Announcements and News
Helping to change lives in Mississippi
Water Bill Assistance Program Benefits Mississippi Families
(Jackson, Miss.) – Thousands of Mississippians won’t have to worry about providing water to their families through a new program from the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) has received $13 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help income-eligible residents maintain access to drinking water and wastewater services through the end of September 2023. This important resource provides financial assistance to eligible households in managing costs associated with: Water bills Wastewater/sewer bills Stormwater fees Groundwater fees Reconnection fees Late fees Lien removal fees (water-related) LIHWAP is available for individuals [...]
County Office Delays and Closures – 2.3.22
Please check back for more delays and closures due to weather. MDHS County office closures. Desoto Tate Tunica Marshall Coahoma
SNAP Fraud Investigation Leads to Arrest in Desoto County
(Jackson, Miss.) – A Desoto County, 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 Candice Ballard received an over issuance of SNAP benefits in the amount of $30,072.00 due to Ballard fraudulently receiving benefits by her failing to report income and household composition accurately. Due to the substantial amount of overpayment and the evidence of alleged fraud found during the investigation, the case was turned over to Desoto County District Attorney to be presented to the Grand [...]
Change in SNAP Cases due to increase in Federal Benefits
JANUARY 2022 THERE MAY BE A CHANGE IN YOUR CASE DUE TO INCREASES IN SOME FEDERAL BENEFITS Some Federal Benefits, such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Benefits (VA) or Railroad Retirement, may increase due to a cost-of-living adjustment. If your household income goes up because of this increase, the amount of SNAP benefits and/or TANF your household receives may go down, or your case may even be closed. Households have the right to request a fair hearing and continued benefits based on improper calculation of benefits or misapplication of Federal law. Contact your county Department [...]
Energy Assistance Programs Benefit Mississippi Families
(Jackson, Miss.) – Thousands of Mississippians won’t have to worry about staying warm, thanks to a program offered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. This important resource provides financial assistance to eligible households in managing costs associated with: Home Energy bills Energy Crisis Weatherization Repair or replacement of heaters or furnaces Households may qualify for LIHEAP assistance for natural gas, wood, electricity, liquid propane/butane gas, and other energy-related services. Multiple Mississippi utilities and the Mississippi Department [...]
MDHS Announces Additional Benefits for December
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, households currently receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be eligible for a supplemental benefit for December 2021. December will also be a 'transition' month before going back to standard SNAP benefit allotments for all households. After that time, you will receive your regular monthly benefit pre-pandemic. SNAP households that have been certified based on meeting income and resource requirements are eligible to receive the supplement benefits. These households will receive benefit supplements up to the maximum benefit amount, based on household size. For example, the maximum benefit for a 2-person household [...]
