Mississippi TANF
Mississippi TANF, commonly known as welfare, is the monthly cash assistance program for poor families with children under age 18.
The program is designed to help neediest families in Mississippi achieve self-sufficiency through employment and job-readiness activities.
Most TANF families are expected to register for employment through Mississippi Works or participate in work activities as a condition of receiving cash benefits, unless otherwise exempt.
If you do not participate satisfactorily in approved work activities, the 60-month lifetime limit will be reduced to no more than 24 months.
FAQ #
How do you qualify for TANF in Mississippi? #
In order to qualify for TANF, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien, or permanent resident.
- Be a resident of the state of Mississippi.
- Be pregnant or responsible for a child under 19 years of age.
- Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages).
- Meet income and resource limits (see below).
Most applicants are required to complete a mandatory 30-day up-front job search and failure to complete this requirement may result in an application denial.
Mississippi also put a drug testing policy in place that requires all applicants to be screened for drug use in order to receive benefits.
What is the income limit for TANF in Mississippi? #
In Mississippi, a family is considered “needy” when their gross countable income is less than $680 a month for a family of three, above which the family is ineligible.
- Family Size Income Limit
- 1 $403
- 2 $542
- 3 $680
- 4 $819
- 5 $958
- 6 $1,097
- 7 $1,235
- 8 $1,374
How much TANF can I get in Mississippi? #
Mississippi, which for over 50 years provided the nation’s lowest cash assistance benefits to families with children, has increased the maximum amount by $90 a month.
A family of three with no other income will now receive $260 per month, but the exact amount of cash benefits you may get is largely based on your family’s size and income.
Benefits are issued through the Mississippi Debt MasterCard® Card which is a prepaid debit MasterCard. Paper checks are no longer issued.
How do I apply for TANF in Mississippi? #
TANF application may now be made online through Mississippi's access.ms.gov. Upon receipt of your application, an interview will be set up to review your eligibility.
If you need help with your application, please call
800-948-3050