Helpful information about SNAP for homeless Mississippians
DON’T BECOME A VICTIM OF BENEFIT THEFT!
What you need to know
Individuals and families experiencing homelessness may have specific questions about the SNAP program.
This page is designed to equip organizations serving homeless Mississippians with information about SNAP that they can share with those they serve.
What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits that help low-income households buy the food they need. SNAP participants receive an EBT card that they can use like a debit card to make food purchases at approved retailers.
Can someone qualify for SNAP if they do not have a permanent address?
- Yes, they may still qualify for SNAP. They could use the address of:
- An authorized representative,
- A shelter where they live, or
- Their local MDHS office.
What kind of identification is needed to apply for SNAP?
- The SNAP worker can check an applicant’s ID by calling a shelter worker or the applicant’s employer. Other forms of acceptable ID include:
- A work or school badge
- A birth certificate
- A voter registration card
Can someone receive SNAP if they live in a shelter that serves meals?
Yes, SNAP can help them buy healthy food to eat when they can’t be at the shelter. They cannot be turned down just because they live in a shelter that serves meals.
Does an individual need to be working or looking for work to get SNAP?
This will depend on the individual’s situation.
In general, an Able Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) is eligible for SNAP benefits for only three months in a 36-month period unless they meet a work requirement or qualify for an exemption.
SNAP recipients are exempt from the work requirements if they are:
- Physically or mentally unable to work
- Participating in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment and rehabilitation program.
- Or if they meet another type of exemption.
How often do homeless clients need to recertify for SNAP?
Homeless individuals or families are certified to receive SNAP benefits for four months at a time.
Approximately 45 days before their SNAP certification period ends, they will be notified that it is time to recertify if they would like to continue to receive benefits.
Learn more about SNAP rights and responsibilities.
How does earning more income impact a client’s SNAP benefit amount?
When a SNAP client’s income increases, their SNAP benefit amount typically decreases if everything else about their situation stays the same.
Unearned income (like Social Security benefits) reduces SNAP benefits more than the same amount of earned income (like wages). Each person’s SNAP benefits are calculated based on their individual circumstances.
For one example of how additional earned income could affect a client’s SNAP benefit amount, take a look at the table below. This example is for a one-person SNAP household with $0 in countable resources (like savings), taking the standard shelter deduction, who has a job paying $10 an hour.
If the SNAP client in this example went from working 0 hours per week to 20 hours per week, their SNAP benefit amount would be reduced from $292 to $161 per month.
| Work hours per week | Earnings per week at $10/hour | Potential SNAP Benefit Amount (actual amount will depend on individual circumstances) |
| 0 hours | $ – | $292 |
| 10 hours | $ 100 | $257 |
| 20 hours | $ 200 | $161 |
| 30 hours | $ 300 | $65 |
| 40 hours | $ 400 | $0 |
A client’s SNAP benefit amount will depend on their individual circumstances. This is only an example. Benefit amounts current as of July 2025.
How can someone apply for SNAP?
There are several ways to submit a SNAP application:
- Online at Access.MS.gov
- In Person at their local MDHS county office
- By mailing an application to their local county office
They can access a PDF of the SNAP application here.
What tools are available to help clients manage their SNAP case?
- Online:
- Access.MS.gov to check their SNAP application status, view SNAP notices, and review documents that have been uploaded to their SNAP case.
- ConnectEBT.com/MSebtClient to check SNAP balance, request a new EBT card, change PIN, get their transaction history, etc.
- Phone:
- Economic Assistance Eligibility Client Services Line: 800-948-3050 to discuss an issue with their case, reschedule an appointment, etc.
- EBT Cardholder Assistance Line: 866-512-5087 to check SNAP balance, request a new EBT card, change PIN, get transaction history, discuss problems with EBT card, etc.
MDHS would like to express our appreciation to the staff at Stewpot Community Services for their collaboration in the development of this resource.
Find your County Office
Contact Us
Economic Assistance Eligibility Client Services
Need help with your SNAP or TANF case? Call our EAE Client Service team at 800-948-3050.