Tourette Syndrome Benefits in Mississippi

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your Tourette Syndrome must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide called the Blue Book to decide if your condition meets the criteria. Tourette Syndrome is listed under neurological disorders. You must also meet income and asset limits for SSI, and work history requirements for SSDI. If approved, you may receive monthly payments and access to Medicaid or Medicare[1].

• SSI is for people with limited income and resources.
• SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Both programs have strict rules about what counts as work and how much you can earn[2].

Mississippi does not offer its own state disability cash benefit program. Residents rely on federal programs like SSI and SSDI for monthly income support. However, Mississippi does provide important state-based services for people with disabilities, including Medicaid Waiver Programs and the Mississippi ABLE Program. Medicaid waivers can help with in-home care, medical assistance, and support services for those with physical or developmental disabilities. The ABLE Program lets eligible individuals save money in tax-advantaged accounts without losing eligibility for public benefits like SSI or Medicaid[3].

• No state cash disability program exists in Mississippi.
• Medicaid waivers are available for support services.
• ABLE accounts help with saving and qualified disability expenses.
• The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers employment services and financial aid for assistive devices[4].

• Check if your Tourette Syndrome meets SSA criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or at a local SSA office.
• If denied, appeal within 60 days.
• Apply for Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts through state agencies[5].

• Review the SSA Blue Book listing for neurological disorders to see if Tourette Syndrome qualifies.
• Collect medical evidence, including doctor’s reports, test results, and treatment history.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office.
• If applying for Medicaid waivers, contact the Mississippi Division of Medicaid or the MDRS for application forms and requirements.
• For ABLE accounts, visit the Mississippi ABLE Program website or call 1-888-609-3469 to register.
• Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.
• If denied, file an appeal within 60 days of the denial notice[6].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments based on work history for those unable to work due to disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities.
• Medicare: Health coverage for those who receive SSDI for 24 months[7].

• Mississippi Medicaid Waiver Programs: Provide in-home care, medical assistance, and support services for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities.
• Mississippi ABLE Program: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for qualified disability expenses, administered by the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.
• Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS): Offers employment services and financial aid for assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids.
• No state cash disability program exists in Mississippi[8].

ABLE accounts are savings accounts for individuals with disabilities that do not affect eligibility for public benefits like SSI or Medicaid. In Mississippi, you can save up to $19,000 per year in an ABLE account (2025 limit), and the total balance can reach $235,000. If your account exceeds $100,000, SSI benefits are suspended, but other benefits are not affected. Contributions may qualify for a state tax deduction[9].

For SSI, the individual income limit is $6,587 per month (2025). For couples, the limit is $8,879 per month. These limits apply to unearned income. Earned income rules are different and may allow higher amounts. For Medicaid, the asset limit is $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for couples[10].

If your income or resources change, you must report it to SSA or Medicaid. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Use the SSA online portal or contact your local office to report changes. For Medicaid, report changes to the Mississippi Division of Medicaid[11].

• Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
  Phone: 1-888-609-3469

  Website

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

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers and income limits.

• Can Tourette Syndrome qualify for disability benefits in Mississippi?

  Yes, Tourette Syndrome can qualify for federal disability benefits if it is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must meet SSA criteria and provide medical evidence.

• Does Mississippi offer state disability cash benefits?

  No, Mississippi does not offer its own state disability cash benefit program. Residents rely on federal programs like SSI and SSDI for monthly income support.

• What are Medicaid waivers in Mississippi?

  Medicaid waivers in Mississippi provide in-home care, medical assistance, and support services for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities who meet eligibility requirements.

• How do ABLE accounts work in Mississippi?

  ABLE accounts in Mississippi let eligible individuals with disabilities save money in tax-advantaged accounts for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for public benefits.

• What is the income limit for SSI in Mississippi?

  The individual income limit for SSI in Mississippi is $6,587 per month (2025). For couples, the limit is $8,879 per month. These limits apply to unearned income.

• Can I work and still receive disability benefits in Mississippi?

  Yes, you can work and still receive disability benefits in Mississippi, but there are limits on how much you can earn. Exceeding these limits may affect your benefits.