People with Spina Bifida in Mississippi can get federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, plus state programs for Medicaid, assistive technology, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a disability that stops you from working for at least 12 months and have paid enough Social Security taxes through work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of medical conditions, including Spina Bifida, to decide if your disability is severe enough. You must also not earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025, which is called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) [5].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with low income and limited resources, regardless of work history. For SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in countable resources as an individual (or $3,000 for a couple) and meet income limits [5]. Both SSDI and SSI require a medical review to confirm your disability.
Mississippi does not offer its own state disability benefits for adults or children with Spina Bifida. Federal programs like SSDI and SSI are the main sources of help. However, Mississippi residents can get Medicaid if they meet income and disability rules. Medicaid covers medical care, therapies, and some home and community-based services for people with Spina Bifida. Mississippi also has an ABLE account program, which lets people with disabilities save money without losing public benefits. The maximum yearly contribution to an ABLE account is $19,000 in 2025, and the account balance can go up to $235,000 before SSI is suspended [6].
Disability Rights Mississippi provides free legal help and advocacy for people with disabilities, including those with Spina Bifida. They can help with appeals, assistive technology, and protecting your rights [2].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing public benefits. In Mississippi, you can put up to $19,000 per year into an ABLE account in 2025. The account balance can go up to $235,000. If your account goes over $100,000, SSI benefits will be suspended, but other benefits are not affected. Anyone can contribute to your ABLE account, and you can use the money for qualified disability expenses [6].
For SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in countable resources as an individual (or $3,000 for a couple). For SSDI, you must not earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025. For Medicaid, the resource limit is $24,000 for an individual [5][7].
You must report any changes in income, work, or health to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. If you get an overpayment, you can ask for a waiver or set up a repayment plan [5].
Disability Rights Mississippi offers free legal help and advocacy for people with disabilities. They can help with appeals, assistive technology, and protecting your rights.
SSDI is for people who have a work history and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with low income and limited resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require a medical review to confirm your disability.
Yes, you can work and get disability benefits if your earnings are below the Substantial Gainful Activity limit ($1,620 per month in 2025). There are work incentives that let you keep benefits while you try to work.
You can apply for Medicaid online at the Mississippi Division of Medicaid website or by phone at 1-800-421-2408. You will need to prove your disability and income.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing public benefits. In Mississippi, you can put up to $19,000 per year into an ABLE account in 2025. The account balance can go up to $235,000.
No, Mississippi does not offer state disability benefits. Federal programs like SSDI and SSI are the main sources of help. However, Mississippi residents can get Medicaid and ABLE accounts.
Disability Rights Mississippi offers free help with assistive technology through the PAAT program. They can help you get devices and services to help with daily living.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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If your ABLE account goes over $100,000, your SSI benefits will be suspended. Other benefits, like Medicaid, are not affected by the account balance.
Yes, children with Spina Bifida can get SSI if their family meets income and resource limits. They may also qualify for Medicaid and ABLE accounts.
It can take 3 to 6 months to get a decision on your disability application. If you are denied, you can appeal, which may take longer.
If your application is denied, you can appeal. Disability Rights Mississippi offers free legal help with appeals and can help you protect your rights.
