$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Mississippi Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Mississippi
SSDI in Mississippi - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Mississippi - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays a monthly benefit if you worked, paid Social Security taxes, and can no longer work because of a disability. You earned this coverage through your payroll taxes - it is not a handout. Getting the medical evidence and forms right the first time matters, because most first-time claims are turned down.
AVERAGE MONTHLY CHECK
$1,630
Average monthly benefit for all disabled workers after the 2.8 percent 2026 cost-of-living increase.
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
WORK-AND-EARN LIMIT
$1,690
Monthly earnings above this substantial-gainful-activity level can make you ineligible if you are not blind.
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
TRIAL WORK MONTH
$1,210
You can test returning to work; a month counts as a trial work month once you earn above this amount.
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
Who qualifies
- Workers who paid Social Security taxes long enough and recently enough to be insured
- People with a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or end in death
- Adults whose condition keeps them from doing substantial work
- Certain disabled widows, widowers, and adults disabled since childhood
How to apply
The fastest way to file an SSDI claim and avoid the mistakes that lead to denials is through Turnout. We start with a free consultation, gather your medical records, and prepare your application with you - and you pay nothing unless you win. Most first-time claims are denied, so getting it right the first time protects your benefits.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get SSDI approved?
Initial decisions usually take several months, and appeals can take longer. Filing a complete, well-documented claim the first time is the best way to avoid the long appeals process.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you paid, while SSI is based on financial need and does not require a work history. Some people qualify for both.
Can I work at all while getting SSDI?
Yes, within limits. In 2026 you generally cannot earn more than $1,690 per month if you are not blind, but a trial work period lets you test working while keeping your benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Mississippi - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Mississippi - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays a monthly benefit to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and who have very little income and few resources. It is based on need, not work history. Mississippi does not add a state supplement, so most recipients get the federal amount.
MAX MONTHLY PAYMENT
$994
Federal benefit rate for an eligible individual in 2026; a couple can receive up to $1,491.
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
RESOURCE LIMIT
$2,000
Countable resource cap for an individual ($3,000 for a couple), not counting your home and one car.
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
MISSISSIPPI ADD-ON
$0
Mississippi is one of the states that pays no general state supplement on top of the federal SSI amount.
SSA Understanding SSI 2026
Who qualifies
- Adults 65 or older with limited income and resources
- People of any age who are blind or have a qualifying disability
- Children with a disability living in a low-income household
- People who meet SSI limits even if they never worked
How to apply
The fastest way to file an SSI claim and get the financial documents right is through Turnout. We start with a free consultation, help you prove your income and resources, and prepare your claim with you - and you pay nothing unless you win. Careful paperwork prevents the denials that stop many first-time applicants.
Frequently asked questions
Does Mississippi add money to my federal SSI check?
No. Mississippi does not pay a general state supplement, so most recipients receive only the federal benefit rate - up to $994 a month for an individual in 2026.
Will getting SSI qualify me for Medicaid in Mississippi?
Usually yes. In Mississippi, being approved for SSI generally makes you automatically eligible for Medicaid, because it is an SSI-criteria (1634) state.
What counts against the resource limit?
Cash, bank accounts, and things you could sell for support count, but your home and one vehicle usually do not. The limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Mississippi
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Mississippi
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
If you were injured or became ill because of your military service, VA disability compensation pays a tax-free monthly benefit. Mississippi adds a full property-tax exemption for veterans rated 100 percent service-connected. These benefits are earned through your service, and an accurate claim is the key to getting the rating you deserve.
100% MONTHLY RATE
$3,938.58
Tax-free monthly compensation for a veteran alone at a 100 percent disability rating in 2026.
VA.gov Compensation Rates 2026
MISSISSIPPI HOME TAX
$0 property tax
Full homestead ad valorem exemption for veterans rated 100 percent permanent and total, plus unremarried surviving spouses.
MS Dept. of Revenue / Miss. Code 27-33-67, 2026
PACT ACT CONDITIONS
Presumptive
Burn pit, Agent Orange, and other toxic-exposure illnesses can be presumed service-connected under the PACT Act.
VA PACT Act 2024
Who qualifies
- Veterans with a current illness or injury linked to active-duty service
- Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, or other toxic hazards
- Veterans whose service worsened a condition they already had
- Surviving spouses and dependents in certain circumstances
How to apply
The fastest way to file or appeal a VA disability claim is through Turnout. We start with a free consultation, gather your service and medical records, and prepare your claim with you - and you pay nothing unless you win. A complete, well-supported claim is the best way to get the rating you earned.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get the Mississippi property tax exemption?
File a homestead exemption application with your county Tax Assessor between January 1 and April 1, and include your VA letter showing a 100 percent permanent and total service-connected rating.
Is my VA disability pay taxed in Mississippi?
No. VA disability compensation is not taxed by the federal government or by Mississippi.
What is the difference between the VA benefit and the state exemption?
The monthly compensation check comes from the federal VA and is based on your disability rating. The property-tax exemption is a separate Mississippi benefit you claim through your county Tax Assessor.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Mississippi
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Mississippi
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Medicare is federal health coverage for people 65 and older and for many people with disabilities. Choosing among Original Medicare, Advantage plans, and drug plans is confusing, and the wrong choice can cost you. Mississippi's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) gives free, unbiased, one-on-one help.
WAIT AFTER SSDI
24 months
Most people who qualify through SSDI get Medicare 24 months after their disability payments begin.
SSA / CMS 2026
FREE SHIP HELP
$0
Mississippi SHIP counselors compare plans and answer Medicare questions at no cost to you.
Mississippi SHIP / MDHS 2026
SAVINGS PROGRAMS
QMB, SLMB, QI
Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium and other costs if your income is limited.
medicareresources.org 2026
Who qualifies
- People 65 or older who are U.S. citizens or long-term legal residents
- People who have received SSDI for 24 months
- People with ALS or end-stage renal disease, without the waiting period
- Medicare enrollees who want free help comparing plans or lowering costs
How to apply
The fastest way to understand your Medicare choices and avoid costly mistakes is through Turnout. Medicare advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you, so a counselor can review your plans, drug coverage, and savings-program eligibility with you. Getting expert eyes on your enrollment protects your coverage and your budget.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs Medicare counseling in Mississippi?
Mississippi's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), administered by the MDHS Division of Aging and Adult Services, offers free counseling at 1-844-822-4622.
Is SHIP the same as Medicare or Medicaid?
No. SHIP is a free counseling service that helps you understand Medicare, Medicaid, and other coverage; it does not sell insurance or replace those programs.
Can Medicare Savings Programs help me pay premiums?
Yes. In Mississippi, the QMB, SLMB, and QI programs can cover your Part B premium and some other costs if you meet the income limits, and there is no asset limit for these programs.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Mississippi
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Mississippi
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan that gives a child with a disability the special education and support they need in public school. Federal law (IDEA) gives your child the right to a free, appropriate education. Knowing Mississippi's evaluation timelines helps you hold the school district to its deadlines.
EVALUATION DEADLINE
60 days
Mississippi districts must complete the initial evaluation within 60 days of getting your written consent.
MDE Office of Special Education 2015
REVIEW OF REQUEST
14 days
After you request an evaluation, the multidisciplinary team must convene within 14 days to review existing records.
MDE Office of Special Education 2015
DISABILITY CATEGORIES
13
IDEA recognizes 13 categories of disability that can qualify a child for special education services.
IDEA / MDE 2026
Who qualifies
- Children from birth to age 21 with a disability that affects learning
- Students who need specially designed instruction to make progress
- Children suspected of having a disability whose parents request an evaluation
- Students who qualify under one of the 13 IDEA disability categories
How to apply
The fastest way to get an IEP in place and make sure the school follows the rules is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you before the meeting and join the IEP meeting itself, so your child's needs are heard. Strong preparation is what turns a plan into real support in the classroom.
Frequently asked questions
How fast must a Mississippi school evaluate my child?
Once you give written consent, the district must complete the initial evaluation within 60 days. The evaluation team also has to convene within 14 days of your request to review existing records.
What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction under IDEA for students who qualify in one of 13 disability categories, while a 504 plan provides accommodations under civil-rights law for a wider range of students. A child found ineligible for an IEP may still get a 504 plan.
Can the school miss the evaluation deadline?
Only in limited cases, such as if you do not make your child available or agree in writing to extend the timeline. Otherwise the 60-day rule applies.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in Mississippi
Free or low-cost health coverage run by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid for eligible children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Medicaid in Mississippi
Free or low-cost health coverage run by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid for eligible children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Medicaid pays for health care for people with low income, but Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid, so coverage for adults is limited. The Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) covers children, pregnant women, very-low-income parents, and aged, blind, or disabled adults. If you fall in the coverage gap, there are still other options.
PARENT LIMIT, FAMILY OF 3
$498/mo
Monthly income cap for parents and caretaker relatives - one of the lowest in the nation.
MS Division of Medicaid 2026
KIDS & PREGNANCY
194% FPL
Infants and pregnant women qualify up to 194 percent of poverty; CHIP covers children to 209 percent.
MS Division of Medicaid 2026
COVERAGE GAP
~74,000
Estimated Mississippians with income too high for Medicaid but too low for Marketplace subsidies.
KFF 2024
Who qualifies
- Children and pregnant women in households up to 194 percent of poverty
- Parents and caretaker relatives with very low income (about $498 a month for a family of 3)
- Adults who are aged, blind, or disabled and meet income and asset limits
- Uninsured children up to 209 percent of poverty through CHIP
How to apply
Apply online through the Access MS common web portal at access.ms.gov, or call the Division of Medicaid at 1-800-421-2408. Have ready your proof of income, Mississippi residency, Social Security numbers, and immigration status if applicable. Most applications are decided within 45 days, and disability-based decisions can take up to 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Can childless adults get Medicaid in Mississippi?
Usually no. Because Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid, non-disabled adults without dependent children generally do not qualify at any income level unless they are aged, blind, or disabled.
What is the coverage gap?
It is the group of low-income adults who earn too much for Mississippi Medicaid but too little (below 100 percent of poverty) to get Marketplace subsidies. KFF estimated about 74,000 Mississippians in this gap.
Is CHIP different from Medicaid?
Yes. CHIP covers uninsured children up to 209 percent of poverty, a higher limit than most Medicaid children's categories, but a child must be found ineligible for Medicaid first.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Mississippi
Monthly food benefits from the Mississippi Department of Human Services, loaded onto a Mississippi EBT card to help you buy groceries.
SNAP in Mississippi
Monthly food benefits from the Mississippi Department of Human Services, loaded onto a Mississippi EBT card to help you buy groceries.
SNAP (formerly food stamps) helps low-income households buy food. In Mississippi it is run by the Department of Human Services (MDHS) and delivered on an EBT card you swipe like a debit card. You apply through the Access MS portal, and households in urgent need can get expedited benefits within a week.
MAX FOR FAMILY OF 4
$994/mo
Maximum monthly SNAP allotment for a four-person household in the 48 states and D.C. for FY2026.
USDA FNS FY2026 COLA Memo
MISSISSIPPIANS SERVED
~363,300
Average number of people receiving SNAP each month in Mississippi during FY2025.
USAFacts / USDA FY2025
EMERGENCY FOOD
7 days
Households in immediate need can receive expedited SNAP within 7 days; standard cases within 30 days.
7 CFR 273 / MDHS 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 130 percent of poverty
- Working families, seniors, and people with disabilities on limited income
- People who already receive TANF or SSI in many cases
- Eligible college students, immigrants, and mixed-status households who meet the rules
How to apply
Apply online through the Access MS portal at access.ms.gov, or contact your local MDHS county office. Have ready proof of identity, Mississippi residency, and your last 30 days of income. Most cases are decided within 30 days, and you will usually complete a short interview by phone.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get my SNAP benefits?
Approved benefits load each month onto a Mississippi EBT card, which you can use at any store showing the Quest logo. Your monthly deposit date is based on the last two digits of your case number.
How fast can I get benefits in an emergency?
If your household has very little income and few resources, you may qualify for expedited SNAP within 7 calendar days of applying. Otherwise the standard timeline is 30 days.
Does Mississippi raise the income limit above the federal level?
Generally no. Mississippi applies the federal gross income test of 130 percent of poverty rather than a higher broad-based categorical eligibility limit, so income rules are stricter than in some states.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC in Mississippi
Nutrition support, healthy food, and breastfeeding help for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5, run by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
WIC in Mississippi
Nutrition support, healthy food, and breastfeeding help for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5, run by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
WIC gives pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children healthy food, nutrition advice, and breastfeeding support. In Mississippi it is run by the State Department of Health (MSDH), and benefits come on an eWIC card. If you already have Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you automatically meet the income rules.
INCOME LIMIT
185% FPL
Households at or below 185 percent of poverty meet the WIC income guideline.
MSDH / USDA WIC 2026
WHO IT SERVES
Under 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to their fifth birthday can qualify.
MSDH WIC 2026
AUTO-ELIGIBLE
Medicaid, SNAP, TANF
Enrollment in any of these programs automatically meets the WIC income test.
MSDH WIC 2026
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women and women up to six months after pregnancy
- Breastfeeding mothers of infants under one year old
- Infants and children up to their fifth birthday
- Fathers, foster parents, and guardians with custody of an eligible child
How to apply
Apply online at msdh.ms.gov/wic from your phone or computer in about 15 to 20 minutes, or call 1-800-545-6747 to get started. Bring proof of identity, Mississippi residency, and income, or your Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF enrollment. After applying online, call the WIC Call Center to schedule your certification appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How do WIC benefits work in Mississippi?
Benefits load onto an eWIC card you swipe at approved stores for specific healthy foods like milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Up to three months of benefits may be loaded at a time.
Do I have to prove my income if I have Medicaid?
No. If you already receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you automatically meet the WIC income guidelines and do not need to prove income separately.
Is WIC only for the mother?
No. WIC serves infants and children under 5 too, and fathers, foster parents, and guardians with custody of an eligible child can apply on the child's behalf.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in Mississippi
Help paying home heating and cooling bills, plus energy-crisis assistance, delivered through the MDHS Division of Community Services and local Community Action Agencies.
LIHEAP in Mississippi
Help paying home heating and cooling bills, plus energy-crisis assistance, delivered through the MDHS Division of Community Services and local Community Action Agencies.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps you pay home energy bills and handle energy emergencies like a shutoff notice. In Mississippi it is run by the MDHS Division of Community Services through local Community Action Agencies. Funding is limited, so apply early when the season opens.
INCOME LIMIT
60% of SMI
Households at or below 60 percent of the state median income can qualify for help.
MDHS Community Services 2026
CRISIS HELP
ECIP
The Energy Crisis Intervention Program provides emergency aid for shutoffs and heating or cooling emergencies.
MDHS Community Services 2026
STATEWIDE REACH
82 counties
LIHEAP is offered in all 82 Mississippi counties when funds are available.
MDHS Community Services 2026
Who qualifies
- Households at or below 60 percent of the state median income
- Families with an energy bill from a utility company or landlord
- Vulnerable households with elderly members, people with disabilities, or young children (priority)
- U.S. citizens and qualifying legal residents who live in Mississippi
How to apply
Submit a pre-application through the Access MS common web portal and mark Community Services, or call 1-800-421-0762 to reach your local Community Action Agency. Vulnerable households can expect an appointment within about 30 business days. Because funding is limited, apply as early in the season as you can.
Frequently asked questions
Who administers LIHEAP in Mississippi?
The MDHS Division of Community Services runs LIHEAP through a network of local Community Action Agencies, which handle local intake and pay your energy provider directly.
What if my power is about to be shut off?
Ask about the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), which provides emergency help for shutoffs and heating or cooling emergencies. Call Community Services at 1-800-421-0762 right away.
How is the payment made?
If approved, the Community Action Agency usually pays your energy provider directly, and you will see a credit on your next energy bill.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Marketplace in Mississippi
Private health plans with income-based subsidies, bought through the federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov since Mississippi does not run its own exchange.
ACA Marketplace in Mississippi
Private health plans with income-based subsidies, bought through the federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov since Mississippi does not run its own exchange.
The Affordable Care Act Marketplace lets you buy private health insurance, often with subsidies that lower your monthly premium. Mississippi uses the federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov rather than a state-run exchange. Because Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid, some low-income adults fall into a coverage gap with no subsidy.
MISSISSIPPIANS ENROLLED
313,392
People who selected a Mississippi Marketplace plan during the 2026 open enrollment period.
CMS / healthinsurance.org 2026
INSURERS FOR 2026
5
Five private insurers offer Marketplace plans in Mississippi for the 2026 plan year.
healthinsurance.org 2026
SUBSIDY FLOOR
100% FPL
Marketplace subsidies generally require income of at least 100 percent of poverty, which creates the coverage gap.
healthinsurance.org 2026
Who qualifies
- Mississippi residents without affordable job-based or public coverage
- People with income at or above 100 percent of poverty who may get premium subsidies
- Self-employed workers, gig workers, and early retirees
- Families comparing plans during open enrollment or a special enrollment period
How to apply
Enroll online at HealthCare.gov, or get free local help from a Navigator or certified counselor. Have ready your household income estimate, Social Security numbers, and details of any coverage offered at work. Open enrollment for 2027 coverage will run in the fall and end December 15 in Mississippi.
Frequently asked questions
Does Mississippi run its own health exchange?
No. Mississippi uses the federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov for the 2026 plan year. State lawmakers authorized a state-based exchange in 2024, but it has not been created.
Why might I not qualify for a subsidy?
Marketplace subsidies generally require income of at least 100 percent of poverty. Because Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid, adults below that line can fall into a coverage gap with neither Medicaid nor subsidies.
Did enrollment change for 2026?
Yes. Mississippi Marketplace enrollment fell for 2026 - by roughly 25,000 people, about 8 percent - after enhanced federal premium subsidies expired.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Mississippi TANF (Cash Assistance)
Temporary monthly cash assistance and work support for very-low-income families with children, run by the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
Mississippi TANF (Cash Assistance)
Temporary monthly cash assistance and work support for very-low-income families with children, run by the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) gives short-term monthly cash to very-low-income families with children while helping parents find work. In Mississippi it is run by MDHS, and the cash benefit is among the lowest in the country. Be careful not to confuse the small cash grant with the higher income limit used to qualify.
MAX CASH, FAMILY OF 3
$260/mo
Maximum monthly cash benefit for a family of three with no other income - among the lowest in the nation.
MDHS / CBPP 2026
INCOME LIMIT, FAMILY OF 3
$1,074/mo
Gross monthly income limit to qualify for a family of three - this is the eligibility cap, not the benefit.
MDHS TANF 2026
LIFETIME LIMIT
60 months
Federal lifetime cap; it drops to 24 months if an adult does not meet work-program requirements.
MDHS TANF 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with at least one child under 18 living at home
- Pregnant women and parents or caretaker relatives who are Mississippi residents
- Households with gross income at or below the limit for their size (about $1,074 a month for a family of 3)
- Families with no more than $2,000 in countable resources
How to apply
Apply online through the Access MS portal at access.ms.gov, or contact your local MDHS county office. You will complete an interview and provide proof of identity, residency, income, and your children's information. You will get a decision within 30 days, and benefits load onto a Way2Go debit card.
Frequently asked questions
Is the cash benefit the same as the income limit?
No, and this is a common mix-up. A family of three can qualify with gross income up to about $1,074 a month, but the maximum cash benefit for that family is only about $260 a month.
Do I have to work to get TANF?
Most adults must register with Mississippi Works and take part in the TANF Work Program unless they qualify for an exemption. Not participating can cut your lifetime limit from 60 months to 24 months.
Can I get TANF and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. TANF and SNAP are separate programs, and many families receive both along with Medicaid.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Earned Income Tax Credit (Mississippi)
A federal tax credit that boosts the refund of low- and moderate-income workers; Mississippi does not offer its own state EITC.
Earned Income Tax Credit (Mississippi)
A federal tax credit that boosts the refund of low- and moderate-income workers; Mississippi does not offer its own state EITC.
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) puts money back in the pockets of working people with low to moderate income, and it is refundable - you can get it even if you owe no tax. Mississippi does not have a state EITC, so the credit you claim comes entirely from the federal return. Mississippi has one of the highest EITC claim rates in the country.
MAX WITH 3+ KIDS
$8,231
Largest federal EITC for a worker with three or more qualifying children for tax year 2026.
IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32
MAX WITH NO KIDS
$664
Largest federal EITC for a worker with no qualifying children for tax year 2026.
IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32
MISSISSIPPI STATE EITC
None
Mississippi does not offer a state-level earned income tax credit on top of the federal credit.
Tax Credits for Workers & Families 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers with low to moderate earned income from a job or self-employment
- Families with one or more qualifying children (larger credit)
- Workers with no children who meet age and income rules (smaller credit)
- Filers with a valid Social Security number and investment income under the limit
How to apply
Claim the EITC by filing a federal tax return and completing the EITC section, even if you are not otherwise required to file. Free help is available through IRS Free File and local VITA sites. Because Mississippi has no state EITC, there is no separate state form to file for this credit.
Frequently asked questions
Does Mississippi have its own EITC?
No. Mississippi does not offer a state earned income tax credit, so your EITC comes only from your federal return. Policy groups have proposed a state credit, but none has been enacted.
Can I get the EITC if I owe no taxes?
Yes. The EITC is refundable, so you can receive it as a refund even if you had no federal income tax withheld or owe nothing.
How common is the EITC in Mississippi?
Very common - Mississippi had the highest share of any state, with 27 percent of filers claiming the credit for 2020, according to the Congressional Research Service.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Mississippi
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Mississippi
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) lowers the taxes of families with children and can add to your refund. It is a federal credit claimed on your tax return, and Mississippi does not add a state child tax credit. A portion of the credit is refundable, so many families benefit even with little or no tax owed.
MAX PER CHILD
$2,200
Maximum federal Child Tax Credit per qualifying child for tax year 2026.
Tax Foundation / IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32
REFUNDABLE PORTION
$1,700
Amount of the credit that can be refunded even if you owe no federal income tax.
Tax Foundation 2026
MISSISSIPPI STATE CTC
None
Mississippi does not offer a state child tax credit on top of the federal credit.
Tax Credits for Workers & Families 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 who has a valid Social Security number
- Parents and guardians who meet the income phase-out thresholds
- Filers who claim the child as a dependent on their federal return
- Households with little or no tax owed, through the refundable portion
How to apply
Claim the Child Tax Credit by filing a federal tax return and listing each qualifying child. Free filing help is available through IRS Free File and local VITA sites. Because Mississippi has no state child tax credit, there is no separate state form for this credit.
Frequently asked questions
Does Mississippi have a state child tax credit?
No. Mississippi does not offer a state-level child tax credit, so the credit you receive comes entirely from your federal return.
How much is the Child Tax Credit for 2026?
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child, with up to $1,700 of that refundable even if you owe no federal income tax.
Can I claim the CTC and the EITC together?
Yes. Many working families with children qualify for both the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit on the same federal return.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Payment Program (Mississippi)
Child care tuition help for working parents through the MDHS Division of Early Childhood Care and Development, using vouchers you take to an approved provider.
Child Care Payment Program (Mississippi)
Child care tuition help for working parents through the MDHS Division of Early Childhood Care and Development, using vouchers you take to an approved provider.
Mississippi's Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) helps working parents pay for child care through vouchers, so you can work or attend school. It is run by the MDHS Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD). Funding is limited, so many families join a waitlist unless they fit one of six priority categories.
INCOME LIMIT
85% of SMI
Families up to 85 percent of the state median income can qualify - the program's actual entry limit.
MDHS DECCD CCPP Policy Manual 2026
LIMIT, FAMILY OF 3
$47,579/yr
Maximum annual income for a family of three to be at or below 85 percent of state median income.
MDHS DECCD Eligibility Guidelines 2026
WAITLIST STATUS
Active
A waitlist is in effect; only six priority categories can apply without waiting for an invitation.
MDHS DECCD 2025-2026
Who qualifies
- Working parents and guardians with a child under 13 (or under 19 with a disability)
- Families with income up to 85 percent of the state median income
- TANF families and families transitioning off TANF (priority)
- Families who are homeless, teen parents, or have a child with special needs (priority)
How to apply
Apply online through the Child Care Payment System at the MDHS DECCD website; paper applications are not accepted. You will need a working email address and documents proving income, work or school, identity, and residency. If you are not in one of the six priority categories, you can add your email to the waitlist and will get an invitation to apply as slots open.
Frequently asked questions
Is the income limit the federal 85 percent SMI cap or a lower state number?
In Mississippi, 85 percent of the state median income is the actual entry limit, not just the federal ceiling. For a family of three, that is about $47,579 a year.
Is there a waitlist right now?
Yes. A waitlist is in effect, and only six priority categories - such as TANF families and families with a child with special needs - can apply without waiting for an invitation.
Do I still pay anything if I am approved?
Usually yes. Most families pay a monthly co-payment directly to their provider based on family size and income, plus any tuition above the voucher amount.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
