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.

MDHS Spotlights National Family Caregivers Month: Encouraging Mississippians to “Plug into Care”

This November, the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) recognizes November as National Family Caregivers Month and this year’s theme: “Plug into Care”. MDHS invites caregivers to connect with support tools, networks and educational resources that can make caregiving more meaningful and manageable.

This month serves as a reminder of the role that caregivers play in supporting and caring for older adults and individuals with disabilities. It also highlights the importance of staying connected to resources, support networks and self-care.

In Mississippi, thousands of caregivers devote their time and energy to ensuring the safety and well-being of loved ones and vulnerable members of our community. Through the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), MDHS offers programs thatsupport caregivers by providing access to respite care, education, counseling and local programs designed to support our aging population.

“During National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the strength, compassion, and selfless dedication of those who care for their loved ones every day,” said KenYada Blake-Washington, Director of the MDHS Division of Aging and Adult Services. “Family caregivers are the backbone of our communities, ensuring that older adults and individuals with disabilities can live with dignity and independence. The Mississippi State Unit on Aging proudly celebrates and supports the invaluable contributions of caregivers across our state.”

The “Plug into Care” theme encourages caregivers to stay connected, not only to their loved ones but also to community resources that can ease the daily challenges of caregiving. MDHS continues to partner with Area Agencies on Aging and community organizations statewide to promote caregiver well-being through training, support groups and respite opportunities.

 The Mississippi Family Caregiver Support Program works in partnership with 10 Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers to deliver five essential services for family caregivers:

This November, MDHS encourages all Mississippians to celebrate caregivers by offering a word of encouragement, lending a helping hand or just taking a moment to say thank you.

For additional information on Family Caregiver Support Program and other programs available for adults and seniors, visit MDHS Aging & Adult Services.