$158/month

While applying for SNAP in Mississippi may seem hard, it’s not as complicated or time-consuming as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, a family member, or an MDHS caseworker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Mississippi SNAP:

1. Check your eligibility: The online SNAP Pre-Screen tool can tell you if you and other household members qualify for food assistance. However, you do not need to use the tool to apply for SNAP.
2. Fill out an application: You can apply for Mississippi SNAP online or by contacting your local MDHS office.
3. Wait for a decision: Most SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the day your application was received. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster (within 7 days).
4. Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you’ll receive a Mississippi EBT card pre-loaded with money for groceries in the mail. 

When applying for Mississippi SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month.

Before you start, gather the following information to make your SNAP application process easier: 

• Proof of identity, such as a driver's license or other government-issued I.D. 
• Proof of your relationship with other household members (such as a marriage license, birth certificate, or will) 
• Proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or a benefit award letter from Social Security, SSI, Veterans Administration, Unemployment Compensation, etc.
• Proof of residency, like utility bills showing your home address
• Medical bills of household members age 60 or older and those who have a disability (if these bills are not paid by insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare)
• Receipts for child care or other dependent care costs
• Utility and rent bills (or proof of mortgage and property tax payments, if you own your home)
• Proof of any assets you have, such as bank accounts, trust accounts, stocks, or bonds

You can also See a complete list of common requested documents or complete a SNAP pre-screen to better prepare for the Mississippi SNAP application process. 

There are two main ways to apply for SNAP in Mississippi: either online or by reaching out to your local MDHS county office.

 

• First, it’s a good idea to complete the SNAP Pre-Screen and answer a few short questions to see if your household might be eligible for benefits. Answer the questions based on your current household information. You should try to be as accurate as possible; however, estimates are allowed.
• To start your SNAP application, visit the AccessMS portal and click 'Apply Now.' If you already have an account, enter your Email ID and Password to log in. If you do not have an account, click ‘Create an Account.' The system will walk you through the process of setting up an ID and password. Note: While you can apply for SNAP without creating an account, doing so allows you to save your application progress and return any time to complete it. You will also be able to manage your benefits online.
• Once you have successfully logged in to your AccessMS account, follow the prompts for completing your SNAP application. 

• Allow yourself 30 to 60 minutes to complete your Mississippi SNAP application. Fill out as much information as you can, since that can speed up your approval process. Be ready to share details about the money you earn and the things you pay for/own. You will also be able to upload the requested documents online.

Tips for success:

• Additional help: For help in setting up your account, visit the AccessMS Help Portal and click on the topic you’re interested in. You can also call the MDHS SNAP/TANF Customer Service hotline at 1-800-948-3050.
• Language options: The AccessMS portal is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. You can click on your preferred language at the top of the AccessMS Home screen.

To apply in person, by mail, or by fax, you will first need a paper application. You can download an application online by clicking on the application in your preferred language below:

• SNAP/TANF Application (English) 
• SNAP/TANF Application (Spanish) 
• SNAP/TANF Application (Vietnamese) 

You can also get a paper application from your nearest MDHS county office. To find the county office closest to you, visit the MDHS website and click on "Economic Assistance Eligibility (SNAP/TANF)” to see a list of locations along with their contact information.

After you apply, your caseworker may request more information. You can get this additional information to your caseworker in person, online, by email, by mail, or by fax.

What is the Simplified SNAP Application?

The SNAP Simplified Application for the Elderly (ESAP) was created to make it easier for older adults to apply for SNAP. It may also allow you to receive benefits for a longer period. You can use the SNAP Simplified Application if your household meets the following guidelines:

• Everyone in your household is age 60 or older, or all household members age 60 or older purchase and prepare food separately from the other household members.
• No household member receives earnings from work.
• Your household is not mandatory to receive SNAP benefits through Mississippi Combined Application Project (MSCAP).

All households meeting ESAP eligibility are mandatory for ESAP and are ineligible for the regular SNAP. Ask your MDHS caseworker if you are eligible for the SNAP Simplified Application. You can pick up the application at your county office or download it online below:

• SNAP Simplified Application (English) 
• SNAP Simplified Application (Spanish) 
• SNAP Simplified Application (Vietnamese)

There are several ways to get help filling out your Mississippi SNAP application.You can:

• Reach out to your nearest MDHS office. Visit the MDHS website and click on "Economic Assistance Eligibility (SNAP/TANF)” to see a list of locations along with their contact information.
• Call the MDHS SNAP/TANF Customer Service hotline at 1-800-948-3050.
• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area. 

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559.

It can take up to 30 days for MDHS to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits).

An interview with a caseworker is no longer required for people who are applying for SNAP in Mississippi. Instead, MDHS will contact you if they need more information regarding your application. Once your caseworker has completed their review of your application and required documents, you will receive a notice letting you know whether your case is approved or denied.

If you complete all the requirements of the application process, you will receive a decision about your eligibility for SNAP benefits no later than 30 calendar days from the day your application was received by MDHS.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get SNAP benefits sooner in Mississippi (within 7 days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. The following households generally qualify for expedited (faster) benefits:  

• Households with less than $150 in monthly gross income and liquid reshttps://www.mdhs.ms.gov/help/snap/apply/special/ources (like cash, savings, etc.) of $100 or less.
• Migrant or seasonal farmworker households who are destitute and have liquid resources (like cash, savings, etc.) of $100 or less.
• Households whose combined monthly gross income and liquid resources (like cash, savings, etc.) are less than the household’s monthly rent or mortgage payment and utility expenses

Need food today? Contact the Mississippi Food Network. 

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If your household is eligible for SNAP, the notice will provide the monthly benefit amount and length of the certification period (length of time you get benefits). Within a few days, you will receive your EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. It will be automatically reloaded with your SNAP benefit amount every month. 

If your household does not qualify for SNAP, a notice will be provided giving the reasons for your ineligibility. If you do not agree with this decision, you can request a fair hearing within 90 days to have the decision reviewed. To request a fair hearing, complete the back of your SNAP notice and return it to your local county office in person, by mail, by fax, or by email.

If you request a hearing within 10 days from the date you were notified of the decision, you can receive SNAP benefits until your hearing is decided or your certification period ends (whichever comes first). However, if the hearing finds the agency’s decision was correct, your household will have to pay back the value of any extra benefits you received.

Managing  your Mississippi SNAP benefits:

You can manage your SNAP benefits through your AccessMS account. Actions you can take include:

• Apply for benefits
• View your benefits
• Check application status
• Renew your benefits
• Report changes to your case 
• View notices
• Upload documents

Using your Mississippi EBT card:

You can call EBT Cardholder Services at 1-866-512-5087 to set up your EBT card PIN, check your benefits, or report a lost or stolen EBT card. Check your balance at any time by calling Cardholder Services, performing a “balance inquiry only” transaction on the POS terminal installed at the food store, or looking at the bottom of your last EBT transaction receipt.

Renewing your Mississippi SNAP benefits: 

You must renew your Mississippi SNAP benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.