Mississippi TANF for Single Moms - Financial Help for a Divorced Woman
Staff Contributor
The Mississippi Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program offers temporary financial aid and support services to help single mothers and their children on the path to stability.
What is Mississippi's TANF Program?
Mississippi's TANF program provides temporary cash assistance to low-income families with children. It offers monthly financial help with essential expenses like rent, utilities, and food. The program also emphasizes helping families achieve self-sufficiency through employment and education resources.
Who Qualifies for Mississippi TANF?
To be eligible for Mississippi TANF, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or have qualified immigration status: This includes legal permanent residents and qualified aliens.
- Be a Mississippi resident: You must live in Mississippi and intend to stay in the state.
- Have dependent children: You must have at least one dependent child under 18 (or 19 if attending school full-time) living with you.
- Meet income limits: Your family's gross income (including your income and any income received by dependent children) must fall below the program's income thresholds.
Mississippi TANF Income Level Limits
Here's a breakdown of the income limits for TANF eligibility in Mississippi (as of July 1, 2023):
| Family Size |
Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
| 1 person (adult and 1 child) |
Not Applicable |
| 2 people (adult and 2 children) |
$2,600 |
| 3 people (adult and 3 children) |
$2,900 |
| 4 people (adult and 4 children) |
$3,200 |
| For families with 5 or more children, add $300 per additional child. |
|
Important Notes:
- The income limits for families with only one child are very low and often result in ineligibility.
- Income limits are subject to change. Be sure to visit the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) website for the most up-to-date information: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/
Mississippi TANF Monthly Payment Standard
The exact amount of your TANF benefit will be determined during your application process and is based on your family size and specific needs. It's important to note that Mississippi has one of the lowest TANF benefit amounts in the country. Here's a table outlining the maximum monthly benefit amounts for Mississippi TANF:
| Family Size |
Maximum Monthly Benefit |
| 2 people (adult and 2 children) |
$260 |
| 3 people (adult and 3 children) |
$360 |
| 4 people (adult and 4 children) |
$440 |
| 5 people (adult and 5 children) |
$520 |
| For families with 6 or more children, add $80 per additional child. |
|
Additional Notes:
- The table shows the highest benefit amounts for each family size. Your actual benefit amount may be lower depending on your circumstances.
- Mississippi TANF does not provide cash assistance for families with only one child under 18, which can be a significant hardship for single mothers.
What Does Mississippi TANF Offer Beyond Cash Assistance?
- Job Training and Education: The program may connect you with job training or educational opportunities to develop skills and qualifications for better-paying jobs. However, funding for these services can be limited.
- Support Services: The MDHS may collaborate with community organizations to offer additional support services, such as:
- Food Banks and Pantries
- Housing Assistance (limited availability)
- Health Insurance Assistance
Getting Started with Mississippi TANF
If you're a single mom facing financial hardship, Mississippi TANF can be a resource, though the benefit amount may be low. Here's how to get started:
- Visit the Mississippi Department of Human Services website: The website provides information about TANF eligibility requirements, the application process, and frequently asked questions: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/
- Call your local county social services office: A caseworker can answer your questions and guide you through the application process.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources that may be helpful for single moms in Mississippi:
Government Assistance
Non-Profit Organizations
Education and Employment
- Mississippi Community College Board: Offers affordable job training and educational programs to help you gain skills for better-paying jobs. Find your local community college at https://www.mccb.edu/
- Mississippi Works: A state program offering job training, placement assistance, and childcare assistance for low-income individuals. Find more information at http://mdes.ms.gov/
Financial Help for Single Moms and Divorced Women by State:
Warning:
This post is neither financial, health, legal, or personal advice nor a substitute for the advice offered by a professional. These are serious matters, and the help of a professional is recommended as it can impact your future.
