How to Apply for SNAP in Mississippi

Blog

This information is current as of July 15, 2022.

Do you live in Mississippi and considering applying for SNAP benefits? It’s straightforward and can help you through tough financial times. Moreover, applying for SNAP is nothing to be ashamed of. Regardless of income, everyone deserves access to healthy food.

*How to apply for SNAP benefits in Mississippi*.

If you are wondering how to apply for SNAP in Mississippi, look no further as I go through the process in this article.

Read on to find out how to navigate your way to access food for your family.

What is SNAP?

SNAP, short for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is there to fight hunger and provide food assistance for deserving families in Mississippi. SNAP helps low-income families to purchase healthy food with coupons and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.

SNAP clients can spend their benefits to buy eligible food in retail grocery stores. The stores must be authorized to accept SNAP, but over eighty percent of retailers in the United States do today.

The SNAP program is the foundation of the food assistance program in America. It provides critical support to needy families and households. It is also a fundamental tool for those transitioning back to the workforce after hardship.

How Do I Know If I Am Eligible for SNAP?

To qualify for the program, you must be a resident in the state of Mississippi and meet one of the following requirements:

You must have a current banking balance of under $2001, both checking and savings combined
You must have a current banking balance of under $3,001, both checking and savings, and share your home with a person over age 60 or someone with a disability (yourself, your spouse, or your child)

You also must have an annual household income that falls beneath the following amounts:

A household of 1 must have an income of below $17,667
A household of 2 must have an income below $23,803
A household of 3 must have an income below $29,939
A household of 4 must have an income below $36,075
A household of 5 must have an income below $42,211
A household of 6 must have an income below $48,347
A household of 7 must have an income below $54,483
A household of 8 must have an income below $60,619
A household of more than 8 should add $6,136 per person

Check with the SNAP program managing agency to ensure accuracy. The state of Mississippi has a site where you can check to see if you are eligible for benefits.

How Do I Apply for SNAP?

To apply for SNAP benefits in Mississippi, you must visit the Department of Human Services in person or online to complete an application.

If you choose to fill out your application online, you can do so here.

You can also visit the Department of Human Services at one of the following locations:

Harrison County Human Services Department 10260 Larkin Smith Dr., Gulfport, MS 39503
Hinds County Human Services Department 4777 Medgar Evers Blvd., Jackson, MS 39213
Jackson County Food Stamps 5343 Jefferson Ave. # 1, Moss Point, MS 39563
Hancock County Human Services Department 856 US-90 E, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Food Stamp Office 1316 Openwood St., Vicksburg, MS 39183
Lee County Human Services Department 405 S. Spring St., Tupelo, MS 38804
Yazoo County Food Stamp Office 1315 Grady Ave., Yazoo City, MS 39194
Quitman County Human Services Department 1054 M.L.K. Jr Dr, Marks, MS 38646
Marion County Human Services Department 511 S Main St, Columbia, MS 39429
Pearl River Food Stamp Office 167 Savannah Millard Rd., Poplarville, MS 39470
SNAP Office 90 W Mill Rd., Bude, MS 39630
Tate County Human Services Office 1428 Browns Ferry Rd., Senatobia, MS 38668
Leflore County Food Stamps 216 MS-7, Greenwood, MS 38930
Human Services Department 2911 8th St., Meridian, MS 39301
Panola County Economic Assistance 335 E Lee St., Sardis, MS 38666
Amite County Food Stamp Office 185 Irene St., Liberty, MS 39645
Coahoma Food Stamp Office 923 Ohio Ave., Clarksdale, MS 38614
Human Services Department 38 London St. B, Lucedale, MS 39452
Lowndes County Human Services Department 1604 College St., Columbus, MS 39701

When applying for SNAP, you will need to following verifications:

The social security number for all those living in the household
Identification of the applicant
If you already receive SSI (social security income) or SSDI (social security disability insurance) or are over 60, you will need your current medical bills.
Verification of income, any benefits you are receiving, and any child support you are receiving
Proof of residency

You can also file an application through the Department of Social Services by calling 1-601-359-4500.

Can you Explain a Little More About Income Eligibility?

Many folks get confused when it comes to income eligibility. What is gross income? What are deductions? What exactly is counted as income?

Your gross income is your total income, before taxes or any other subtractions from your paycheck.
Deductions can be for child support payments, housing costs, medical expenses, or childcare.
Your net income is what is left after your deductions.

A household must meet both income limits to qualify for SNAP. However, if someone in the home is 60 or over or has a disability, you need only meet the net income.

There is no income limit if everyone in the household already receives SSI or TANF Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

The maximum income to qualify for SNAP is 130 percent of the federal poverty level.

What Are Some Examples of Income?

In Mississippi, the following may be considered income:

Child support payments
Veteran’s benefits
Gross income from employment
Educational grants
Unemployment compensation
Worker’s compensation
Old age, survivor, or strike benefits
Any payments from public assistance
Retirement benefits
Disability benefits
Pensions
Dividends
Interest and similar payments
Alimony payments

How Will My Application Be Reviewed?

Applications for SNAP are accepted anytime, either online, in person, or by mail. A face-to-face interview may be scheduled, or you have the option for a phone interview.

What About SNAP and Being a Public Charge?

A public charge is an alien who has received public benefits for more than 12 months within 36 months.

Applying for SNAP in Mississippi does not make you a public charge, and you will not be considered as such during determination.

Applying for SNAP will not affect your right to remain in the country, get or keep a green card or permanent legal resident status, or become a United States citizen.

You may also apply for SNAP on behalf of any eligible immigrants or U.S. citizens in your family. You do not need to apply for yourself. Applying for another will not affect your or their immigration status.

An example of this would be a parent who is not eligible for SNAP because of their immigration status. However, these parents can still apply for their children. You will not be asked about your immigration status if you apply for someone else.

What Can I Use My SNAP Benefits for?

Your SNAP benefits can be used for food, food plants, and seeds to grow food for your household.

Your SNAP benefits cannot be used for the following:

Pet food
Soaps
Household supplies
Paper products
Cosmetics
Toothpaste
Alcohol or tobacco
Any hot food prepared in the store
Vitamins and medications

When using your SNAP benefits, sales tax cannot be charged.

Please remember, if you or any family members need food, do not hesitate to apply for SNAP benefits for the good of your family.

Save Money on Your Wireless Phone Service

If you qualify for SNAP, you may also be eligible for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Lifeline and ACP are government-run programs that help low-income consumers receive free or heavily discounted communication services.

Click here to find out more and apply for this valuable benefit.

Get a Tablet for $10.01

If you qualify, you can get an 8″ tablet for just $10.01. Apply here to get started!

Save Even More With Recommended Resources and Amazon Deals

Looking to save on additional items? You may want to check out our Recommended Resources page. For example, you can learn how to save 50% on Amazon Prime membership and use your EBT card.