Grants for Disabled People in Mississippi

States

Mississippi faces many challenges, especially for its residents who have disabilities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 16.4% of Mississippians have some type of disability, which is higher than the national average of 12.6%. Disabled people often face barriers to accessing education, employment, health care, housing, transportation, and other essential services. Fortunately, there are many grants and assistance programs available for disabled people in Mississippi.

State Assistance

Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)

The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services is a state agency that helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs, access vocational training and education, obtain assistive technology, and receive other support services. MDRS may provide grants for disabled people who need a wheelchair van or other adaptive equipment to travel to work. For more information, visit https://www.ms.gov/Agencies/mississippi-department-rehabilitation-services.

Mississippi Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)

SILC is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights and interests of people with disabilities in Mississippi and promotes the independent living philosophy. SILC does not provide direct grants but it can offer guidance and referrals to other funding sources and resources for disabled people. To learn more, visit https://www.ilru.org/projects/silc-net/silc-directory-results/MS.

Health Assistance

Medicaid

Medicaid provides health coverage for low-income and needy people, including people with disabilities. Medicaid covers various services, such as

Doctor visits,
Hospital stays,
Prescription drugs,
Home health care,
Nursing home care and more.

Disabled people who meet the income and eligibility criteria can apply for Medicaid through the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. For further information, visit https://www.medicaid.gov/.

Medicare

Medicare offers health insurance for people who are 65 or older, disabled or have certain chronic conditions. Disabled people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically enrolled in Medicare after a waiting period. Read more at https://www.medicare.gov/.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

CHIP is a federal-state program that provides health coverage for children and teens up to age 19 who are not eligible for Medicaid and do not have other health insurance. Disabled children who meet the income and eligibility criteria can apply for CHIP through the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. For more information, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/childrens-health-insurance-program/.

Social Security

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is a program that pays monthly benefits to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and who have a disability that prevents them from working for at least a year or is expected to result in death. SSDI benefits are based on the worker’s earnings and can also be paid to their dependents. Disabled people who meet the work and disability criteria can apply for SSDI through the Social Security Administration (SSA). More information is available at https://www.healthcare.gov/people-with-disabilities/ssdi-and-medicare/.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI pays monthly benefits to people who have low income and resources and who are aged, blind or disabled. SSI benefits are based on the federal benefit rate and can also be supplemented by the state. Continue reading at https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11000.pdf.

Financial Assistance

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

This program provides cash assistance and other services to low-income families with children, including families with disabled members. TANF benefits are based on family size and income. Disabled people who meet the income and eligibility criteria can apply for TANF through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). For more information, visit https://www.hhs.gov/answers/programs-for-families-and-children/what-is-tanf/index.html#:~:text=TANF.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

This program provides financial assistance to low-income households to help them pay for their home heating and cooling costs. LIHEAP benefits are based on household size, income, and energy costs and can be paid directly to the energy provider or the household. To see more information, visit https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/community/liheap/.

Housing and Rent Assistance

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

This federal program provides rental assistance to households with disabled members. Section 8 vouchers can be used to pay for a portion of the rent for any housing unit that meets the program standards and requirements. To learn more, visit https://www.mrha6.org/section-8-housing-programs/.

Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC)

MHC is a state agency that offers affordable housing opportunities and services to the residents of Mississippi, including people with disabilities. MHC provides various programs such as home loans, home buyer education, home repair grants, rental assistance, and more. Read more at https://www.ms.gov/Agencies/mississippi-home-corporation.

Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled People

Mississippi Power Project Share

This program provides emergency assistance to Mississippi Power customers who are facing financial hardship due to a crisis, such as illness, disability or unemployment. Project Share funds are donated by Mississippi Power employees, customers, and shareholders and are administered by the Salvation Army. For more information, visit https://www.mississippipower.com/residential/manage-your-account/payment-assistance.html.

Atmos Energy Sharing the Warmth

Atmos Energy Sharing the Warmth is a program that assists Atmos Energy customers who are having trouble paying their natural gas bills due to a temporary or permanent hardship, such as disability, medical emergency or loss of income. For further information, visit https://www.atmosenergy.com/.

Charitable Assistance Programs

The Arc of Mississippi

The Arc of Mississippi is a nonprofit organization that advocates for and supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Mississippi. To learn more, visit https://www.arcms.org/.

United Cerebral Palsy of Mississippi (UCP)

UCP provides programs and services to people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities and their families in Mississippi. Disabled people who have cerebral palsy and other disabilities and their families can access UCP programs and services through their website. For more information, visit https://ucp.org/.

Food and Nutrition Assistance

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

This federal-state program offers monthly benefits to low-income households, including households with disabled members, to help them buy food. SNAP benefits are based on household size and income and can be used to purchase food items at authorized retailers. Disabled people who meet the income and eligibility criteria can apply for SNAP through the MDHS. More information is available at https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/help/snap/.

Mississippi Food Network (MFN)

This nonprofit organization distributes food and other products to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other agencies that serve hungry people in Mississippi. MFN also operates various programs, such as

The Backpack Program,
The Senior Nutrition Program,
The Mobile Pantry Program.

For more information, visit https://www.msfoodnet.org/.

Transportation Assistance

Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Public Transit Division

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Public Transit Division is a state agency that oversees and supports public transportation services in Mississippi, including services for people with disabilities. The MDOT Public Transit Division can help disabled people find and access transportation options in their area. For further information, visit https://mdot.ms.gov/connectms/.

Legal Assistance for Disabled People

Disability Rights Mississippi (DRMS)

Disability Rights Mississippi (DRMS) is a nonprofit that helps individuals with disabilities in Mississippi by providing legal and advocacy services. Their mission is to safeguard and promote their civil and human rights. DRMS can help disabled people with issues such as abuse, neglect, discrimination, education, employment, health care, and more. To see more information, visit http://www.drms.ms/.

Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project (MVLP)

MVLP provides free legal services to disabled people. They can help disabled people with issues such as family law, consumer law, estate planning, and more. For more information, visit https://www.mslegalservices.org/organization/mississippi-volunteer-lawyers-project.

Clothing Assistance

Goodwill Industries of Mississippi

The organization offers employment and training services to people with disabilities and other barriers to work and operates thrift stores that sell donated clothing and other goods. Goodwill Industries of Mississippi can help disabled people find and access clothing and other items at affordable prices or receive vouchers for free clothing and other items. For further information, visit https://www.goodwillsms.org/.

Dress for Success Mississippi

Dress for Success Mississippi provides professional attire and career development services to disabled women, who are seeking employment or advancing in their careers. To learn more, visit https://mdes.ms.gov/i-need-a-job/job-searching-resources/job-hunting-tips/dress-for-success/.

Assistance for Disabled Veterans in Mississippi

Mississippi Veterans Home Purchase Board (MVHPB)

This state agency provides low-interest home loans to veterans with disabilities. MVHPB can help disabled veterans find and access grants and other resources for their home purchase needs, such as down payment assistance, closing costs, and more. Read more at https://www.vhpb.ms.gov/.

Assistance for Disabled Seniors in Mississippi

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

SCSEP is a federal-state program that provides paid training and employment opportunities to low-income seniors who are 55 or older, including seniors with disabilities. SCSEP can help disabled seniors find and access grants and other resources for their employment needs. For more information, visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/seniors.

Mississippi State Plan on Aging (SPA)

This is a state plan that outlines the goals and strategies of the state to address the needs and preferences of older adults and people with disabilities in Mississippi and to promote their dignity, independence, and well-being. To learn more, visit https://medicaid.ms.gov/about/state-plan/.