Mississippi Financial Assistance Programs

Mississippi Financial Assistance Programs.  Mississippi, including Jackson and Gulfport has a host of programs that help low-income families, individuals, and seniors.  You may get help from a community, charity, or government program if you need assistance.  These programs give temporary financial relief to low-income families.

Mississippi Government Assistance Programs

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF provides financial support to households with children under the age of 18. You may qualify for TANF if you are unemployed because of covid or have a long-term illness.  You may also qualify for help if you work part-time and need additional help to care for your family. 

Mississippi financial assistance programs help qualified families receive monthly cash assistance and CHIP for children, Medicare, SNAP, and WIC for children five or younger.   When receiving full-time public assistance, please get in touch with your Workforce Development Center to explore educational opportunities.

SNAP Food Benefits 

The SNAP/Food Stamp Programs provide food assistance to low-income families, seniors, and the disabled.   You can use your SNAP EBT card at supermarkets, Walmart, gas stations, and anywhere they accept SNAP.  You may be eligible if you qualify financially, are a legal resident, or are a U.S. citizen. To find out if you qualify for SNAP benefits, use SNAP’s pre-screening tool. 

National School Feeding Programs

This provides free and discounted school breakfast and lunches to disadvantaged children who meet the U.S. Federal poverty guidelines 334-242-1988.  These children usually also qualify for the Special Milk Program, may also qualify for Free School Breakfast 334-242-1988, and Summer Food Service Programs (SFSP),  334-242-1988.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP is provided to families with children and single families that qualify financially.  These benefits help prevent food shortages and improve nutrition in struggling families.    (334) 242-1310.

Link-Up

You also qualify for Link-Up assistance if you qualify for Lifeline. This program gives customers credit to help pay to set up a new phone service.   You can get a discount on the landline phone service.   If you believe you qualify, contact your local phone company.

LifeLine Phone Assistance

Another program you may be interested in is Lifeline, which offers residential and cell phone users free and discounted phone service.  This low-income benefit is available to participate in government programs like SSI, SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, Section 8, and SNAP.  

Families are allowed one Lifeline credit per household.  Mississippi assistance programs like LifeLine help families, the elderly, and the disabled obtain affordable phone service and free cellular phones.  You may qualify for this free government phone initiative if you receive federal assistance.  

LIHEAP 

Low-Income High Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income Alabama residents pay for energy bills.   The U.S. government issues block grants to the states.   The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Contact LIHEAP by calling 334-242-4909.

Section 8 Housing

Section 8 Housing can include apartments, public housing, or private homes.   Three programs help low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled by paying a portion of the rent.  Help is provided according to their income needs.  

Low-income residents can get a portion of their rent paid from Housing and Urban Development Section 8 housing vouchers.  Click on the links below to find out in-depth info about each program. 

Weatherization Assistance Program

Funding by the U.S. Department of Energy funds this energy program.  The ADEC works with community action programs.  Together they provide weatherization assistance to needy families. 

This state-wide program is in action in 67 counties in Alabama.  ADECA handles funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance program.   

This program helps low-income households make repairs to make homes more energy-efficient.  The goal is to lower energy costs for households.  Your family income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines to receive help from this program.  For more info, call 205-323-6674 or 334-242-5373.

Mississippi Financial Assistance Programs for Women

School Supplies

Free School Supplies –  If you need help with school supplies, some programs can help get your children ready to return to school with the supplies they need.  Charities, churches, and local organizations give out backpacks, pens, pencils, notebooks, and paper.  Free school supplies give children the tools they need to succeed in school.  (More)

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity helps low-income families with children build homes for their families. The family and volunteers will work together to make this happen. Building supplies, as well as furniture, can be purchased from their Habitat stores. Visit their website, a Habitat location near you, or call 1-800-422-4828. (more)

Early Head Start

This child program is a federally funded benefit program that allows low-income parents to give their children skills to prepare them to do better in school.  This program prepares young minds to learn how to work and play with others and other essential skills.  (more)

Childcare Assistance 

Finally, the Child Care and Development Fund provides financial assistance to low-income families to help pay for childcare. The parent or primary caregiver must be working or attending school.  Contact Human Services Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to apply for help with child care.