Mississippi • Physical/Mobility

Rheumatoid Arthritis Benefits in Mississippi

People with rheumatoid arthritis in Mississippi can get help through federal programs like SSDI and SSI, plus state resources such as Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts. These programs offer monthly payments, healthcare, and support for daily living.

Rheumatoid arthritis may qualify for SSDI or SSI if it prevents work.
Mississippi does not have its own state disability cash program.
Medicaid waivers help with home care and medical needs.
ABLE accounts let you save money without losing benefits.
Work incentives help you keep benefits while trying to work.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-06

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Eligibility

To get SSDI, you must have a severe disability like rheumatoid arthritis that stops you from working for at least 12 months. You also need enough work credits from recent jobs (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) [^1].
For SSI, you must have low income and limited resources (under $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples in 2025) [^2].
Both programs require that your disability stops you from earning more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025 [^3].
Family members may also get benefits if you qualify for SSDI [^3].

Mississippi does not offer its own state disability cash benefits for adults with rheumatoid arthritis. Federal programs (SSDI and SSI) are the main source of monthly payments [^4].
You may qualify for Medicaid if you have low income and assets. Medicaid can cover doctor visits, medicines, and home care for people with rheumatoid arthritis [^5].
Mississippi has Medicaid Waiver Programs that help people with physical disabilities get in-home care and support services [^5].
The Mississippi ABLE Program lets you save money for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [^6].
The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers job training and help with assistive devices like wheelchairs [^7].

How to apply in Mississippi

Check if you meet SSDI or SSI rules for rheumatoid arthritis.
Gather medical records and work history.
Apply online at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
If you need Medicaid, apply through the Mississippi Division of Medicaid.
For ABLE accounts, visit the Mississippi ABLE Program website.

Step 1: Review eligibility for SSDI or SSI. You need a doctor’s note showing how rheumatoid arthritis limits your work.
Step 2: Collect documents: medical records, proof of income, work history, and ID.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office [^1].
Step 4: If denied, you can appeal within 60 days.
Step 5: Apply for Medicaid if you have low income. Use the Mississippi Division of Medicaid website or call 1-800-421-2408 [^5].
Step 6: Ask about Medicaid Waiver Programs for home care and support services [^5].
Step 7: Open an ABLE account if you want to save money for disability costs [^6].
Step 8: Contact MDRS for job training or help with assistive devices [^7].

Programs & Services

SSDI: Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Amount depends on your work history [^1].
SSI: Monthly payments for people with low income and resources. Amount is set by federal rules [^2].
Medicare: Health insurance for SSDI recipients after 24 months (exceptions for ALS and kidney failure) [^3].
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including those with disabilities [^2].

Medicaid Waiver Programs: Help people with rheumatoid arthritis get in-home care, medical services, and support for daily living. These programs are for people who need long-term care but want to stay at home [^5].
Mississippi ABLE Program: Lets you save up to $18,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account for disability costs. You can keep SSI and Medicaid benefits as long as your ABLE account stays under $100,000 [^6].
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS): Offers job training, counseling, and financial help for assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids [^7].
No State Disability Cash Program: Mississippi does not offer its own short-term or long-term disability cash benefits for adults [^4].

Money & Banking

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
You can save up to $18,000 per year in an ABLE account. If your account is under $100,000, you keep SSI benefits [^6].
Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related costs [^6].

SSI: $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples (2025) [^2].
Medicaid: $6,587 per month for individuals, $8,879 for couples (2025) [^5].
SSDI: No asset limit, but you must not earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025 [^3].

Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid right away to avoid overpayments [^8].
If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Reporting changes helps keep your benefits safe [^8].
Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office to report changes [^8].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services for free help with applications, job training, and assistive devices.

Contacts

Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday
Website
Apply for SSDI or SSI, report changes, or get help.
Mississippi Division of Medicaid
Phone: 1-800-421-2408
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Website
Apply for Medicaid or Medicaid Waiver Programs.
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)
Phone: 1-800-525-0123
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Website
Get help with job training, counseling, and assistive devices.

FAQs

Can I get disability benefits in Mississippi for rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes, if your rheumatoid arthritis stops you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must meet medical and financial rules set by the Social Security Administration [^1].
Does Mississippi have its own state disability cash program?
No, Mississippi does not offer its own state disability cash benefits for adults. Federal programs like SSDI and SSI are the main source of monthly payments [^4].
What is a Medicaid Waiver Program in Mississippi?
Medicaid Waiver Programs help people with disabilities get in-home care and support services. These programs are for people who need long-term care but want to stay at home [^5].
How do I apply for Medicaid in Mississippi?
You can apply for Medicaid online, by phone, or in person. You need to show proof of income, assets, and disability. Call 1-800-421-2408 for help [^5].
What is an ABLE account?
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year [^6].
Can I work while getting disability benefits?
Yes, there are work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. If you earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind), you may lose SSDI or SSI [^3].

Official resources

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)(federal)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)(federal)
Mississippi Medicaid Waiver Programs(state_agency)
Mississippi ABLE Program(state_agency)
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)(state_agency)

Related Purple guides

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.

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