Emergency Assistance, Resources, and Programs for Seniors in Mississippi

Last updated: January 16, 2026

This guide focuses on fast, practical help for older adults in Mississippi. It starts with emergency steps and moves into food, housing, utilities, health/Medicaid, transportation, legal help, and special-focus resources for LGBTQ+ seniors, veterans, tribal elders, and rural seniors. Every claim that needs proof links to a trusted source, usually a state or federal agency.

Quick Help Box (keep these handy)

• Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
• Call 988 for mental health, emotional support, or a suicide crisis. Learn more at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website: https://988lifeline.org
• Call 211 to find local help with food, utilities, housing, and more in Mississippi. You can also search by ZIP at the 211 network: https://www.211.org
• Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation to Mississippi Adult Protective Services (APS): See reporting options at the Mississippi Department of Human Services APS page: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/adult-protective-services
• Find open disaster shelters via the American Red Cross Shelter Map: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-open-shelters.html
• If your area is under a disaster declaration, apply for FEMA help at DisasterAssistance.gov: https://www.disasterassistance.gov
• Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for statewide disaster updates and your county EMA directory: https://www.msema.org

Tip: If phones or power are down, try text messaging (often works sooner than calls). Ask a neighbor or family member to help you check the MEMA site and the Red Cross Shelter Map.

Table 1. Immediate contacts and links for Mississippi seniors

Reality check: After storms, lines can be long and websites can run slow. Keep a paper list of your medications, doctors, and contacts. Save receipts for repairs and hotels; FEMA commonly asks for proof. See FEMA’s documentation tips at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Emergency Help First: What to do in the first 24–72 hours

1. Safety and shelter

• If you must leave home, find shelters on the Red Cross Shelter Map. County emergency management and MEMA post updates here: https://www.msema.org
• If you use oxygen, dialysis, or other life-sustaining devices, tell shelter staff and your utility provider as soon as possible.

2. Food, water, and prescriptions

• Call 211 to locate nearby food pantries, hot meals, or community feeding sites.
• For refilling meds during an emergency, ask your pharmacist about early refills under disaster waivers and check your plan. Medicare plan help: https://www.medicare.gov

3. Money and records

• If the President declares a disaster for your county, apply for FEMA help at https://www.disasterassistance.gov. You can upload photos and receipts.
• Replace lost ID through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety: https://www.dps.ms.gov
• For Social Security payments or proof of income letters: SSA online services and office locator: https://www.ssa.gov and https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp

4. Report abuse, scams, or price gouging

• Report elder abuse to APS: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/adult-protective-services
• Report disaster scams and price gouging to the Mississippi Attorney General Consumer Protection Division: https://www.ago.ms.gov/consumer-protection

5. Talk to your county or tribe

• County Emergency Management contacts are listed on MEMA’s site: https://www.msema.org
• Tribal members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians should check tribal updates: https://www.choctaw.org

Food and Nutrition Help

• SNAP (food stamps) in Mississippi
  • What it is: Monthly benefits on an EBT card to buy groceries.
  • Who it helps: Low-income households; seniors may qualify even with Social Security income.
  • How to apply: See program details and apply at the Mississippi Department of Human Services SNAP page: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/economic-assistance/snap/
  • Reality check: Processing can take time. In disasters, Mississippi may request USDA waivers for replacement benefits if food spoiled from power loss. Watch MDHS updates on the SNAP page above.
• Meals for seniors at home or in the community
  • What it is: Home-delivered meals (often called Meals on Wheels) and group meals at senior centers.
  • Who it helps: People 60+ with the greatest social and economic need.
  • How to get connected: Contact your local Area Agency on Aging through the Mississippi Access to Care network: https://www.mac.ms.gov
  • Official: Older Americans Act services are coordinated by the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/aging-and-adult-services/
• Food banks and community pantries
  • Mississippi Food Network (central Mississippi): https://www.msfoodnet.org
  • Feeding the Gulf Coast (coastal counties): https://www.feedingthegulfcoast.org
  • Mid-South Food Bank (northwest/north Mississippi): https://www.midsouthfoodbank.org
  • You can always call 211 to find the nearest pantry: https://www.211.org

Housing, Eviction, and Repairs

• Eviction and foreclosure
  • Eviction help is mostly local. The statewide emergency rental program has ended. Call 211 to find local aid.
  • For HUD-approved housing counselors (foreclosure, reverse mortgage counseling): https://hud.gov/findacounselor
  • Mississippi Home Corporation (state housing finance agency) has homebuyer and homeowner resources: https://www.mshomecorp.com
• Subsidized housing and vouchers
  • Find affordable apartments and local Public Housing Authorities using HUD’s Resource Locator: https://resources.hud.gov
  • Reality check: Wait lists are common. Ask to apply for multiple lists if possible.
• Home repairs and accessibility
  • USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504)
    • What it is: For very low-income homeowners; loans up to $40,000at1$10,000 to fix health/safety hazards (grant is for 62+). Lifetime grant limit applies. See details: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants
    • Mississippi USDA Rural Development office: https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices/ms
  • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) – lowers energy costs with insulation, air sealing, and safety checks. Administered through MDHS/Community Services in partnership with local agencies. Program page: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/community-services/weatherization-assistance-program/
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman (for nursing home or assisted living issues): https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/aging-and-adult-services/long-term-care-ombudsman/

Utilities: Power, Gas, Water, and Internet

• LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
  • What it is: Helps with electric or gas bills; sometimes has crisis funds during extreme heat/cold.
  • Where to apply: Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Community Services: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/community-services/liheap/
  • Reality check: Funds are limited and open/close seasonally. Apply early. You’ll need ID, proof of income, and utility bills.
• Weatherization (WAP)
  • Lowers bills by improving your home’s energy efficiency. See: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/community-services/weatherization-assistance-program/
• Water bill assistance
  • The federal LIHWAP program has ended in most places. Ask your city utility about any local hardship funds. Call 211 to locate local help: https://www.211.org
• Phone and internet discounts
  • Lifeline (phone or internet discount): https://www.usac.org/lifeline
  • Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) note: Federal ACP enrollment has been paused due to lack of funding. For status updates, see the FCC’s ACP page: https://www.fcc.gov/acp
  • Mississippi Public Service Commission consumer resources: https://www.psc.ms.gov

Table 2. Utility and energy help at a glance

Tip: In extreme heat, some cities and counties open cooling centers. Check MEMA and your county emergency management page: https://www.msema.org and call 211.

Health, Medicare, and Medicaid in Mississippi

• Medicare basics and counseling (SHIP)
  • The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased help with Medicare choices, billing issues, and Extra Help applications.
  • Find Mississippi SHIP counseling through the national SHIP site: https://www.shiphelp.org
  • Medicare official information and plan finder: https://www.medicare.gov
• Medicare Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)
  • What it is: Helps pay for drug plan premiums, deductibles, and copays.
  • How to apply: Social Security Administration page: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp
• Mississippi Medicaid (for seniors and people with disabilities)
  • Programs: Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) Medicaid; Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) that help pay Medicare premiums and sometimes deductibles; home- and community-based waiver services (Elderly & Disabled Waiver).
  • Start here: Mississippi Division of Medicaid overview: https://medicaid.ms.gov/programs/
  • Medicare Savings Programs information: https://medicaid.ms.gov/programs/ (look for “Medicare Savings Programs”)
  • Reality check: Income and asset limits change. Check the Division of Medicaid site and, if needed, ask a SHIP counselor or MAC Center to help with your application.
• Long-term services and supports (LTSS)
  • Mississippi Access to Care (MAC) Centers help seniors and caregivers find home care, adult day services, caregiver support, and more: https://www.mac.ms.gov
  • Adult Protective Services (report abuse/neglect/exploitation): https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/adult-protective-services
• Mental health
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: dial or text 988, 24/7: https://988lifeline.org
  • Mississippi Department of Mental Health: services and regional contacts: https://www.dmh.ms.gov
• Vaccines and local health services
  • Mississippi State Department of Health: county health department locations and services: https://msdh.ms.gov

Table 3. Healthcare and Medicaid help

Tip: Keep your Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits. If something looks wrong, call your plan or a SHIP counselor.

Transportation

• Public transit and senior ride programs
  • Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) public transit directory and information: https://mdot.ms.gov/portal/public-transit
  • Many counties offer demand-response or door-to-door rides for older adults. Check your Area Agency on Aging via the MAC Centers: https://www.mac.ms.gov
• Medical rides
  • If you have Mississippi Medicaid, ask about Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (often called “NET”). Start at the Medicaid programs page: https://medicaid.ms.gov/programs/
  • If you don’t have Medicaid, ask your AAA about local medical ride programs or volunteer driver services.

Reality check: Rural ride programs may ask for a small fare and require booking 24–48 hours ahead.

Money, Taxes, and Legal Help

• Property tax relief for seniors
  • Homestead Exemption (additional exemption for 65+ or totally disabled): Mississippi provides an additional exemption from ad valorem taxes on the first $75,000 of true value of the home for eligible homeowners. Details and how to file (through your county Tax Assessor): Mississippi Department of Revenue Homestead Exemption page: https://www.dor.ms.gov/property/homestead-exemption
  • Reality check: You must apply with your county Tax Assessor and bring age or disability proof. Deadlines apply each year.
• Legal help (civil, non-criminal)
  • Mississippi Center for Legal Services (central/southern counties): https://www.mscenterforlegalservices.org
  • North Mississippi Rural Legal Services (northern counties): https://www.nmrls.com
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman for facility care issues: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/aging-and-adult-services/long-term-care-ombudsman/
  • Consumer protection and scam reporting: Mississippi Attorney General: https://www.ago.ms.gov/consumer-protection
• Benefits and income
  • Social Security and SSI: https://www.ssa.gov
  • Finding unclaimed money (state treasury): https://treasury.ms.gov (look for Unclaimed Property)
  • Veterans benefits: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.va.gov and Mississippi Veterans Affairs: https://msva.ms.gov

Table 4. Housing and home repair programs

Inclusive Resources

LGBTQ+ seniors

• SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline (free, confidential): 1-877-360-5428 and https://www.sageusa.org
• Medicare and Medicaid protections apply regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. For help if you face discrimination in health care, you can contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights: https://www.hhs.gov/ocr
• For Mississippi-specific civil rights support, see the ACLU of Mississippi: https://www.aclu-ms.org

Tip: When choosing a provider or facility, ask about non-discrimination policies and staff training. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman can help address issues in facilities: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/aging-and-adult-services/long-term-care-ombudsman/

Veteran seniors

• Claims and benefits help: Mississippi Veterans Affairs (county Veterans Service Officers, State Veterans Homes, and benefits assistance): https://msva.ms.gov
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: health care, disability, pensions, and Aid & Attendance: https://www.va.gov
• Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1 (or visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net)

Tip: Ask about VA Aid & Attendance if you need help with daily activities at home or in assisted living. See eligibility at the VA: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound

Tribal elders (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians)

• Tribal government and elder services: https://www.choctaw.org
• Health services: Choctaw Health Center (via Indian Health Service network). For IHS info, start at the Nashville Area IHS page (which covers Mississippi tribes): https://www.ihs.gov/nashville
• In disasters, tribal members may receive updates and assistance through tribal channels in addition to MEMA/FEMA.

Rural seniors and families

• Transportation: See MDOT’s public transit directory for county services: https://mdot.ms.gov/portal/public-transit
• Medical access: Ask your Area Agency on Aging via MAC about home-delivered meals, telehealth options, and caregiver respite: https://www.mac.ms.gov
• Home repairs: USDA Rural Development programs are designed for rural counties; find Mississippi contacts: https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices/ms

Reality check: Services in rural areas may have longer waits. Apply early, keep copies of your paperwork, and follow up.

Resources by Region in Mississippi

Use these region links to find food banks and transportation, then contact your Area Agency on Aging through the MAC Centers to connect with senior services like meals, transportation, and caregiver support.

Mississippi Access to Care (MAC) Centers statewide: https://www.mac.ms.gov
Mississippi Emergency Management (for county EMA contacts): https://www.msema.org

Table 5. Regional quick links (food and transit)

Note: For Area Agency on Aging services, start with Mississippi Access to Care: https://www.mac.ms.gov. MAC will route you to the right AAA for your county.

How to Apply and What to Expect: Step-by-step

1. Gather documents

• Photo ID, Social Security number, proof of Mississippi residency
• Proof of income (Social Security award letter, pension, pay stubs)
• Recent utility bills, lease or mortgage statement
• Medical insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid) and medication list

2. Choose the right starting point

• Emergency food/utility help: Call 211 or go to the MDHS LIHEAP or SNAP pages
• Aging services and caregiver help: Contact MAC Centers: https://www.mac.ms.gov
• Medicare/Medicaid help: SHIP (https://www.shiphelp.org) or Mississippi Medicaid programs page (https://medicaid.ms.gov/programs/)
• Disaster recovery: MEMA (https://www.msema.org) and DisasterAssistance.gov (https://www.disasterassistance.gov)

3. Submit applications

• For SNAP and many MDHS programs: Follow instructions on the MDHS program pages: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov
• For Medicaid or Medicare Savings Programs: See the Division of Medicaid: https://medicaid.ms.gov/programs/
• For USDA Section 504 home repair grants/loans: Contact the Mississippi USDA Rural Development office: https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices/ms

4. Follow up

• Keep copies of everything. Call to check status if you don’t hear back.
• If denied, ask about appeals or alternate programs.

Reality check: Many programs have limited funding and may open or pause during the year. Be ready to apply as soon as applications open, and keep your documents current.

Real-world Examples

• After a tornado, a senior couple in central Mississippi used the Red Cross Shelter Map to locate a nearby shelter, then applied for FEMA aid at DisasterAssistance.gov for temporary lodging and debris removal reimbursement. They also contacted MDHS to ask about replacement SNAP benefits due to spoiled food. FEMA guidance and MDHS SNAP updates are on the official websites linked above.
• A homeowner over 62 in a rural county with a failing septic system worked with the local USDA Rural Development office to apply for a Section 504 grant because the repair was a health hazard. Program details and contacts are on USDA’s official site.

Each case requires paperwork and patience. Keep receipts, photos, and any notices you receive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1) Where do I report elder abuse or financial exploitation in Mississippi?

• Use the Mississippi Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services reporting page: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/adult-protective-services
• If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Q2) How can I find a senior center or request home-delivered meals?

• Contact the Mississippi Access to Care (MAC) Centers to reach your Area Agency on Aging: https://www.mac.ms.gov

Q3) I lost food during a power outage. Can I get replacement SNAP benefits?

• In some disasters, Mississippi and USDA allow replacement SNAP benefits for food lost due to power outages. Watch the MDHS SNAP page for announcements and instructions: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/economic-assistance/snap/

Q4) What help exists with electric bills during extreme heat?

• Check LIHEAP at MDHS Community Services: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/community-services/liheap/
• Cooling centers may open during heat waves; check MEMA and 211.

Q5) Who can help me understand my Medicare bills and plan choices?

• Mississippi SHIP provides free counseling. Find SHIP via the national locator: https://www.shiphelp.org

Q6) Does Mississippi offer a property tax break for seniors?

• Yes. Homeowners 65+ (or totally disabled) may qualify for an additional homestead exemption that removes ad valorem taxes on up to $75,000 of the true value of the home. See the Department of Revenue page: https://www.dor.ms.gov/property/homestead-exemption and apply through your county Tax Assessor.

Q7) Is there emergency rental assistance right now?

• The statewide emergency rental program has ended. Call 211 for local help and check with your city/county and local charities. For HUD resources and subsidized housing, use: https://resources.hud.gov

Q8) How do I get transportation to medical appointments?

• If you have Medicaid, ask about Non-Emergency Medical Transportation via the Mississippi Division of Medicaid programs page: https://medicaid.ms.gov/programs/
• If you don’t have Medicaid, your Area Agency on Aging may have ride programs. Start at MAC: https://www.mac.ms.gov

Q9) I’m a veteran. Who can help with VA claims and benefits in Mississippi?

• Mississippi Veterans Affairs (county VSOs and state offices): https://msva.ms.gov
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.va.gov
• Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 then press 1.

Q10) I’m an LGBTQ+ senior. Where can I find supportive help?

• SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline: 1-877-360-5428 and https://www.sageusa.org
• For discrimination or questions about rights, see the ACLU of Mississippi: https://www.aclu-ms.org

Q11) Where do I replace a lost ID after a disaster?

• Mississippi Department of Public Safety (Driver Service Bureau): https://www.dps.ms.gov
• For Medicare cards: https://www.medicare.gov
• For Social Security benefit letters/cards: https://www.ssa.gov

Q12) How can I avoid scams after storms?

• Be careful with door-to-door contractors. Verify licenses and insurance. Report price gouging or scams to the Mississippi Attorney General Consumer Protection: https://www.ago.ms.gov/consumer-protection
• AARP Fraud Watch Network tips: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/

Q13) Who do I contact locally during a disaster?

• Your county Emergency Management office (directory via MEMA): https://www.msema.org
• For shelter info, check the Red Cross map: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-open-shelters.html

Q14) Where can I get help applying for multiple benefits in one place?

• Mississippi Access to Care (MAC) Centers can guide you to aging, disability, and caregiver services: https://www.mac.ms.gov
• 211 can also point you to local help: https://www.211.org

Tips, Warnings, and Reality Checks

• Documents matter: Keep copies of IDs, Medicare/Medicaid cards, Social Security letters, utility bills, and insurance policies in a waterproof folder. This speeds up applications.
• Apply early: LIHEAP, weatherization, and some local programs open and close based on funding.
• Ask for “priority” if appropriate: If you are medically fragile, homebound, or recently discharged from a hospital, tell the agency. Some programs triage by need.
• Avoid fees for free programs: SHIP counseling and MAC navigation are free. If someone wants payment for basic applications, verify with the agency first.
• When in doubt, call 211: They’ll help you find the correct local phone number or office.

Source List (official and trusted links used throughout)

• Mississippi Department of Human Services (SNAP, LIHEAP, Aging & Adult Services): https://www.mdhs.ms.gov
• Mississippi Division of Medicaid (ABD, waivers, Medicare Savings Programs): https://medicaid.ms.gov
• Mississippi Access to Care (MAC) Centers: https://www.mac.ms.gov
• Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA): https://www.msema.org
• American Red Cross Shelter Map: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-open-shelters.html
• DisasterAssistance.gov (FEMA portal): https://www.disasterassistance.gov
• 211 (United Way network): https://www.211.org
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org
• Mississippi State Department of Health: https://msdh.ms.gov
• Mississippi Department of Mental Health: https://www.dmh.ms.gov
• Mississippi Department of Revenue, Homestead Exemption: https://www.dor.ms.gov/property/homestead-exemption
• Mississippi Public Service Commission: https://www.psc.ms.gov
• Lifeline (USAC): https://www.usac.org/lifeline
• FCC ACP status: https://www.fcc.gov/acp
• USDA Rural Development (Mississippi office): https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices/ms and Section 504 program: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants
• HUD Resource Locator: https://resources.hud.gov and Housing counselors: https://hud.gov/findacounselor
• Mississippi Home Corporation: https://www.mshomecorp.com
• Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov
• Social Security (Extra Help): https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp
• SHIP locator: https://www.shiphelp.org
• Mississippi Attorney General Consumer Protection: https://www.ago.ms.gov/consumer-protection
• Mississippi Veterans Affairs: https://msva.ms.gov and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.va.gov
• Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians: https://www.choctaw.org
• Food banks: Mississippi Food Network: https://www.msfoodnet.org; Feeding the Gulf Coast: https://www.feedingthegulfcoast.org; Mid-South Food Bank: https://www.midsouthfoodbank.org
• MDOT Public Transit: https://mdot.ms.gov/portal/public-transit

Disclaimer

Program rules, funding levels, phone numbers, and eligibility change over time. Always confirm details with the official agency or program website before you apply or make decisions. This guide is for general information and is not legal, tax, or medical advice.

About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Review: May 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.