Jackson, MS – Governor Tate Reeves has designated May as “Older Americans Month” in Mississippi, recognizing the invaluable contributions of older adults while highlighting the importance of supporting their well-being within our communities.

Older Americans are pillars of strength, wisdom, and experience, upholding cherished values and traditions. They play vital roles as devoted family members, trusted friends, mentors, diligent volunteers, and esteemed civic leaders.

The Mississippi Department of Human Services Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) annually commemorates Older Americans Month (OAM). This year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” focuses on the profound impact of meaningful connections on older adults’ well-being and health.

“It’s not just about having someone to chat with,” said Aging and Adult Service Division Director Kenyada Washington. “It’s about the transformative potential of community engagement in enhancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being.” By recognizing and nurturing connectedness’s role, we can mitigate issues like loneliness, ultimately promoting healthy aging for more Americans.

Governor Tate Reeves expressed deep gratitude, saying, “Our esteemed older Mississippians exemplify the values that have strengthened our communities. We sincerely appreciate their immeasurable contributions as parents, grandparents, and citizens, enriching our great state.”

MDHS is delighted to collaborate with various partners in the aging community to celebrate OAM this year. Throughout the month, a wide range of resources will be available, covering topics such as effective Medicare navigation, access to congregate and home-delivered meals, respite care provision, long-term care ombudsperson services, and simplified application projects for SNAP benefits.

What you can do to connect:

1. Planning: Seek assistance from MDHS’s SHIP program to plan and navigate the complexities of Medicare effectively. Explore the Respite Care program designed to support caregivers of elderly family members.
2. Engagement: Familiarize yourself with the State of Mississippi’s Long Term Care Ombudsman to advocate for and protect vulnerable senior adults.
3. Access: Utilize the simplified application process for SNAP assistance through the elderly application process.
4. Connection: Engage with congregate feeding sites across the state and participate in the senior companions’ home visitation program. Maintain social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and foster a sense of belonging within your community.

Strong communities are built upon the foundations of connectedness. Ensuring the continued involvement and inclusion of older adults in their communities benefits everyone. MDHS invites you to strengthen our community by visiting our website at the Division of Aging & Adult Services – Mississippi Department of Human Services (ms.gov). Explore various services, including congregate meal sites, home-delivered meals, transportation programs, respite care, and more. Eligibility for these services extends to all elderly Mississippians and Veterans.

For additional information, please visit the official MDHS website at www.mdhs.ms.gov, follow MDHS on Twitter and Facebook, and join the conversation using the hashtag #OlderAmericansMonth.

What you need to know:

• Update your phone number by emailing your caseworker or logging on to AccessMS. Remember to use your name exactly as it appears on your EBT card.
• Most interviews will be conducted by phone.
• If you apply or are due for recertification before May 1, you will not be required to participate in an interview.
• If you apply or are due for recertification after May 1, you will be required to be interviewed by a caseworker.

Expiration of Waiver of Interview Requirements for SNAP Benefits in Mississippi

Jackson, MS – The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) announces the expiration of the waiver of interview requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Under the current waiver, which has been in effect since June 2023, applicants for SNAP benefits have not been required to undergo interviews with SNAP case workers. However, this waiver is set to expire on April 30, 2024.

As part of the transition process, MDHS will begin notifying current SNAP households that are due for recertification and whose certification period extends through May 2024, soon after April 10. Caseworkers will send these notifications and schedule interview appointments with the respective households. The interviews are expected to be scheduled in the latter half of April or early May.

“Maintaining program integrity and serving the needs of Mississippians are paramount at MDHS,” said Executive Director Bob Anderson. “As we approach the expiration of the SNAP interview waiver, we recognize the importance of reinstating interviews to ensure accurate eligibility verification.”

It is important to note that interviews will not be required for new SNAP applicants until May 1, 2024. This means that any individuals or households seeking SNAP benefits before that date will not be subject to interview requirements.

The expiration of the waiver and the reinstatement of interview requirements are part of MDHS’s ongoing efforts to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the SNAP program in Mississippi. Conducting interviews allows caseworkers to gather important information, verify eligibility, and provide support and resources to SNAP recipients.

MDHS remains committed to serving the citizens of Mississippi and maintaining an efficient SNAP program. The waiver’s expiration does not affect the eligibility criteria or the benefits provided by SNAP. It simply reinstates the interview requirement for SNAP households.

For more information and updates regarding SNAP benefits, please visit the MDHS website at www.mdhs.ms.gov. Additionally, to apply, renew, or upload documents related to SNAP benefits, please visit the Mississippi Common Web Portal at www.access.ms.gov.

Senior Nutrition Programs Champion Food Security for Aging Residents

Jackson, MS – In celebration of National Nutrition Month, the Mississippi Department of Human Services Senior Nutrition Program is taking proactive measures to ensure that Mississippians aged 60 and older can access essential services that promote socialization, nutrition, and overall well-being.

“Our Senior Nutrition Programs prioritize the well-being of Mississippi’s seniors, tackling the pressing issue of food insecurity head-on. With a focus on personal responsibility and community support, we are dedicated to delivering nutritious meals and fostering vital social connections,” stated Robert G. (Bob) Anderson, Executive Director, Mississippi Department of Human Services. “Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of our aging residents, ensuring they have the nourishment necessary to thrive.”

With the aim of combating hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition among older individuals, the Senior Nutrition Program, administered through the agency’s Division of Aging and Adult Services, offers a range of options for seniors across the state.

Home-delivered meals are available for eligible homebound individuals, providing nourishment directly to their doorsteps. These meals are a lifeline for those who cannot leave their homes due to various circumstances.

Congregate meal locations in community settings such as senior centers, churches, and senior housing communities serve as hubs for social interaction and engagement. Here, older adults can enjoy nutritious meals while forming meaningful connections with peers.

The Senior Nutrition Program operates in all 82 counties of Mississippi through the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). To find the AAA in your county and access these vital services, please visit the Division of Aging and Adult Services page on the Mississippi Department of Human Services website Division of Aging & Adult Services – Mississippi Department of Human Services (ms.gov)

In addition to the Senior Nutrition Program, the Mississippi Department of Human Services offers the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which provides emergency food and nutrition assistance to older Mississippians at no cost. The department supplies food to local food banks, distributing the items to over 500 food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters statewide.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) streamlines the application process for seniors. By matching data with other government systems, the program enables eligibility workers to verify applicant information without burdensome paperwork. Once an application is deemed eligible for ESAP, it is expedited through the process.

ESAP households do not have a fixed certification period but are required to submit an annual interim report to report any changes in household income or size. To determine eligibility for SNAP benefits or to apply, please visit the Check Eligibility page on the Access MS website Mississippi Common Web Portal (ms.gov) .

The Senior Nutrition Programs ensure that aging Mississippians have access to the nutrition they need for a healthy and fulfilling life. Together, these initiatives aim to alleviate food insecurity, promote social engagement, and enhance the well-being of older individuals throughout the state.

Please visit our website to discover additional resources and services provided by the Mississippi Department of Human Services. You can access the Services section of the Mississippi Department of Human Services website for more information: Services – Mississippi Department of Human Services (ms.gov).