SNAP Eligibility Calculator – Mississippi

SNAP Eligibility Calculator (Mississippi)

Determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Mississippi with our easy-to-use calculator. Enter your household details below to estimate your monthly benefits for 2025. This tool provides an estimate based on federal and state guidelines.

Include people you live with and buy food with.

Your household includes everyone who lives with you, shares meals, and buys food together in Mississippi. This typically includes spouses, children, and other relatives or roommates who share food expenses. Count each person, including infants and elderly members.

In Mississippi, urban areas (e.g., cities) may have different living costs compared to rural areas. Select 'Rural' if you live in a less populated area, which may affect utility deductions.

An elderly person is 60 or older. A disabled person in Mississippi includes those receiving disability benefits (e.g., SSDI) or with a condition that limits daily activities. Households with elderly or disabled members may qualify for higher deductions and asset limits.

In Mississippi, students enrolled at least half-time in higher education may not qualify for SNAP unless they meet exemptions, such as working 20+ hours/week, caring for a child, or being disabled. Select 'Yes' if any household member is a student.

Include wages before taxes.

Include all earned income in Mississippi, such as wages, salaries, tips, or self-employment income before taxes or deductions. For hourly workers, estimate monthly income by multiplying weekly hours by your hourly rate and then by 4.33 (average weeks per month).

Include Social Security, disability, etc.

Other income in Mississippi includes unearned income like Social Security, disability payments, pensions, unemployment benefits, or child support received. Do not include loans, gifts, or one-time payments.

Include bank accounts, exclude home.

Resources in Mississippi include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and vehicles (excluding one primary vehicle). Do not include your home, retirement accounts, or personal property. The limit is $3,000 ($4,500 if elderly/disabled).

Include costs paid for childcare or care for disabled adults in Mississippi to allow you to work, seek employment, or attend training. Examples: daycare, babysitters, or in-home care. Enter the total monthly amount paid.

Enter legally obligated child support payments you make in Mississippi. This deduction only applies if you pay court-ordered child support to someone outside your household. Do not include voluntary payments.

Include your monthly rent or mortgage payment in Mississippi. For homeowners, include principal and interest. Do not include utilities or other housing costs here; those are entered separately.

Include insurance, taxes, HOA fees.

In Mississippi, housing costs include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees for homeowners, or renter’s insurance for renters. Do not include utilities like electricity or water; those are entered below.

You are considered homeless in Mississippi if you lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes living in shelters, vehicles, or public spaces. Homeless households may qualify for a standard deduction and relaxed eligibility rules.

Select all utility bills you pay in Mississippi. Heating/cooling includes gas or electric bills for HVAC or LIHEAP payments over $20. 'Other' includes garbage or sewer fees. These affect your shelter deduction, which can increase your SNAP benefits.

If your household includes an elderly or disabled member in Mississippi, enter out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35/month. This includes prescriptions, doctor visits, medical equipment, or insurance premiums.

What are the income limits for SNAP in Mississippi?

Mississippi uses the federal SNAP income limits. Your household must meet the gross and net income test. The calculator applies the Mississippi SNAP income chart based on household size.

How much can a 1 person household get in food stamps in Mississippi?

Maximum benefit for a 1-person household is about $291/month (FY2025). The calculator estimates your exact amount after deductions like rent, utilities, and medical costs.

Can I qualify for SNAP in Mississippi if I’m unemployed right now?

Yes. SNAP eligibility in Mississippi is based mainly on household income — not your work status. “Zero income” situations can still qualify.

Do rent and utility bills affect SNAP benefits in Mississippi?

Yes. Mississippi uses Standard Utility Allowances (SUA). High rent + utilities can raise your shelter deduction, increasing benefit amount on the calculator.

Do SSI, SSDI and Social Security count as income for SNAP in Mississippi?

Yes — you must include Social Security retirement, SSDI and SSI when entering income in the calculator. They are counted as unearned income.

Can students qualify for SNAP in Mississippi?

Yes — but they must meet special student exemptions such as work hours, disability, work-study, or taking care of a dependent child. The calculator helps evaluate student eligibility.

Do medical bills increase SNAP benefits for seniors in Mississippi?

Yes. Households with someone age 60+ or disabled can deduct out-of-pocket medical costs. This may increase the SNAP estimate shown in the calculator.

Does Mississippi have a SNAP asset limit?

Most Mississippi SNAP households have no asset test due to broad-based eligibility. Some special cases for elderly or disabled may still have resource review.

Can gig workers like Uber and DoorDash qualify for SNAP in Mississippi?

Yes — gig income (Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, etc.) counts as earned income. The calculator supports inputting monthly averaged gig earnings.

Can I get SNAP in Mississippi if I live with parents but buy my own food?

Yes — you may be considered your own SNAP household if you shop and cook separately. The calculator only counts your household’s income.

Does SNAP in Mississippi require the net income test?

Yes. After deductions, most Mississippi applicants must meet net income limits unless special rules apply for elderly or disabled households.

Do child support payments count as deductions in Mississippi?

Yes — legally owed child support paid out is deducted from income when calculating SNAP eligibility. The calculator subtracts this for you.

Do SNAP limits and benefit amounts change every year in Mississippi?

Yes — limits and maximum benefit amounts update every October. The calculator uses the current fiscal year numbers.

How does Mississippi define a SNAP household?

A SNAP household is the group of people who live together and purchase/prepare food together. It is not based on lease or who pays rent.

Where do I apply for SNAP in Mississippi after using the calculator?

You apply through Mississippi Department of Human Services — online, in person, mail, or fax. After applying, an interview and verification is required.