Mississippi Senior Assistance Programs, Benefits, and Grants (2025)
Key Senior Statistics in Mississippi (65 and over)
Senior Population: 516,492 (17.6%)
Male: 44.2%
Female: 55.8%
Median Age: 72.9
Disability: 40.9%
With Social Security Income: 89.5%
With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 9.5%
Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 15.8%
Data Source:
Data is taken from American Community Survey 2023. Please check our detailed page about Senior Statistics of Mississippi for more data and information.
Senior Benefits and Assistance Programs in Mississippi
Last updated: August 2025
Key takeaways:
- Start with your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). They are your front door to meals, home care, transportation, and caregiver help. Find your AAA using the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) directory.
- For help with energy bills, apply for LIHEAP and Weatherization through MDHS Community Services. Expect documentation requirements and possible waitlists.
- For healthcare questions or billing problems, call the free State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for unbiased Medicare counseling.
- For long-term care at home, ask about the Mississippi Medicaid Elderly & Disabled (E&D) Waiver. Slots are limited, so apply early.
- If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation, report it to Adult Protective Services (APS) immediately.
If you need emergency help:
- Call 911 for immediate danger or medical emergencies.
- Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation to Mississippi Adult Protective Services via MDHS: Report Adult Abuse to MDHS APS.
- For urgent local help with food, shelter, or bills, dial 211 or visit 211 Mississippi (United Way).
About Mississippi seniors today:
- According to U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, about 18% of Mississippi residents are age 65 or older. See: U.S. Census QuickFacts: Mississippi.
- Program rules and budgets change. Always confirm with the agency links provided here.
Quick help directory (save these)
| Need | Who to contact | How they help | Link/Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergencies | 911 | Police, fire, ambulance | Dial 911 |
| Crisis support | 988 Lifeline | 24/7 emotional support | Call or text 988 |
| Abuse, neglect, exploitation | MDHS Adult Protective Services (APS) | Takes and investigates reports | Report to APS |
| Find local services | 211 Mississippi | Food, shelter, bills, local programs | Search 211 MS |
| Medicare counseling | SHIP (via MDHS/AAAs) | Free, unbiased Medicare help | Find Medicare counseling |
| Medicaid rides | MTM (non-emergency medical transport) | Rides to medical visits for Medicaid members | MTM Mississippi Beneficiaries |
| Area Agencies on Aging | MDHS | Meals, home care, caregiver, senior centers | Find your AAA |
Start here: your Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Mississippi’s AAAs coordinate most Older Americans Act services: congregate and home-delivered meals, in-home help, caregiver support, transportation, and more. They are housed within regional Planning & Development Districts.
- What they do: Screen your needs, make referrals, and often enroll you directly in services.
- How to connect: Use the MDHS directory: Find Your Area Agency on Aging.
- Reality check: Some services have waitlists or priority for those with greatest need. Bring ID, proof of address, and income information when asked.
Money and bills: practical ways to cut costs
Cash assistance and income
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly benefit for people 65+ or disabled with limited income/assets. Apply or check eligibility at the Social Security Administration: SSI overview and application.
- Social Security retirement/survivors benefits: Manage your account, replacement cards, and appeals at Social Security (SSA).
Property tax relief (Homestead Exemption 65+)
Mississippi provides a significant homestead exemption for homeowners age 65+ or totally disabled. It can reduce or eliminate ad valorem property taxes on up to a set assessed value of your primary home.
- How to apply: Through your county tax assessor. Rules and deadlines apply.
- Learn more at the Mississippi Department of Revenue: Homestead Exemption (MS DOR).
- Tip: Take proof of age and disability status (if applicable) and proof the property is your primary residence.
Utilities: help with electric, gas, and weatherization
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Helps with heating/cooling bills for income-eligible households. Apply via MDHS Community Services: Mississippi LIHEAP. Expect to provide ID, Social Security numbers, proof of income, and utility bills.
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Pays for energy-saving repairs (insulation, air sealing, minor health and safety fixes). This can lower future bills. Apply through MDHS: Mississippi WAP.
- Utility company programs:
- Mississippi Power payment assistance: Mississippi Power Payment Assistance.
- Atmos Energy bill help: Atmos Energy assistance options.
- CenterPoint Energy customer assistance: CenterPoint bill help.
- Entergy Mississippi customers: check for The Power to Care and other options: Entergy Mississippi assistance.
- Tip: Ask your utility about levelized billing to smooth out seasonal spikes.
One-time and emergency financial help
- Salvation Army (MS/AL/LA region): May help with rent, utilities, food, and emergencies (varies by county): Salvation Army Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi.
- Catholic Charities (regional): Housing and crisis help in some areas: Catholic Charities of South Mississippi.
- Reality check: Funds are limited and not guaranteed. Call early in the week and have documents ready.
Health coverage, Medicare, and Medicaid
Use this snapshot to see where to start:
| Program | Who it helps | What it covers | Where to apply/get help |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare (Parts A–D) | Most people 65+ | Hospital, doctor, drug coverage (varies by plan) | Medicare.gov |
| SHIP counseling | All Medicare beneficiaries | Free, unbiased plan comparisons, billing help, appeals | Mississippi SHIP via MDHS/AAAs |
| Medicaid (ABD) | Aged, Blind, Disabled with limited income/assets | Secondary coverage; may help with premiums and copays | MS Division of Medicaid |
| Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) | Lower-income Medicare enrollees | Help paying Medicare Part A/B premiums and sometimes cost-sharing | MS Medicaid MSP info |
| Extra Help (LIS) | Lower-income with Medicare Part D | Lowers drug plan premiums, deductibles, copays | SSA’s Extra Help |
| SMP (fraud prevention) | All Medicare beneficiaries | Help report billing errors, fraud, scams | Senior Medicare Patrol |
Medicare basics and help picking a plan
- Compare plans and check covered drugs at Medicare Plan Finder.
- Get free counseling from SHIP through your AAA: Find Medicare counseling in Mississippi.
- Reality check: Sales calls can be confusing. SHIP is unbiased and won’t try to sell you a plan.
Medicaid for seniors (Aged, Blind, and Disabled)
- Mississippi Division of Medicaid runs coverage for seniors with limited income and assets, including help with Medicare costs. Start here: MS Medicaid for Elderly & Disabled.
- Long-term services & supports (LTSS): Home- and community-based services (HCBS) through waivers may help you remain at home.
- Elderly & Disabled (E&D) Waiver: In-home personal care, homemaker services, case management, respite, and more. See DOM waivers: Mississippi Medicaid Waivers.
- Nursing facility services: If needed, your AAA and Medicaid can explain options.
- Tip: Waivers often have limited “slots.” Apply early and keep your paperwork organized.
Prescription drug savings
- Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy): Lowers Part D costs. Apply at SSA: Apply for Extra Help.
- Discount cards: Mississippi Drug Card (not insurance) can offer retail discounts: Mississippi Drug Card. Always compare prices with your Part D/Medicare Advantage plan.
Consumer protection
- Suspect Medicare fraud or billing errors? Contact Senior Medicare Patrol: Report Medicare fraud (SMP).
- General consumer scams: Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection: MS AG Consumer Protection.
Food and nutrition
Healthy food is essential and there are multiple programs that can help:
| Program | Who it helps | What you get | Where to apply/learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Americans Act Nutrition | 60+ | Congregate meals at senior centers; home-delivered meals for homebound | MDHS Senior Nutrition Services via your AAA |
| SNAP (Food Stamps) | Low-income households | Monthly EBT benefits to buy groceries | Mississippi SNAP (MDHS) |
| CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) | 60+ with qualifying income | Monthly food package to supplement diet | MDHS Economic Assistance – CSFP |
| Meals on Wheels (local) | 60+ and homebound (varies) | Home-delivered meals and safety checks | Ask your AAA or search 211: 211 Mississippi |
| Food banks | All ages, income-based at sites | Groceries from pantry partners | Mississippi Food Network |
Tips and reality checks:
- Bring ID, proof of address, and income documentation when applying.
- If you cannot cook or travel safely, tell your AAA; home-delivered meals may be an option.
- SNAP has special rules for seniors, including medical expense deductions—ask MDHS or a benefits counselor how to apply them.
Housing, rent, and home repairs
Finding safe, affordable housing or maintaining your home can be challenging. Here’s where to look:
| Program | What it offers | Who qualifies | Where to apply/learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) | Rent subsidy paid to landlord | Low-income households; long waitlists are common | HUD: Renting in Mississippi and your local housing authority |
| Public Housing | Reduced-rent apartments | Low-income seniors and families | Find public housing contacts (HUD) |
| Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) | Affordable housing resources and listings | Renters and homeowners | Mississippi Home Corporation |
| USDA Section 504 Home Repair | Grants (62+) and low-interest loans to fix health/safety issues | Rural, low-income homeowners | USDA Repair Loans & Grants in MS |
| Weatherization Assistance | Energy-saving repairs | Low-income households | MS WAP (MDHS) |
| Homelessness services | Emergency shelter and rehousing help | People at risk or experiencing homelessness | Call 211 or your local Continuum of Care via HUD CoC contacts |
Notes:
- Section 8 and public housing waitlists open and close. Check regularly and apply to multiple housing authorities if you can travel.
- For home modifications (ramps, grab bars), ask your AAA and also check nonprofits like:
- Habitat for Humanity Aging in Place: Habitat Aging in Place
- Rebuilding Together Safe at Home: Rebuilding Together – Safe at Home
Transportation
- Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT): If you have Medicaid, schedule rides to medical appointments through MTM. Book 3 business days in advance when possible: MTM Mississippi Beneficiaries.
- Public transit: The Mississippi Department of Transportation supports regional and county transit with accessible vehicles and reduced fares for older adults. See routes and providers: ConnectMS (MDOT Public Transit).
- Tip: Ask your AAA about volunteer driver programs or ride vouchers in your county.
Care at home, caregiving, and long-term care
- Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Through the Medicaid Elderly & Disabled Waiver (and other waivers), eligible seniors may receive in-home personal care, homemaker help, adult day services, and respite. Learn more: Mississippi Medicaid Waiver Programs.
- Family caregiver support: AAAs provide training, respite, support groups, and limited supplies under the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Connect via your AAA: AAA directory.
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Independent advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living who help resolve complaints: MS Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
- PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly): In some areas, PACE provides comprehensive medical and social services to those who qualify. Check availability using Medicare’s PACE finder: About PACE (Medicare).
- Reality check: Services often prioritize those with the highest needs and tight budgets. Keep a list of your daily care needs; it helps assessors document your eligibility.
Work, training, and volunteering
- Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP): Paid part-time training for job seekers age 55+ with low income. Mississippi’s program is coordinated by MDES and national partners. Learn more and apply: MDES Senior Employment Program (SCSEP) and AARP Foundation SCSEP.
- Benefits of SCSEP: Recent work experience, new skills, and help with job search. Expect a waitlist in some counties.
Dental and medical clinics (low-cost or free)
Coverage for dental care is limited for many seniors. These clinics may help:
- Jackson Free Clinic (dental services on limited schedule; free to eligible patients): Patient information – Jackson Free Clinic.
- Good Samaritan Health Services (Tupelo area): Tupelo Free Clinic.
- Lantern Clinic (faith-based; dental and medical in some areas): Lantern Clinic patient info.
- Dental Lifeline Network – Donated Dental Services (comprehensive dental care for seniors with disabilities or medically fragile; long waitlists): Mississippi Donated Dental Services.
- Mississippi State Department of Health: County health clinics and services: MSDH main site.
Reality check: Clinics often require proof of residency and income. Services and schedules vary, and appointments can be limited.
Legal help and protection
- Free civil legal aid:
- Mississippi Center for Legal Services (southern/central MS): MS Legal Services.
- North Mississippi Rural Legal Services (northern MS): NMRLS.
- What they handle: Public benefits issues, housing/evictions, advance directives, consumer problems, and elder law matters.
- Elder justice:
- Report abuse/neglect/exploitation to APS: MDHS APS.
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman for facility residents: Ombudsman program.
- Consumer scams: MS Attorney General – Consumer Protection.
Special populations and inclusive resources
LGBTQ+ seniors
- National SAGE resources: Friendly support, housing info, and the National LGBT Elder Hotline (877-360-LGBT). See: SAGE – Services & Advocacy for LGBT Elders.
- National Resource Center on LGBT Aging: Guides for caregivers and seniors: LGBT Aging Center.
- Tips: Tell your AAA or legal aid if you want help with affirming providers, advance directives, or name/gender marker guidance. Policies can differ by provider; ask upfront.
Veterans and military families
- Mississippi Veterans Affairs (MSVA): State veterans homes, benefits assistance, and resources: Mississippi VA (state).
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:
- VA health care, disability, pensions, and Aid & Attendance: VA benefits.
- Find VA facilities in Mississippi: Find VA locations.
- SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families): Help with housing stability, arrears, and case management via local grantees. Learn about SSVF: VA SSVF program overview.
- Tip: Bring your DD-214 when seeking services.
Seniors with disabilities
- Medicaid ABD and HCBS waivers: See MS Medicaid – Elderly & Disabled.
- Assistive technology: Mississippi’s statewide assistive tech program can help with device loans and demonstrations. See the national directory to locate Mississippi’s program: AT Act Programs Directory (AT3 Center).
- Vocational rehab (for those seeking work): Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Tribal resources (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians)
- Tribal members should contact tribal offices for elder services, health care, transport, and nutrition programs:
- Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Government: Choctaw Government Services.
- Choctaw Health Center: Choctaw Health.
- Native veterans: Work with Tribal Veterans Service Officers where available, and MSVA/VA.
Rural seniors and limited access areas
- Home repairs and accessibility: USDA Rural Development Section 504 grants/loans: USDA Repair Loans & Grants (MS).
- Transportation: Check MDOT regional transit and AAA ride programs: ConnectMS.
- Phone/internet: If ACP has ended in your area, ask about the FCC Lifeline program for discounted phone/internet: FCC Lifeline.
- Telehealth: Ask your providers about telehealth options and verify that your plan covers them.
Finding and using local help: by region
Use the MDHS AAA directory to identify your Planning & Development District (PDD) and local AAA. They connect you to meals, home care, SHIP, caregiver support, and transportation.
- Directory: Area Agencies on Aging – MDHS
Common regions include:
- Central Mississippi Planning & Development District (includes Jackson area)
- Southern Mississippi Planning & Development District (Gulf Coast)
- North Central, Northeast, East Central, Southwest, Three Rivers, Golden Triangle, Delta, and Southwest PDDs
Tip: When you call, have your Medicare/Medicaid cards, a list of medications, and your monthly income and expenses handy. It speeds up the screening.
Program finder at a glance
Use this table to jump to the right place:
| Goal | Best first step | Backup option |
|---|---|---|
| Meals at home | Call your AAA: AAA directory | Call 211: 211 Mississippi |
| Lower power bills | Apply for LIHEAP: MDHS LIHEAP | Ask your utility about payment plans |
| In-home care | Ask AAA about HCBS and E&D Waiver | MS Medicaid LTSS |
| Medicaid/Medicare bills | Call SHIP via your AAA | MS Medicaid – ABD |
| Affordable rent | Check HUD MS and your Housing Authority | HUD Renting in MS |
| Home repairs | USDA Section 504 (62+) | Weatherization via MDHS |
Transportation and medical appointments: what to expect
- Scheduling: Medicaid rides typically require booking 3 business days ahead. Same-day rides may be limited to urgent needs. See MTM Mississippi.
- Accessibility: Ask for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle when you schedule.
- No Medicaid? Ask your AAA about discounted public transit, volunteer drivers, or vouchers through ConnectMS (MDOT).
Staying safe from scams and fraud
- Never give your Medicare number to unknown callers.
- Check that your provider, plan, or agency is on an official site:
- Medicare: Medicare.gov
- Medicaid: MS Medicaid
- MDHS/AAA: MDHS Older Adults Services
- Report suspicious calls: Senior Medicare Patrol or the MS AG Consumer Protection Division.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- How do I apply for Medicaid as a senior in Mississippi?
- Start with the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. You can apply online, by mail, or at a regional office. See eligibility and application info for Aged, Blind, and Disabled Medicaid: MS Medicaid – Elderly & Disabled. If you need help, your AAA can guide you.
- Will Mississippi help pay my Medicare Part B premium?
- Yes, if you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, or QI). These programs are run by Mississippi Medicaid. Learn more and apply: Medicare Savings Programs in MS.
- I can’t afford my prescriptions. What can I do?
- Apply for Extra Help (LIS) to lower your Part D costs: SSA Extra Help. You can also compare drug prices and ask about the Mississippi Drug Card (a discount program, not insurance).
- How can I get meals delivered to my home?
- Call your AAA to ask for home-delivered meals. Start here: AAA directory. If you’re not eligible or there’s a waitlist, call 211: 211 Mississippi.
- Where can I get help with power bills?
- Apply for LIHEAP through MDHS: Mississippi LIHEAP. Ask your utility company about any company-sponsored help or payment plans (see: Mississippi Power assistance, Atmos Energy assistance, CenterPoint assistance).
- Is there property tax relief for seniors?
- Yes. Mississippi has a homestead exemption for homeowners age 65+ or totally disabled. Contact your county tax assessor and see MS DOR guidance: Homestead Exemption (MS DOR).
- Can I get in-home help without going to a nursing home?
- Possibly. Ask your AAA about Older Americans Act in-home services. If you have Medicaid or qualify, ask about the Elderly & Disabled Waiver: MS Medicaid Waivers.
- How do I get a ride to the doctor?
- If you have Medicaid, schedule NEMT through MTM: MTM Mississippi Beneficiaries. Otherwise, ask your AAA about local transit or volunteer rides: ConnectMS.
- Where can I get legal help to write a power of attorney or advanced directive?
- Contact legal aid: Mississippi Center for Legal Services or North Mississippi Rural Legal Services.
- I’m a veteran. Who can help me navigate benefits?
- Start with Mississippi Veterans Affairs for state services: MSVA and the VA for federal benefits: VA benefits portal. For housing stability, ask about SSVF through local providers: VA SSVF.
Helpful resources (official and established)
- Mississippi Department of Human Services – Older Adults: MDHS Services for Seniors
- Area Agencies on Aging: Find your AAA
- Mississippi Division of Medicaid: MS Medicaid home
- Medicare: Medicare.gov
- Social Security/SSI: SSA.gov
- SNAP (Food Stamps) Mississippi: MDHS SNAP
- LIHEAP Mississippi: MDHS LIHEAP
- Weatherization Mississippi: MDHS WAP
- Housing & Section 8 (HUD MS): HUD – Renting in Mississippi
- USDA Home Repair (Section 504): USDA RD MS – Repair Loans & Grants
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: MDHS Ombudsman
- Adult Protective Services: Report to APS
- Mississippi Department of Transportation – Transit: ConnectMS
- Mississippi Department of Revenue – Homestead: MS DOR Homestead Exemption
- U.S. Census QuickFacts – Mississippi: Census QuickFacts
Reality checks, tips, and next steps
- Documentation matters: Most programs require a photo ID, proof of address, proof of income, and sometimes bank statements. Keep a folder with copies.
- Waitlists happen: Don’t get discouraged. Ask to be waitlisted and request referrals to other options.
- Appeal rights: If you’re denied, ask for the reason in writing and how to appeal. SHIP and legal aid can help.
- Beware of “too good to be true” offers: Verify on official sites listed above.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only. Program details, eligibility, amounts, and procedures can change. Always verify current information with the agency or organization using the links provided.
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: August 2025
- Sources Verified: August 2025
- Next Review: February 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.
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