MDHS Invests $5 Million to Expand Child Care

MDHS Invests $5 Million in TANF Funds to Expand Child Care Assistance for Mississippi Working Families

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) today announced a $5 million investment of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) direct funds to child care assistance for low-income working families in Federal Fiscal Year 2026.

The new funding will be administered through MDHS’s Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD) and distributed through the established Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) voucher system. These TANF direct funds are in addition to existing child care support MDHS provides through various subgrantees offering afterschool programs and workforce supports for working families.

“Child care is not a luxury — it is the infrastructure that makes work possible for Mississippi families,” said Robert G. “Bob” Anderson, MDHS Executive Director. “This $5 million investment is a targeted, responsible use of TANF funds to reach working parents who need help, and it reflects our commitment to deploying public resources where they make a real difference.”

This investment is separate from – and in addition to – MDHS’s existing annual conversion of approximately $25.7 million from TANF to the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF), which reflects the maximum allowed under federal law. By investing these direct funds, MDHS is able to extend child care assistance to additional eligible families beyond those currently supported through the CCDF conversion, while preserving the agency’s capacity to respond to other emerging program priorities.

Families seeking child care assistance do not need to submit a new or separate application. Eligibility will be determined through the standard CCPP process, including income eligibility standards and work or education requirements.

Approved vouchers funded through the TANF direct stream will provide the same level of assistance as those funded through CCDF. DECCD will assign each approved certificate to a single funding stream, prioritizing CCDF dollars first, followed by any applicable state funds, and then TANF direct funds.

Child care providers will continue to receive payment through the established CCPP reimbursement process with no changes to their current billing or reporting requirements.

“Mississippi working families have always been the heart of what we do at MDHS,” said Dr. Chad Allgood, Director of the Division of Early Childhood Care and Development. “This additional investment means we can say yes to more families trying to build a better future.”

MDHS encourages eligible families to apply through the Child Care Payment Program at mdhs.ms.gov or by contacting their local county DHS office. Additional program information is available through the MDHS DECCD hotline at 1-800-948-4060.

Additional Resources

MDHS_Understanding TANF FundingDownload
MDHS_TANF Allocation ChartDownload

MDHS Executive Director Bob Anderson sat down with WLBT’s Maggie Wade for an exclusive interview to discuss this milestone investment.

MDHS Director Bob Anderson is seated for an interview to discuss the $5 million TANF investment.
MDHS Executive Director Bob Anderson sits down to discuss $5 million TANF investment into child care.

FAQs

Child care is essential to Mississippi’s workforce. Following the funding of all new subgrants in January and renewal of existing subgrants in October 2025, MDHS has a clear picture of unassigned funds to support this critical workforce need. MDHS believes this allocation to Child Care is the most fiscally responsible assignment of taxpayer funds to support Child Care and keep the enrollment at pre-pandemic levels.

The 196 R federal report is simply a snapshot in time of the amount of money that MDHS has received over the five year accounting period and the amount that it has expended on the final day of each quarter. It does not consider existing, unpaid TANF obligations and unassigned funds.

MDHS wants to ensure the public that we take utilization of taxpayer funds seriously. MDHS is taking a fiscally conservative stance on this initial investment. In October, MDHS will make consideration of a future increase once existing subgrants have been closed out or renewed. We believe that this $5 million is sustainable and responsible utilization to at least sustain the CCPP at pre-pandemic levels.

MDHS has extensive controls in place to ensure that any funds meant for child care certificates are utilized for children of working parents.

There are over 100,000 children in Mississippi in the B-5 age group. Funding has always been outpaced by need.

MDHS undertakes a reimbursement rate survey every three years that locks in the reimbursement rate the agency pays to providers for the attendance of children.

In October, MDHS will review available funds and continue support of working families.

MDHS currently funds multiple sub grantees to provide direct child care and after school care assistance to hundreds of families across the state through TANF APA subgrants that allow parents to remain in the workforce.

MDHS wants to make it easier to stay connected with you.

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) is partnering with Promise to help SNAP recipients stay up to date and in compliance. You may receive text message reminders for work reporting, recertification deadlines, and documents you need to provide to ensure timely processing.

Through these messages, you will be guided to upload documents, which will be securely sent directly to their MDHS caseworker. Following a successful pilot in Harrison County and Pearl River County, these messages are now statewide.

You may receive text messages from 769-210-8724 or emails from no-reply@promise-gov.com that reference MDHS, Promise, and their assigned caseworker. If you have questions, you can call or text 1-800-948-3050 for assistance.

MDHS ANNOUNCES REPLACEMENT BENEFITS FOR COUNTIES AFFECTED BY WINTER STORM FERN

Only Current Eligible SNAP Clients

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) announces that the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has approved mass replacement benefits for CURRENT Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households in the 15 hardest-hit counties. A separate waiver extending the period to request replacement benefits has already been granted until February 23, 2026, for residents in the additional 28 counties impacted by Winter Storm Fern.

MASS REPLACEMENT BENEFITS

Households in the 15 counties listed below do not need to submit a MDHS-EA-508 Form to receive replacement benefits. Eligible clients in these counties will be issued benefits automatically.

Timing of issuance may vary. Clients in the following counties are encouraged to monitor their accounts over the next few weeks for receipt of benefits:


EXTENDED DEADLINE FOR REPLACEMENT BENEFIT REQUESTS

SNAP households in the following remaining counties who suffered a loss as a result of the winter storm have until February 23, 2026, to request replacement benefits:


Before applying for SNAP Replacement benefits, please review these four items:

SNAP Replacement is ONLY available to current SNAP clients.

The amount of replacement benefits received will NOT exceed the amount you currently receive.

Food loss must be the result of a weather-related power outage lasting more than 4 hours or an event such as tornadoes, floods or snow. 

Submission of the replacement benefit attestation is a legal request for benefits and should be truthful and accurate.

The application may be downloaded and submitted via the secure document upload feature on the MDHS website at SNAP Replacement Benefits – Mississippi Department of Human Services

For the latest information and updates:

FAQs

  1. Where do you get proof that you had a power outage?
    • Clients can provide proof of a power outage by:
      • Visiting their utility provider’s website to request an outage verification letter
      • Providing a photo of a verified text message regarding the outage
      • Providing a photo of the real-time, interactive outage map
        NOTE:         If documentation is submitted from a utility provider, the address must match the client’s case files. Submitting falsified documents is considered fraud and may result in penalties.
  2. How do I upload my documents?
    1. Current SNAP recipients may submit their documents using one of the following methods:
      • EA Document Upload feature on the MDHS website
      • Email your local county office
      • Fax to your local county office
  3. If I am in one of the counties listed for mass replacement, what do I need to do?
    • Current SNAP recipients in those counties do not need to do anything to receive replacement benefits.
  4. How much will I receive in replacement benefits?
    • Current SNAP recipients may receive replacement SNAP  in the amount of the loss to the household, but no more than the maximum amount of SNAP benefits issued for the month. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
  5. Will we receive our full allotment for mass replacement?
    • Current SNAP recipients approved for mass replacement will receive a percentage of benefits determined by USDA FNS.
  6. How long will it take for replacement benefits to be issued once I submit my 508?
    • Forms are processed as quickly as possible.
  7. How do I receive replacement SNAP benefits 
    • Current SNAP recipients who experienced a loss of food as a result of a power outage of more than 4 hours during Winter Storm Fern may apply for replacement benefits. Replacement benefits may be provided in the amount of the loss to the household, but no more than the maximum amount of SNAP benefits issued for the month. The replacement request form (MDHS-EA-508) may be accessed here: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/snap-replacement-benefits-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/.  
  8. How long do I have to request replacement SNAP benefits? 
    • Current SNAP households in the approved counties who suffered food loss as a result of the severe weather have until February 23, 2026, to request replacement benefits. Current SNAP households not in the approved counties must report the disaster to their local MDHS office within 10 days of the date of loss.

SNAP Fraud Investigation Leads to Indictment in Sharkey County 

(December 30.2025) -A Sharkey County, Miss. resident surrendered to authorities on September 24, 2025, following a SNAP fraud investigation conducted by the Investigations Division of the Mississippi Department of Human Service (MDHS).

MDHS announced that Tiaquonta Fuller of Sharkey County received $28,285.00 in SNAP benefits by not reporting household income and composition accurately to MDHS. Based on the evidence obtained during the investigation, the case was referred to the Sharkey County District Attorney’s office. The Sharkey County District Attorney secured an indictment on September 24, 2025, and Fuller later turned herself in to Sharkey County officials on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

“This is a great example of collaboration between our investigations team, County offices, District Attorney’s, and local law enforcement,” stated MDHS Inspector General Sandra Griffith.

Agent-In-Charge Kevin Baysinger of the MDHS Investigations Division investigated the case. The Investigations Division is a subset of the MDHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which was created in August 2018 and charged with detecting, deterring and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse. OIG has been responsible for millions of dollars collected from overpayments.

“This investigation demonstrates the strengthened controls we have in place to identify, investigate, and eliminate fraud in our programs,” MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson said.

An indictment is only an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Suspected fraud can be reported to MDHS online at any time by submitting the MDHS Fraud Tip Form at Report Fraud – Mississippi Department of Human Services calling the Fraud Tip Line at 1-(800)-299-6905, or email at fraud@mdhs.ms.gov.

SNAP Fraud Investigation Leads to Indictment in Desoto County 

(December 30, 2025) -A Desoto County, Miss. resident was arrested by authorities on December 12, 2025, following a DECCD fraud investigation conducted by the Investigations Division of the Mississippi Department of Human Service (MDHS).

MDHS announced that Brandi Lashay Rhoden of Desoto County received $12,319.70. Based on the evidence obtained during the investigation, the case was referred to the Desoto County District Attorney’s office. The Desoto County District Attorney secured an indictment on December 10, 2025, and Rhoden was later apprehended by Desoto County officials on Friday, December 12, 2025.

“This case highlights the effective collaboration and strong partnership between our investigations team, County offices, District Attorneys, and local law enforcement,” stated MDHS Inspector General Sandra Griffith.

Senior Agent Joshua Bankston of the MDHS Investigations Division investigated the case. The Investigations Division is a subset of the MDHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which was created in August 2018 and charged with detecting, deterring and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse. OIG has been responsible for millions of dollars collected from overpayments.

“This investigation demonstrates the strengthened controls we have in place to identify, investigate, and eliminate fraud in our programs,” MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson said.

An indictment is only an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Suspected fraud can be reported to MDHS online at any time by submitting the MDHS Fraud Tip Form at Report Fraud – Mississippi Department of Human Services, calling the Fraud Tip Line at 1-(800)-299-6905, or email at fraud@mdhs.ms.gov.

Child Care Fraud Investigation Leads to Indictment in Desoto County 

(December 30, 2025) -A Desoto County, Miss. resident was arrested by authorities on December 11, 2025, following a DECCD fraud investigation conducted by the Investigations Division of the Mississippi Department of Human Service (MDHS).

MDHS announced that Kayla Sheree Smith of Desoto County received $37,852.78 in DECCD Child Care benefits by not reporting household income accurately to MDHS. Based on the evidence obtained during the investigation, the case was referred to the Desoto County District Attorney’s office. The Desoto County District Attorney secured an indictment on December 10, 2025, and Smith was later apprehended by Desoto County officials on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

“This case highlights the effective collaboration and strong partnership between our investigations team, County offices, District Attorneys, and local law enforcement,” stated MDHS Inspector General Sandra Griffith.

Senior Agent Joshua Bankston of the MDHS Investigations Division investigated the case. The Investigations Division is a subset of the MDHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which was created in August 2018 and charged with detecting, deterring and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse. OIG has been responsible for millions of dollars collected from overpayments.

“This investigation demonstrates the strengthened controls we have in place to identify, investigate, and eliminate fraud in our programs,” MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson said.

An indictment is only an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Suspected fraud can be reported to MDHS online at any time by submitting the MDHS Fraud Tip Form at Report Fraud – Mississippi Department of Human Services, calling the Fraud Tip Line at 1-(800)-299-6905, or email at fraud@mdhs.ms.gov.

SNAP Fraud Investigation Leads to Indictment in Desoto County 

(December 30,2025) -A Desoto County, Miss. resident was arrested by authorities on December 10, 2025, following a SNAP fraud investigation conducted by the Investigations Division of the Mississippi Department of Human Service (MDHS).

MDHS announced that Sharita Maria Jones of Desoto County received $20,028.00 in SNAP benefits by not reporting household income and composition accurately to MDHS. Based on the evidence obtained during the investigation, the case was referred to the Desoto County District Attorney’s office. The Desoto County District Attorney secured an indictment on December 10, 2025, and Jones was later apprehended by Desoto County officials on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

“This case highlights the effective collaboration and strong partnership between our investigations team, County offices, District Attorneys, and local law enforcement,” stated MDHS Inspector General Sandra Griffith.

Agent Hunter Walton of the MDHS Investigations Division investigated the case. The Investigations Division is a subset of the MDHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which was created in August 2018 and charged with detecting, deterring and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse. OIG has been responsible for millions of dollars collected from overpayments.

“This investigation demonstrates the strengthened controls we have in place to identify, investigate, and eliminate fraud in our programs,” MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson said.

An indictment is only an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Suspected fraud can be reported to MDHS online at any time by submitting the MDHS Fraud Tip Form at Report Fraud – Mississippi Department of Human Services, calling the Fraud Tip Line at 1-(800)-299-6905, or email at fraud@mdhs.ms.gov.

SNAP Fraud Investigation Leads to Indictment in Desoto County 

(December 30, 2025) -A Desoto County, Miss. resident was arrested by authorities on December 15, 2025, following a SNAP fraud investigation conducted by the Investigations Division of the Mississippi Department of Human Service (MDHS).

MDHS announced that Jasmine A. Lampkin of Desoto County received $25,839.00 in SNAP benefits by not reporting household income and composition accurately to MDHS. Based on the evidence obtained during the investigation, the case was referred to the Desoto County District Attorney’s office. The Desoto County District Attorney secured an indictment on December 10, 2025, and Lampkins was later apprehended by Desoto County officials on Monday, December 15, 2025.

“This case highlights the effective collaboration and strong partnership between our investigations team, County offices, District Attorneys, and local law enforcement,” stated MDHS Inspector General Sandra Griffith.

Agent Hunter Walton of the MDHS Investigations Division investigated the case. The Investigations Division is a subset of the MDHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which was created in August 2018 and charged with detecting, deterring and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse. OIG has been responsible for millions of dollars collected from overpayments.

“This investigation demonstrates the strengthened controls we have in place to identify, investigate, and eliminate fraud in our programs,” MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson said.

An indictment is only an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Suspected fraud can be reported to MDHS online at any time by submitting the MDHS Fraud Tip Form at Report Fraud – Mississippi Department of Human Services calling the Fraud Tip Line at 1-(800)-299-6905, or email at fraud@mdhs.ms.gov.

MDHS COUNTY OFFICE TEMPORARILY CLOSES DUE TO PLUMBING ISSUE

JACKSON, MS – The Mississippi Department of Human Services announced today that it has temporarily closed its Hinds County office due to a plumbing issue that requires immediate attention to ensure the safety of its staff and clients.

While the office is closed, staff will continue to work their caseloads in the surrounding county offices. Clients will be able to submit all required documents through the following methods:

  1. Secure dropbox at 4777 Medgar Evers Blvd.
  2. Email necessary documents and inquiries via the Hinds County email: dfo.hindscounty@mdhs.ms.gov.
  3. Submit documents via the document upload feature on the MDHS website.

Clients are encouraged to use these alternative submission methods to avoid service delays.

Updates regarding the office’s reopening will be shared through MDHS official social media channels once the issue has been resolved.

SNAP Fraud Investigation Leads to Indictment in Jefferson Davis County

A Jefferson Davis County, Miss. resident was apprehended by authorities on October 3, 2025, following a SNAP fraud investigation conducted by the Investigations Division of the Mississippi Department of Human Service (MDHS).

MDHS announced that Victoria Reese of Jefferson Davis County received $25,698.00 in SNAP benefits by not reporting household income and composition accurately to MDHS. Based on the evidence obtained during the investigation, the case was referred to the Jefferson Davis County District Attorney’s office. The Jefferson Davis County District Attorney secured an indictment on October 1, 2025, and Reese later arrested by Jefferson Davis County officials on Friday, October 3, 2025.

“This is an example of the continued collaboration between our investigations team, County offices, District Attorneys, and local law enforcement,” stated MDHS Inspector General Sandra Griffith.

Agent Guy DeMars of the MDHS Investigations Division investigated the case. The Investigations Division is a subset of the MDHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which was created in August 2018 and charged with detecting, deterring and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse. OIG has been responsible for millions of dollars collected from overpayments.

“This investigation demonstrates the controls we have in place to identify, investigate, and eliminate fraud in our programs; plainly, those controls are working,” MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson said.  

An indictment is only an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Suspected fraud can be reported to MDHS online at any time by submitting the MDHS Fraud Tip Form at Report Fraud – Mississippi Department of Human Services calling the Fraud Tip Line at 1-(800)-299-6905, or email at fraud@mdhs.ms.gov.