TANF
TANF Program

How to Apply for TANF in Mississippi

Mississippi's TANF cash assistance program is applied for entirely online through the state's Quick Apply portal at access.ms.gov, and MDHS guarantees a decision — approval or denial — within 30 calendar days of receiving a completed application. Approved households get benefits loaded onto a Way2Go Debit Card rather than a traditional EBT card. Eligibility is tight: households can have no more than $2,000 in countable resources, excluding a home and one car.

Updated August 2026

What You'll Need

✓ Proof of identity (driver's license, ID, or birth certificate) ✓ Social Security numbers for household members ✓ Proof of income (check stubs, benefit letters, or self-employment records) ✓ Proof of Mississippi residency (lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement) ✓ Information on household resources (bank statements, CDs, stocks, or bonds)
  1. 1

    Check your eligibility

    You can take the optional TANF Pre-Screen at access.ms.gov. To qualify, your household must include a child under 18, have gross monthly income at or below the limit for your household size (for example, $627/month for 1 person up to $2,641/month for 10), and have no more than $2,000 in resources excluding a home and one car.

  2. 2

    Gather your documents

    Have proof of identity, residency, income, Social Security numbers for household members, and rent/utility expenses ready. You are not required to gather these before applying, but your caseworker will request them afterward.

  3. 3

    Submit your application

    Apply online at access.ms.gov (Apply for TANF), or contact your local MDHS county office to request a paper application.

  4. 4

    Complete an eligibility interview

    After you apply, an MDHS caseworker reviews your application and schedules an interview. You'll be notified of the date and time by mail or email, and will learn your program rights and responsibilities during the interview.

  5. 5

    Return any additional information requested

    If your caseworker needs more documentation, submit it online, by email, in person, by mail, or by fax — or upload it directly at ea-upload.mdhs.ms.gov.

  6. 6

    Receive your decision and benefits

    MDHS must issue an approval or denial notice within 30 calendar days of your application date. If approved, your caseworker will order you a Way2Go Debit Card to access your TANF benefits.

Submit Your Application

Apply Online ☎ 800-948-3050

Verified against the official Mississippi TANF agency site. View source

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