Residents of Mississippi who suffer an injury or mental condition that makes them unable to earn a living may be eligible for federal disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). In some states, persons with disabilities are also eligible to collect state short-term benefits, but Mississippi does not offer state benefits, making federal programs the primary source of disability assistance for Mississippi residents. Nor does Mississippi offer a state payment to supplement the federal SSI payment, unlike most other states.

Social Security Benefits for Disability

The two federal disability programs are SSDI (Social Security disability insurance) and SSI (supplemental security income). To apply, you can contact the Social Security field office nearest you, or you can call Social Security at 800-772-1213. You can also start your application online. But if you are applying for SSI, you must have a phone or in-person appointment to complete your application.

Disability Evaluation in Mississippi

Once Social Security determines that a Mississippian meets the basic eligibility requirements for SSI or SSDI, the agency sends the disability applicant's file to Mississippi’s Disability Determination Services (DDS). A claims examiner at DDS reviews the applicant's medical records and decides whether the applicant is disabled. When an applicant is approved for SSI, he or she is also automatically approved for Mississippi's Medicaid program.

DDS has one office in Mississippi, run by the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services:

Disability Determination Services
1281 Highway 51 North
Madison, MS 39110
800-962-2230

Disability Resources in Mississippi

Disability Rights Mississippi assists people with many disability-related issues, though it doesn't assist with Social Security disability applications. Here is its contact information:

Disability Rights Mississippi
210 E. Capitol Street Suite 600
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
601-968-0600

For help applying for disability or appealing a denial, you may want to arrange a consultation with a Mississippi disability attorney.

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