If you have a mobility impairment in Mississippi, federal programs like SSDI and SSI are the main sources of disability benefits. Mississippi offers some Medicaid waiver support and ABLE accounts, but does not have a state disability program. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what extra help is available.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and you must have enough work credits (generally 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years)[2][8]. SSI is for people with low income and resources; your assets must be under $2,000 ($3,000 for couples)[4]. Both programs use the same medical criteria for mobility impairments, focusing on whether you can perform “substantial gainful activity” (SGA). The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,350/month ($2,260 if blind)[2]. Benefits are adjusted yearly for cost of living (COLA)[5].
Mississippi does not have a state disability program, so most cash assistance comes from federal SSDI and SSI programs[1][2]. However, the state does offer Medicaid Waiver Programs, which can provide in-home care, personal assistance, medical equipment, and home modifications for eligible individuals with physical disabilities[1]. To qualify for Medicaid, your income and assets must fall below set limits (generally $2,000 for SSI, $4,000 for Medicaid)[4]. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) helps with employment services and assistive devices like wheelchairs, but not direct cash assistance[1]. If you can work, MDRS may help with job training and workplace accommodations. To maintain eligibility, report all income changes promptly to avoid overpayments.
Start with SSDI or SSI: Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at a local Social Security office. Medicaid waivers: Contact the Mississippi Division of Medicaid or your local Department of Human Services. ABLE accounts: Visit mdrs.ms.gov/ABLE to open an account. Job help: Reach out to MDRS for assistive tech and employment support.
Step 1: Gather Documents Collect medical records, work history, proof of income, and identification. For Medicaid, include proof of residency and disability.
Step 2: Apply for SSDI/SSI
Step 3: Medicaid Waiver Application Contact the Mississippi Division of Medicaid or your county Department of Human Services. Ask specifically about Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers for physical disabilities. Complete all forms and provide medical documentation.
Step 4: ABLE Account Setup If your disability began before age 26, you may qualify for a Mississippi ABLE account. Visit mdrs.ms.gov/ABLE, review eligibility, and complete the online registration. You can contribute up to $19,000 per year (2025 limit)[6].
Step 5: Employment and Assistive Devices Contact the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services for help with job training, workplace accommodations, and assistive technology. They can also guide you on maintaining benefits while working.
Step 6: Stay Compliant Report any income or life changes (such as marriage or improved health) to SSA and Medicaid. This helps prevent overpayments and keeps your benefits secure.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Pays monthly benefits if you have a work history and a qualifying disability. Amount depends on your earnings record[2][8]. SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides cash assistance if you have low income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs use the same medical criteria for mobility impairments[2]. Medicare: After 24 months on SSDI, you qualify for Medicare, which covers hospital and medical insurance[2].
Mississippi does not offer state disability cash benefits[1][2]. However, the state administers Medicaid Waiver Programs that can pay for in-home care, personal assistance, medical equipment, and home modifications for eligible individuals with physical disabilities[1]. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) provides employment support, job training, and assistive devices (like wheelchairs), but not direct cash aid[1]. Mississippi also participates in the national ABLE program, allowing eligible residents to save in a tax-advantaged account without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility[4][6]. For children and adults who can work, MDRS offers vocational rehabilitation services. Always check current eligibility rules, as Medicaid and waiver programs may have waitlists.
Mississippi ABLE accounts let eligible individuals with disabilities save up to $19,000 per year (2025 limit) without losing SSI or Medicaid. The account can hold up to $235,000. Earnings are tax-free if used for qualified disability expenses. Over $100,000 in the account suspends SSI, but not Medicaid[4][6].
For SSI, income and resources must stay below $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple)[4]. The Medicaid asset limit is $4,000[4]. Income from work may affect your benefits—always report changes. The SSDI substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit is $1,350/month in 2025 ($2,260 if blind)[2].
If your income or resources exceed program limits, you may owe money back. Always report changes in income, living situation, or health to the Social Security Administration and Mississippi Medicaid promptly. This helps avoid overpayments and penalties. For help, contact your local SSA office or Mississippi Division of Medicaid.
Mississippi does not offer a state disability cash benefit program. Most help comes from federal SSDI, SSI, and state Medicaid waivers for in-home care and equipment[1][2].
If you became disabled before age 26, a Mississippi ABLE account lets you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid—up to $19,000 per year and $235,000 total, with some limits on SSI[4][6].
Yes, if you meet the low-income and resource limits for SSI and have enough work credits for SSDI, you may be eligible for both. This is called "concurrent benefits."
No, Mississippi does not have a state disability program. Most cash benefits come from federal SSDI and SSI[1][2].
Mississippi offers Medicaid waiver programs that may cover in-home care, personal assistance, medical equipment, and home modifications for eligible individuals with physical disabilities[1].
Visit mdrs.ms.gov/ABLE to review eligibility and set up your account online. You can contribute up to $19,000 per year and use the funds for qualified disability expenses without affecting most benefits[6].
You must report your earnings to SSA and Medicaid. Some income is allowed, but too much may reduce or stop your benefits. Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services can help with work incentives and job accommodations[1].
Yes, the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services may provide assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids for eligible individuals[1].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
The Medicaid asset limit is $4,000 for an individual. ABLE accounts and some other assets may be excluded[4].
SSDI and SSI payments increase slightly each year based on inflation. For 2025, benefits are expected to rise about 2.5%[5].
Contact SSA and Mississippi Medicaid to report changes. Continuing to receive benefits you no longer qualify for can result in overpayments and penalties.
Contact your local Social Security office, Mississippi Division of Medicaid, or Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services for free assistance with applications and appeals[1][6].
