississippi Disability Assistance Program: Provides support for those unable to work due to disability but not yet eligible for SSDI.
• Medicaid Waiver Programs: Offer in-home care, medical assistance, and support services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS): Offers employment services, job training, and financial aid for assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids.
• Mississippi ABLE Program: Allows individuals with disabilities to save money in tax-advantaged accounts for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for public benefits.
• State-funded healthcare and support services: Additional programs may be available for those with intellectual disabilities, including respite care and family support [americandisabilityactiongroup.com/state-specific-disability-benefits-lesser-known-help-beyond-ssdi-and-ssi/, accessed 2025-11-06].

ABLE accounts in Mississippi let individuals with intellectual disabilities save up to $19,000 per year (2025) without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. If you are working, you may contribute an additional amount up to your income or the federal poverty level, whichever is less. The maximum account balance is $235,000. If your account exceeds $100,000, SSI benefits are suspended, but Medicaid and other benefits are not affected. Accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses, and income is not taxed if spent on these expenses [mdrs.ms.gov/public-information/mississippi-able, accessed 2025-11-06].

For SSI in 2025, the individual income limit is $6,587 per month, and for a couple, it is $8,879 per month. For Medicaid, the asset limit is $2,000 for an individual and $4,000 for a couple. These limits apply to countable income and assets, and exceeding them may affect eligibility for benefits [medicaid.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Working-Disabled-2025.pdf, accessed 2025-11-06].

If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you must report the overpayment to the Social Security Administration or Mississippi Division of Medicaid. Overpayments can result from changes in income, assets, or living situation. Reporting changes promptly can help avoid penalties and ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits. For more information, see the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/financial-resilience-center/benefits/, accessed 2025-11-06].

• Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
  Phone: 601-359-6111

  Website

  For employment services and assistive devices.
• Mississippi Division of Medicaid
  Phone: 1-800-421-2408

  Website

  For Medicaid Waiver Programs and healthcare support.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for intellectual disability in Mississippi?

  SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history and enough Social Security credits. Both programs provide monthly payments for those unable to work due to intellectual disability [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2025-11-06].

• How do I apply for Medicaid Waivers in Mississippi?

  Contact the Mississippi Division of Medicaid to apply for Medicaid Waiver Programs. You will need to complete an application and assessment to determine eligibility for home and community-based services for intellectual disability [medicaid.ms.gov, accessed 2025-11-06].

• Can I save money in an ABLE account and still get SSI in Mississippi?

  Yes, you can save up to $19,000 per year in an ABLE account without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. If your account exceeds $100,000, SSI benefits are suspended, but Medicaid and other benefits are not affected [mdrs.ms.gov/public-information/mississippi-able, accessed 2025-11-06].

• What income limits apply for SSI and Medicaid in Mississippi?

  For SSI in 2025, the individual income limit is $6,587 per month, and for a couple, it is $8,879 per month. For Medicaid, the asset limit is $2,000 for an individual and $4,000 for a couple [medicaid.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Working-Disabled-2025.pdf, accessed 2025-11-06].

• What services are available through the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services?

  MDRS offers employment services, job training, and financial aid for assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids for individuals with intellectual disabilities [mdrs.ms.gov, accessed 2025-11-06].