Eligibility criteria
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Mississippi and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a disability. For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than $11,677 if one person lives in the household; $15,757 if two people live in the household; $19,849 if three people live in the household; $23,929 if four people live in the household; $28,009, if five people live in the household; $32,089 if six people live in the household; $36,169 if seven people live in the household; or $40,249 if more than seven people live in the household.

Description
The Mississippi Food Stamp Program provides monthly benefits that help low income households buy the food they need for good health. Eligibility criteria, income and resource limits and allotment maximums per household size are set by federal laws and regulations governing the Food Stamps Program under USDA. A person who meets one of the following criteria may qualify for food stamps:
1. Work for low wages.
2. Unemployed or work part-time.
3. Receive TANF, SSI or other assistance payments.
4. Elderly or disabled and live on a small income.
Additional eligibility requirements exist. You will need to work with the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Economic Assistance Office to determine whether you are eligible for benefits. To apply for benefits, you must submit an application to your local county Department of Human Services Economic Assistance office. After an application is received, an eligibility worker will hold an interview with you, another member of the household, or a household's authorized representative to gather information and explain the Food Stamp Program. After all required verifications are completed, the household will be notified by mail whether or not they are eligible, and, if so, their benefit amount, certification period and issuance procedure. If you qualify for food stamps, the household will receive the food stamps no later than 30 days from the date the office receives the application. Households with very low income and resources may qualify for expedited services receive benefits within seven calendar days.

Managing organization
Mississippi http://www.mississippi.gov

Program contact information & web resources
Information, Questions or Concerns about Division of Economic Assistance programs.
Please call us at:
800-948-3050

Or send us an email at:

Email: zrobinson@mdhs.state.ms.us

You may obtain an application on our Web site at:
http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/ea_application.pdf

Please be aware other information may be needed, as well as an in office interview to complete the application process. This application is only the first step.