Traumatic Brain Injury Benefits in Mississippi

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a severe impairment that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and you must have earned enough work credits from recent employment. For traumatic brain injury, the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates your medical records and work history. You must not earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025 from substantial gainful activity. Family members may also qualify for dependent benefits. After approval, there is a 5-month waiting period for SSDI payments and a 24-month waiting period for Medicare, except for certain conditions like ALS or end-stage renal disease[6].

Mississippi does not offer a state disability cash benefit program. However, residents with traumatic brain injury may qualify for Medicaid waivers, which provide home and community-based services such as personal care, therapy, and support for daily living. These waivers are for those who meet medical and financial criteria. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers employment services and financial aid for assistive devices. ABLE accounts are also available for saving for disability-related expenses while keeping eligibility for public benefits[1][5][8].

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• If denied, request a reconsideration and appeal if needed.
• Apply for Medicaid waivers through the Mississippi Division of Medicaid.
• Open an ABLE account through the Mississippi ABLE Program.
• Report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments.

• Collect all medical documentation related to your traumatic brain injury, including doctor reports, test results, and treatment plans.
• Visit SSA.gov to apply for SSDI or SSI. You can also apply in person at a local Social Security office.
• If you are denied, you have the right to request a reconsideration. If still denied, you can appeal to an administrative law judge.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact the Mississippi Division of Medicaid to learn about eligibility and application steps. Waivers may have waiting lists.
• To open an ABLE account, visit the Mississippi ABLE Program website and follow the enrollment instructions.
• Report any changes in income, employment, or health to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments and maintain eligibility.
• Keep copies of all applications, letters, and medical records for your records.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments based on work history for those unable to work due to disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Needs-based payments for low-income individuals with disabilities.
• Medicare: Health insurance after 24 months of SSDI, except for certain conditions.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities.
• Work Incentives: Programs that help you keep benefits while working or training for work.

• Mississippi Medicaid Waiver Programs: Provide home and community-based services for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities, including traumatic brain injury. Services may include personal care, therapy, and support for daily living.
• Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS): Offers employment services, vocational training, and financial aid for assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids.
• Mississippi ABLE Program: Allows eligible individuals with disabilities to save money in tax-advantaged accounts for qualified disability expenses while keeping eligibility for public benefits.
• No state disability cash benefit program is available in Mississippi.

ABLE accounts let you save up to $18,000 per year (2025) for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other public benefits. In Mississippi, you can open an ABLE account through the Mississippi ABLE Program. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, employment training, and other disability-related costs[5][8].

• SSI: $2,000 in countable resources for individuals, $3,000 for couples.
• Medicaid: $6,587 per month for individuals, $8,879 per month for couples (2025).
• SSDI: No asset limit, but income must be below $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025 for substantial gainful activity[6][7].

If your income or health changes, you must report it to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Always keep records of all changes and communications with agencies[6].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and questions.
• Mississippi Division of Medicaid
  Phone: 1-800-421-2408

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers and eligibility questions.
• Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
  Phone: 1-800-525-0123

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For employment services and assistive devices.

• What federal benefits are available for traumatic brain injury in Mississippi?

  You may qualify for SSDI if you have a work history, or SSI if you have low income. Both provide monthly payments. Medicare is available after 24 months of SSDI, except for certain conditions.

• Does Mississippi offer state disability cash benefits?

  No, Mississippi does not have a state disability cash benefit program. Federal programs like SSDI and SSI are the main sources of disability income.

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Mississippi?

  Contact the Mississippi Division of Medicaid to learn about eligibility and application steps. Waivers provide home and community-based services for those with disabilities.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help me?

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability expenses without losing eligibility for public benefits. You can use funds for education, housing, transportation, and more.

• What are the income limits for Medicaid in Mississippi?

  In 2025, the monthly income limit is $6,587 for individuals and $8,879 for couples. These limits apply to countable income for Medicaid eligibility.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits?

  Yes, there are work incentives that let you keep benefits while working or training. Report any changes in income to avoid overpayments.

• How long does it take to get SSDI benefits?