What Is Considered Low Income for Seniors in Mississippi?

A low income for seniors in Mississippi is defined as less than 80% of the median income of $49,111 for a household and $26,807 for a single individual. Using these figures from the U.S. Census, a senior household receiving less than $39,288.80 per year or a single senior receiving less than $21,445.60 per year is considered low income. In contrast, an income under 50% of the area median income is considered a very low income.

In Mississippi, 19.4% of people live beneath the U.S. Federal poverty line, which is defined as less than $14,580 per year for a single-person household or $19,720 for a family of two. Many federal and state assistance programs use the federal poverty guidelines to determine eligibility. Some low-income and impoverished seniors may qualify for various financial assistance programs. These include assistance for health care, food and living expenses.

In Mississippi, single seniors must have an annual income of less than $18,075 to qualify for Medicaid. Households of two must make less than $24,353 per year. Seniors must be 65 or older, or someone in the household must have a qualifying disability to be eligible. The base program provides assistance with health care and medication costs.

The Elderly and Disabled Waiver is available to seniors and disabled adults who require a nursing home level of care, as verified by a physician. This program provides access to several services, including adult day health care, personal care services, in-home respite care, various therapies and home health care visits. This program is designed to keep seniors who require assistance in their homes rather than being institutionalized to receive the necessary support.

Mississippi welfare programs assist with living expenses, food and energy costs for low-income residents. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides individuals within 60% of the state median income to receive assistance with home energy bills, energy crises or weatherization and energy-related home repairs. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides low-income individuals and households a monthly benefit to purchase food. Seniors who are elderly or disabled and have a low income often qualify for this program. A single-person household making less than $1,473 per month or a household of two making less than $1,984 per month before taxes qualifies for this assistance.Seniors aged 65 or older or adults with a disability may qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits offered through the Social Security Administration. Seniors with limited income and resources may qualify for a monthly cash benefit through this program. Unlike Social Security benefits, seniors are not required to have paid into Social Security to receive this benefit. They may also receive SSI in tandem with Social Security if they meet income eligibility.