Assistance programs in Mississippi
Explore public benefits and assistance resources by the kind of help you need. Agencies decide eligibility and availability.
Find programs for your situationFood assistance
Mississippi SNAP (Food Assistance)
Mississippi SNAP helps eligible households buy groceries. Apply through Access MS or request an application from the county MDHS office.
Mississippi WIC
Mississippi WIC supports eligible pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum participants, infants and children younger than five.
Housing assistance
Mississippi Center for Legal Services (South Mississippi Legal Aid)
Mississippi Center for Legal Services provides civil legal aid to eligible low-income residents in central and southern Mississippi.
North Mississippi Rural Legal Services (North Mississippi Legal Aid)
North Mississippi Rural Legal Services assists eligible northern Mississippi residents with civil legal problems. Confirm the office serving your county before requesting intake.
Utility assistance
Weatherization Assistance Program (Mississippi)
Mississippi weatherization helps qualifying households improve home-energy efficiency. MDHS works with local service providers.
Mississippi LIHEAP (Home Energy Assistance)
Mississippi LIHEAP helps eligible households with home-energy expenses. A local Community Action Agency completes the full application.
Health coverage
Mississippi Medicaid & CHIP
Mississippi Medicaid and CHIP provide health coverage for people who meet the applicable program category and financial rules.
Cash and income support
Mississippi TANF (Cash Assistance)
Mississippi TANF provides temporary assistance for qualifying families with dependent children. MDHS handles applications and case decisions.
Unemployment Insurance (Mississippi MDES)
Mississippi unemployment insurance provides temporary payments to eligible unemployed workers. MDES determines eligibility and processes weekly certifications.
Child care assistance
Mississippi Child Care Payment Program (CCPP)
Mississippi CCPP helps eligible families pay participating child-care providers. Applications and certificate availability are separate questions.
Additional support
Mississippi 211
Mississippi 211 is a statewide referral service for community assistance. United Way lists round-the-clock access.
Program names come from our existing directory. Funding and rules can change; confirm details with the administering agency before applying.