Other State and Federal Benefits

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PLEASE NOTE: This section will be expanded to cover other topics.

Last updated 10/3/2005.

Contents

Food Stamps

What Are Food Stamps?

The Food Stamp Program enables lowincome families to buy nutritious food with coupons and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Food stamp recipients spend their benefits to buy eligible food in authorized retail food stores.

Who Is Eligible To Receive Food Stamps?

In order to qualify for Mississippi's Food Stamp Program, you must be a resident of the State of Mississippi AND your current bank balance (savings and checking accounts combined) must be under $2,001. If you share your household with either a person age 60 or over or a person with a disability, your current bank balance (savings and checking accounts combined) must be under $3,001. For a chart regarding income maximums for receiving food stamps, please visit http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/applicant_recipients/income.htm.

There are rules on resource limits, income limits, and rules on allowable deductions from income that must be applied to determine eligibility to receive food stamps. Furthermore, there are certain employment requirements. These can be found at the Food and Nutrition Service/Department of Agriculture website at http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/applicant_recipients/eligibility.htm

There are also special rules for the elderly and the disabled. These rules can be found at http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/rules/Elderly_Disabled.htm.

How Do I Apply?

In order to apply for food stamps, an individual must visit the visit their local county Department of Human Services Economic Assistance office. They will accept the application the day it is turned in, even if an interview is unavailable at that time. After the office receives the application, a worker will hold an interview with either the client, another member of the household, or an authorized representative of the household in order to gather information. After verification procedures are completed, the household will be notified by mail regarding their eligibility, the amount of the benefit, certification period and issuance procedure. If you qualify for food stamps, the household will receive the food stamps no later than 30 days from the date which the office receives the outcome. Please see below for information regarding expedited application process.

For a list of Mississippi counties' Department of Human Services Economic Assistance offices, visit http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/eadirectory1.htm.

Is There A Way To Expedite The Application Process?

Expedited food stamps are available. To be eligible for expedited food stamps, a person must have less than $150 in gross monthly income, less than $100 in liquid resources, have a combined gross household income less than the household's expenses. Eligible applicants must receive food stamps within seven calendar days of the application.

Through October 15, 2005, the State will certify evacuees from areas affected by Katrina under the expedited service rule.

How Much Can I Receive?

The amount of money in food stamps depends upon income, resources and expenses as well as the size of the household. In 2000, a single older person received, on average, $44 monthly. The maximum amounts receivable are $139 for one person, $256 for a couple and $366 for three people.

Are There Replacement Food Stamps Available?

Following the declaration of disaster, the Secretary of Agriculture, must issue food stamps to replace food destroyed during the disaster. Replacement food stamps are required to be at least equivalent to the amount of food lost, but cannot be greater than the applicable monthly allotment for the household.

Louisiana residents who have lost their card and do not know their EBT card number should call 18663348304 or 18889971117. Mississippi residents who have lost their card and do not know their EBT card number should call 18664499488. Alabama residents who have lost their card and do not know their EBT card number should call 18009978888 or 18665125087.

Are The Requirements For Obtaining Food Stamps Relaxed For Evacuees?

Yes. The Food Stamp Program is implementing a onemonth policy for evacuees who have left Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi because of Hurricane Katrina referred to as The National Enhanced Policy for Evacuees. This policy applies in all states, the District of Columbia, and the territories only for the month of September, 2005. Any evacuee household may receive a onemonth maximum food stamp benefit. Eligibility is based on evacuee status.

How Much Will I Receive Under The National Enhanced Policy for Evacuees?

The household will receive the maximum allotment for its household size. Only one monthly allotment may be issued (for September or October). The state will ask about household size and use that information to calculate the allotment. The state will treat the evacuee household as a separate household even if the evacuee household purchases and prepares meals with others.

Are There Income Or Resource Eligibility Requirements Under The National Enhanced Policy for Evacuees?

No. There are no income or resource eligibility tests. There are no other nonfinancial tests. And, the state will not ask about deductible expenses.

How Do I Prove That I Am An Eligible Evacuee?

The state will verify every applicant's identity to the extent possible. The $2,000 debit card issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sufficient. For other criteria, the other documentation, collateral contacts, or the applicant's selfdeclaration will be sufficient.

TANF

What Is TANF?

TANF is Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The TANF program, administered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), provides assistance for needy families with children up to age 18 years without regard to race, creed, color, gender, age, disability or national origin. Monthly TANF money payments are made for children and their caretaker relatives who do not have enough income or resources to meet their everyday needs by state Program standards.

What Time Limits Are Imposed For TANF Benefits?

An eligible family, which includes an adult in the family seeking assistance, may receive TANF for no more than 60 months lifetime benefits unless they meet certain exceptions. Also, no benefits will be paid if the TANF parent or needy caretaker relative is not participating in an approved work activity after being determined "work ready", or no longer than 24 months (within the 60 month lifetime maximum), whether or not consecutive, after receiving benefits, whichever comes first.

How Is Eligibility Determined For A TANF Family?

When an application is received, a worker will conduct an investigation to see whether the family is eligible according to all TANF eligibility factors. The parent or caretaker relative will receive a notice by mail within 30 days telling whether the family is approved for a TANF money payment, the amount, start date, etc.

Factors Involved In Determining Whether The Family Can Be Eligible For TANF Include:

Deprivation: The child or children must be deprived of one or both parents by reason of absence, incapacity or unemployment.

Income: The family's total income must be considered in determining whether the basic needs of the child can be met. Certain income can be disregarded, but all must be reported.

Resources: In order to be eligible, the family seeking TANF assistance must not own property (other than the home) or have cash or other resources that have a combined value of over $2,000. The value of one vehicle will be totally excluded and the fair market value of a second vehicle is tested at $4650 with any surplus value combined with other cash resources up to the $2000 limit.

Child Support Requirements: A parent or relative who applies for and accepts a TANF money payment for children due to the continued absence of a parent must assign to the state support rights for the children. The parent or relative must also assist the state in obtaining support from the absent parent, including establishing paternity for children born outofwedlock.

How Much Will The TANF Payment Be?

The amount of the TANF payment is based on the family's income. When the income does not meet the TANF Program Need Standard, the family may be approved for a money payment up to the State maximum for that household size. Monthly payments in Mississippi are limited to no more than:

$110 for the first person

$36 for the second person

$24 for each additional person


What About Work Requirements For TANF?

All adults in the assistance unit must participate satisfactorily in the TANF Work Program unless they meet a work exemption, i.e., incapacitation, age 60 or above, caring for a disabled household member, a person in the third trimester of pregnancy, caring for a child under 12 months old, treatment for substance abuse, or victims of domestic violence.

Who Receives Medicaid In TANF?

Eligible children and their caretakers who receive a TANF money payment are also eligible for Medicaid benefits each month. Certain children and pregnant women who are not eligible through TANF may qualify for Medicaid in other Medicaidonly programs.

What Happens When A Person's TANF Case Is Closed?

The TANF family may continue to receive Medicaid only benefits for an extended period of up to 4 or 12 months if the case is closed because of increased child support or earnings. The family may also qualify for help in paying for child care through the Transitional Child Care (TCC) program and with transitional transportation services when this is needed in order to continue employment.

MEDICAID, CHIP, WIC

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a system funded by the federal government and the states, but administered by the individual states. Medicaid reimburses participating health care providers for services rendered to Medicaid recipients. Recipients of Medicaid should ALWAYS ask the medical provider if they are a "participating Medicaid provider" because it is a voluntary system.

In light of Hurricane Katrina, the criteria for becoming a Medicaid provider have been lowered so that more health care service providers can qualify to be reimbursed by Medicaid.

Who Qualifies For Medicaid?

The first requirement for Medicaid recipients is that they must be either a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Second, the applicant must be a resident of the state in which they apply.

There are seven possible categories under which a person may be eligible to receive Medicaid coverage: These include

  1. Supplemental Security Income Category Medicaid (available, based on income criteria, for persons 65 or over, legally blind, or disabled)
  2. Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) (available to presons eligible for Medicare Part A, and who meet the income guidelines)
  3. Specified LowIncome Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB) & Qualified Individuals1 (QI1)
  4. Working and Disabled (WD) (Benefits to low-income persons who work at least 40 hours a week but who are disabled)
  5. Disabled Children Living at Home (DCLAH)(benefits available to children under 18 who are disabled and cared for at home rather than a nursing facility, also based on income)
  6. Poverty Level, Aged, and Disabled (PLAD) (available to applicants who are low-income and over 65 or disabled) (continuation of this benefit is currently being litigated)
  7. Breast & Cervical Cancer Category

Each program has separate specific income and resource requirements.

How Do I File For Medicaid?

Applicants must file for Medicaid in person at their local Medicaid office. The telephone numbers for these offices are set out in the Appendix to this section.

What Is CHIP?

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a joint federal/state program that provides health insurance coverage to lowincome uninsured children. Benefits under CHIP include all benefits under the State and School Employees' Health Insurance Plan as well as vision and hearing screening, eyeglasses, hearing aids, immunizations, preventive dental care, and routine dental fillings. There are no exclusions for preexisting conditions.

How Is CHIP Different From Medicaid?

CHIP is designed to provide health care insurance for children in families without health insurance or with inadequate health insurance. It does not replace Medicaid; in fact, children on Medicaid are precluded from CHIP participation. CHIP is a coalition of public, nonprofit and private healthrelated organizations who are committed to improving the health of Mississippi's Children.

How Much Does CHIP Cost?

CHIP insurance is free for families with incomes less than 150% of the Federal poverty scale. For families with incomes below 200% of the poverty scale, there is a small copayment for expenses up to 5% of income, after which CHIP is free for the rest of the year.

Who, In Mississippi, Administers CHIP?

The Program in Mississippi is administered jointly by the Division of Medicaid and the Department of Finance and Administration. The Division of Medicaid is responsible for management of federal and state funds, outreach and communication, eligibility determination and enrollment, reporting, and overall management of the Program. The Division contracts with the Health Insurance Management Board, acting administratively through the Department of Finance and Administration, to administer the separate insurance plan that provides health insurance coverage to those children determined eligible by the Division. Health insurance coverage is currently provided by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi.

Who Is Eligible?

Children from birth to age 19 and pregnant women who do not have currently have health insurance and have income levels up to 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible for CHIP. CHIP operates two separate programs. CHIP Phase I Uninsured children, ages 15 to 19, whose gross family income is up to 100% of the federal income limit are eligible. For example, for a family of three making less than $1,157 per month, the child (or children) would be eligible for coverage. CHIP Phase II Uninsured children, ages birth to 19, whose gross family income is up to 200% of the federal income limit are eligible. For example, for a family of three making less than $2,314 per month, the child (or children) would be eligible for coverage.


Where Can I apply?

Applications must be made at the Medicaid Regional Office that covers the county where the applicant lives. All applications must be made in person. For more information about the Medicaid Regional Office nearest you, visit http://www.dom.state.ms.us/. You must provide proof of one month's family income (such as a paycheck stub) along with the application. Each adult or child applying must provide their Social Security number on the application. Eligibility is continuous for one year.

Are CHIP Benefits Retroactive?

No, CHIP benefits are not retroactive. Benefits start when you are approved and will not pay for past medical bills.

Is There Special Assistance for Those Affected by the Hurricane?

The Division of Medicaid is waiting for special clearance to release requirements. Anyone effected who thinks they might be eligible for CHIP or Medicaid should fill out the necessary paperwork at one of the Medicaid Regional Offices. Currently the Picayune and Gulfport Regional Medicaid Offices are closed.

Who Can I Contact If I Want More Information?

Call 1877KIDSNOW (18775437669)

What Is WIC?

WIC is The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition counseling, and referrals to health and other social services to participants at no charge. WIC serves low income pregnant, postpartum, and breast feeding women, and infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk.

If I Have Relocated To Another State, Can I Still Use My September WIC Food Instruments?

Yes. WIC officials in Louisiana and Mississippi have agreed that September food instruments may be used at any WICauthorized vendor in any state in the United States. But remember, the Mississippi food instruments can't be redeemed in grocery stores.

What If I Am From Mississippi, But I Can't Find A WIC Distribution Center In My New Location?

If no WIC distribution center is available, but you still need food assistance, you should be referred to other emergency assistance programs. Check with your local officials to find what programs are available in your new location.

What If The Vendor Doesn't Have The Same Formula Listed On My Food Instrument?

You should try to get the same item listed, but if that's impossible, the vendor can substitute another similar WICapproved item from the WIC list.

What If I'm Still In A Different State After September?

You must contact that state's local WIC office in order to recertify and receive additional food instruments. Vendors should remind you of this when you redeem your September instruments.

What If All My Important Documents Were Destroyed In The Hurricane?

WIC officials have agreed to waive the normal required documentation of identity, residency and income for WIC applicants affected by the disaster in order to make it easier for you to get food assistance. You may be required to sign papers confirming your identity and residency. You may also be required to sign a statement specifying the reason you can't document your income.

Do I Have To Live In The New Location For A Certain Time Before I Can Receive WIC Aid?

No. Under § 246.7(l)(2) of the WIC regulations, as long as you are willing to sign papers certifying your identity and current location, WIC will not require that you have been there a certain length of time before you can get food assistance. Be aware, though, that the center may choose to certify you for a shorter than normal period of time, at their discretion, according to WIC regulation § 246.7(g)(2).

What If I Can't Afford Or Find Gasoline To Go To My WIC Center?

Between September and December 2005, WIC distribution centers can mail up to three months' worth of food instruments to you, as long as you are not scheduled for a recertification visit. The centers are required to take certain mailing precautions to prevent theft while the instruments are on their way to you. If you are scheduled for a nutrition education visit, you can still have instruments mailed to you for the time being, but you have to reschedule the visit. Centers can give up to one month of food instruments until you can reschedule, per §246.7(g)(3) of WIC regulations.

What If I'm Having A Lot Of Trouble Scheduling A Visit To My WIC Center?

If your WIC center is experiencing a staff shortage, and this is causing the problem, then § 246.7(g)(3) of the WIC regulations lets them either shorten or extend your certification up to thirty days, at their discretion. This applies to breastfeeding women, infants, and children five years old or younger.

Social Security/SSI

What If I Did Not Receive My Latest Social Security Or SSI Benefits? == If you are accustomed to receiving paper checks, be aware that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has suspended mail service in some areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. While the USPS initially set up temporary mail delivery stations for people to pick up their Social Security checks, after September 8, the USPS will forward all unclaimed checks to the forwarding address listed in your file. Letters that cannot be forwarded will be returned to the Social Security Administration. If you experience any difficulty receiving your payment, you can go to any open Social Security office and request immediate payment.

If you receive your Social Security payment by direct deposit, your Social Security payment is scheduled to be deposited to your bank account as usual. However, if you experience any difficulty getting your payment, you can go to any open Social Security office and request an immediate payment.

While retrieving your check from any open Social Security office, you can also give an address for receipt of your next check.

How Do I Notify The Social Security Administration That My Address Has Changed?

If you currently receive Social Security benefits you can change your address online by visiting http://www.ssa.gov/coa and answering a series of questions that have to match the records kept by the Social Security Administration.

You can also change your address on the Internet if you have established a permanent password. If you do not have a password and would like get one, you Social Security benefits, you can apply online by visiting the Social Security website or calling 18007721213.

If you do not want to answer the questions that are asked online or you do not have a permanent password, you cannot submit a change of address online. Instead, you can either speak to a Social Security representative by calling 18007721213 or you can contract a local Social Security office. You can get addresses and telephone numbers of open offices from the Social Security Office Locator at http://www.ssa.gov/locator/ or by calling 18007721213.


Can I Be Eligible For SSI Now Even If I Was Not Eligible Before?

If you are blind, over the age of 65, or disabled and cannot perform any kind of work, you should apply for benefits at the Social Security office nearest you. You can also start an application by calling the Social Security Administration's toll free telephone number 18007721213. Once Social Security has all the necessary documentation, such as proof of earnings, and medical evidence of disability, it will send you a written decision. If you are denied and you think you are eligible, you should file a request for reconsideration within 60 days of the date of the initial decision. If you are denied again, you should request a hearing and contact Legal Services.

Are There Any Other Benefits Besides Old Age And Disability Benefits For Which I Might Be Eligible?

Yes. You may be eligible for other kinds of Social Security or SSI benefits, on your own account, or on the account of another if you want to retire, or you are an aged or disabled widow or widower, or you are the dependent family member of a disabled, retired or deceased worker. If you think you are eligible for any of these benefits, you should contact the Social Security Administration and apply.

How Do I Replace My Social Security Card?

In order to replace your Social Security card, you must complete form SS5 ("Application for a Social Security Card"). This form is available at your nearest open Social Security office or outreach site. You can also obtain form SS5 by calling 18007721213 or downloading form SS5 at http://www.ssa.gov.

You should go to the nearest open Social Security office to apply for your replacement card in person. They will give you a print out of your card at the local office.

You will be required to show proper identification (ID) when applying for a replacement card. Proper identification can include a driver's license, marriage or divorce records, military records, adoption records, life insurance policy, health insurance card, or school ID card. The Social Security Administration will not accept birth certificates or hospital birth records as evidence of identity.

How Do I Report A Death To The Social Security Administration?

You can report a death to the Social Security Administration by calling 18007721213 and speaking to a service representative between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on any business day. When you call, make sure you have the deceased person's Social Security number handy. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 18003250778 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on any business day.

If you are getting benefits on your spouse's record when he or she dies, the Social Security Administration will change your payments to Survivor's benefits. If you are getting benefits on your own record, you can apply for Survivor's benefits. Call or visit an open Social Security office to find out whether you are eligible for money as a widow or widower.

Current benefits for children will automatically change to Survivor's benefits after the death is reported to the Social Security Administration.


Where Can I Find The Telephone Numbers For The Medicaid Regional Offices In Mississippi?

Brandon 6018250477 Kosciusko 6622894477 Brookhaven 6018593230 McComb 6012492071 Clarksdale 6626271493 Meridian 601 4839944 Cleveland 6628437753 Natchez 6014454971 Columbia 6017312271 New Albany 6625340441 Columbus 6623292190 Newton 6016832581 Corinth 6622868091 Pascagoula 2287629591 Greenville 6623329370 Philadelphia 6016563131 Greenwood 6624551053 Picayune 6017980831 Grenada 6622264406 Senatobia 6625620147 Gulfport 2288633328 Starkville 6623233688 Hattiesburg 6012645386 Tupelo 6628445304 Holly Springs 6622523439 Vicksburg 6016386137 Jackson 601961 4361 Yazoo City 6627462309

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