Announcements and News
Helping to change lives in Mississippi
MDHS Receives $24 Million from CARES Act for Rent/Mortgage Assistance and LIHEAP
Many Mississippi families who were already struggling to make ends meet before the pandemic have been adversely impacted as businesses have closed, laid off workers or reduced the number of their employees in response to economic shifts brought on by the pandemic. Many are wondering how they will pay their rent and utility bills. Thanks to two grants, help is available to these families. The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) has received more than $24 million dollars in CARES Act funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to assist Mississippi’s most vulnerable during the [...]
MDHS retains CliftonLarsonAllen LLP to conduct forensic audit
(Jackson, Miss.) – The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) has contracted with CliftonLarsonAllen LLC to conduct a forensic audit of the agency. The audit is a key pillar of Operation Restore Trust, a major initiative that Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson launched upon his appointment by Governor Tate Reeves to lead the agency in March 2020. The audit will provide a complete review of the agency’s practices and ensure it is operating with integrity and in compliance with departmental policies and state and federal laws. “I’m very pleased that Clifton Larson will be conducting this forensic [...]
MDHS announces additional benefits for September
In the continuing effort to assist households during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has approved Mississippi’s request to provide Emergency Allotments (supplements) for the month of September 2020 to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. For SNAP cases with a paid benefit for the month of September, emergency supplements will be made available on September 2, 2020. For households being approved for SNAP during the month of September, emergency supplements will be made available to eligible households two (2) days after case approval. Households currently receiving the maximum benefit amount based on household [...]
SNAP Fraud Investigation Leads to Arrest in Hinds County
(Jackson, Miss.) – A Jackson, Miss. resident has been arrested for SNAP fraud following an investigation conducted by the Investigations Division of the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). Investigators found that Alexis M. Brent received an over issuance of SNAP benefits in the amount of $17,840.00 due to Brent failing to disclose material facts to MDHS used in making a determination as to her qualification to receive benefits under the federally funded assistance program. A Hinds County Grand Jury indicted Brent on a charge of food stamp fraud. As part of her penalty, Brent was ordered to [...]
SNAP Online Purchasing Guide
SNAP Online Purchasing allows households to purchase food using SNAP benefits online. The online shopping and payment option is required to be secure, private, easy to use, and provide similar support to that found for SNAP transactions in a retail store. No, not all FNS approved retailers are authorized to accept EBT online. The only retailers currently authorized are Amazon and Walmart. The best way to determine if grocery delivery is available for your location is to visit the retailer websites. Yes, the use of your EBT card online will still require your unique [...]
MDHS launches Online Food Purchase Program statewide for SNAP recipients
(Jackson, Miss.) –Mississippians in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households are now able to make online food purchases using their benefits. The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow online purchasing of food by SNAP households. After testing with the two nationally approved vendors, Amazon and Walmart, MDHS has launched the program statewide for Amazon today. Walmart will be live statewide on Thursday, August 27. This program will allow Mississippi to use their SNAP benefits for online purchasing only with authorized SNAP online retailers. Currently, the only two [...]