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Mississippi • Speech/Language
People in Mississippi with speech impairments may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical care, assistive devices, and daily living expenses.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Mississippi, you must have a speech impairment that prevents you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at your work history, medical records, and how your speech impairment affects your ability to work. You generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. If you are under 31, fewer credits may be needed. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs require that your speech impairment is severe enough to stop you from doing any job in the U.S. economy, not just your old job. [^1][^2]
Mississippi does not offer a state-based cash disability program for adults with speech impairments. However, you may qualify for other state support. Mississippi Medicaid Waiver Programs can provide home care, medical assistance, and support services for people with physical or developmental disabilities, including speech impairments. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers employment services and financial aid for assistive devices like communication aids. If you are working, Mississippi’s Medicaid Working Disabled program lets you keep Medicaid even if your income is above the usual limit, as long as you meet other requirements. [^3][^4][^5]
ABLE accounts are savings accounts for people with disabilities that do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility. In Mississippi, you can save up to $19,000 per year (2025) in an ABLE account. The account balance can be up to $235,000. If your account goes over $100,000, SSI payments are suspended, but Medicaid is not affected. Money in the account can be used for qualified disability expenses like therapy, communication devices, and education. [^5]
For SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in countable resources as an individual. For Medicaid, the limit is $4,000. The Medicaid Working Disabled program allows higher income if you are working. In 2025, the individual monthly income limit is $6,587, and for a couple, it is $8,879. [^6]
If your income or health changes, you must report it to SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you work and earn more than the limit, or if your disability improves. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back, but you can ask for a waiver if it was not your fault. Always report changes as soon as possible. [^6]
Contact the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services for free help with applications, assistive devices, and employment services.
Yes, if your speech impairment is severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical evidence showing how your speech impairment affects your ability to work.
No, Mississippi does not offer a state-based cash disability program for adults with speech impairments. Most people rely on federal SSI or SSDI for monthly payments.
Mississippi offers Medicaid Waiver Programs that provide home care, medical assistance, and support services for people with physical or developmental disabilities, including speech impairments. The Medicaid Working Disabled program also helps if you are working.
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local SSA office. You will need medical records and work history. The SSA will review your application and may send it to Mississippi’s Disability Determination Services for a decision.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. In Mississippi, you can save up to $19,000 per year (2025) for things like therapy, communication devices, and education.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, there are work incentives that let you keep SSI or SSDI while working. The Medicaid Working Disabled program also allows higher income if you are working. Always report changes to avoid overpayments.
Mississippi’s Medicaid Waiver Programs and the Department of Rehabilitation Services may cover assistive devices like communication aids. You may need to apply and show medical need.
For SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in countable resources. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than $1,350 per month (2024) from substantial work. The Medicaid Working Disabled program allows higher income if you are working.
If your speech impairment improves and you can work, you must report it to SSA and Medicaid. Your benefits may be reduced or stopped, but there are trial work periods and other work incentives to help you transition.
You must report changes in income, health, or living situation to SSA and Medicaid as soon as possible. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. Reporting changes helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits accurate.
