Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Mississippi. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Mississippi)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Mississippi SHIP)
Mississippi's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is administered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). Counselors provide free, confidential one-on-one help comparing Medicare plans, enrolling, understanding Medicare Savings Programs, and reviewing Medigap options.
Toll-free statewide: (844) 822-4622 Local/Jackson area: (601) 359-4577 Locator: shiphelp.org/ships/mississippi/
Medicaid in Mississippi
The Mississippi Division of Medicaid administers the state program. Two categories are most relevant for older adults:
Healthier Mississippi Waiver: for adults age 65 and older without Medicare who meet income limits. Apply online at medicaid.ms.gov, by mail to P.O. Box 2222, Jackson, MS 39225, or in person at one of 30 Mississippi Medicaid Regional Offices statewide.
Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid: for seniors and people with disabilities who meet income and resource tests.
A separate Elderly and Disabled Waiver helps qualifying seniors receive in-home and community-based services as an alternative to a nursing facility. Ask the Medicaid Office of Eligibility for referral details.
Phone: 1-800-421-2408 (Office of Eligibility, toll-free) Website: medicaid.ms.gov
Prescription help
Mississippi does not operate a dedicated State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) for seniors. Available options:
Medicare Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy): a federal program that can sharply reduce Part D drug costs for qualifying low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Apply through Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov.
BenefitsCheckUp.org: screens for pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance programs and other prescription savings.
Mississippi SHIP counselors (see above) can walk through Extra Help eligibility at no charge.
Energy and utility help
Mississippi LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is administered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services through local Community Action Agencies (CAAs). Elderly households are given the highest priority among all eligible applicants.
Income limit: at or below 60% of the state median income.
How to apply: submit a pre-application through the Common Web Portal at accessms.ms.gov. Your county CAA will contact you to schedule an in-person appointment to complete the full application. If you cannot access the internet, call your county Community Action Agency or Human Resource Agency directly. Find your local agency at mdhs.ms.gov/community/liheap/.
Property tax relief (Mississippi)
Mississippi Homestead Exemption under Mississippi Code Section 27-33-67:
Seniors age 65 or older on January 1 of the application year (and persons who are 100% totally disabled) qualify for an exemption from all ad valorem taxes on the first $12,500 of assessed value of their primary residence. This amount increased from $7,500 to $12,500 effective January 1, 2026, under House Bill 1255 (2025), which amended Mississippi Code Section 27-33-67. Mississippi assesses owner-occupied residential property at 10% of fair market value, so a $12,500 assessed-value exemption effectively shields a home valued up to approximately $125,000 from all property taxes.
No income limit applies to this senior exemption.
Eligibility requirements: must be age 65 or older by January 1 of the year of application; must own and occupy the property as a primary residence on January 1; must be a bona fide Mississippi resident in compliance with state income tax and road privilege tax requirements.
Application window: January 1 through April 1 each year, at the county Tax Assessor's office. Bring a driver's license or birth certificate showing date of birth. If you turned 65 after a prior filing, you must reapply to receive the higher exemption tier.
County Tax Assessor offices statewide handle applications. State program info: dor.ms.gov/county-services/homestead-exemption
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Mississippi Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) within MDHS coordinates services through a statewide network of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). Services include home-delivered meals, congregate meals at senior centers, in-home assistance, caregiver support, and medical transportation.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): provides monthly food packages for adults age 60 and older in participating counties. Over 13,000 food boxes are distributed across Mississippi each month through MDHS, the Mississippi Food Network, and local agencies in 39 counties.
Legal assistance: legal advice and representation for older adults and adults with disabilities is available through AAA-contracted legal aid attorneys in many counties. Contact your local AAA or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to find legal help in your area.
Find your local AAA and available services: mdhs.ms.gov/adults-seniors/services-for-seniors/
Frequently asked questions
What is Mississippi's SHIP program? SHIP stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Program. It provides free, confidential Medicare counseling from trained counselors. Mississippi SHIP is run by the Mississippi Department of Human Services and can be reached toll-free at (844) 822-4622.
Does Mississippi offer a property tax break for seniors? Yes. Homeowners age 65 or older qualify for an exemption from all ad valorem taxes on the first $12,500 of assessed value of their primary home, effective January 1, 2026. There is no income limit. Apply at your county Tax Assessor's office between January 1 and April 1.
How do Mississippi seniors get help with heating and cooling bills? Through LIHEAP, administered by local Community Action Agencies. Start at accessms.ms.gov or call 211 to reach your county CAA. Elderly households are given top priority.
How does a Mississippi senior apply for Medicaid? Call the Mississippi Division of Medicaid at 1-800-421-2408, apply online at medicaid.ms.gov, or visit a local Medicaid Regional Office. The Aged, Blind or Disabled category and the Elderly and Disabled Waiver are the primary programs for older adults.
Sources
- Mississippi SHIP (MDHS): https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/post/navigating-medicare-made-easy-with-ship/ (Verified June 11, 2026)
- SHIP TA Center, Mississippi listing: https://www.shiphelp.org/ships/mississippi/ (Verified June 11, 2026)
- CMS Mississippi SHIP contact: https://www.cms.gov/contacts/ms-state-health-insurance-assistance-program-ship/general-beneficiary-contact/1565291 (Verified June 11, 2026)
- Mississippi Division of Medicaid, Healthier Mississippi Waiver: https://medicaid.ms.gov/medicaid-coverage/who-qualifies-for-coverage/healthier-mississippi-waiver/ (Verified June 11, 2026)
- Mississippi Division of Medicaid, How to Apply: https://medicaid.ms.gov/how-to-apply-2/ (Verified June 11, 2026)
- Mississippi LIHEAP (MDHS): https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/community/liheap/ (Verified June 11, 2026)
- Mississippi DOR, Homestead Exemption: https://www.dor.ms.gov/county-services/homestead-exemption (Verified June 11, 2026)
- Mississippi Legislature, House Bill 1255 (2025), amending Miss. Code Section 27-33-67 (senior homestead $7,500 to $12,500, effective Jan 1, 2026): https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2025/html/HB/1200-1299/HB1255IN.htm (Verified June 11, 2026)
- Mississippi CSFP (MDHS): https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/help/seniors/ (Verified June 11, 2026)
- Mississippi DAAS senior services: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/adults-seniors/services-for-seniors/ (Verified June 11, 2026)
Ryan Riggins, NC Real Estate License #361546, eXp Realty. Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. This is not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Income limits, rates, and deadlines change annually, confirm with the program or a licensed professional before acting.