How to Renew or Recertify SNAP in Mississippi

Renewing your SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits in Mississippi is not automatic. If you’re getting help to buy food now, you will usually need to recertify before your current approval period ends, or your benefits can stop.

This guide explains how SNAP renewal typically works in Mississippi, what to expect, and how to complete the process through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office or application site, but this overview can help you feel prepared before you contact your local Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) office or use the state’s official benefits portal.

SNAP Renewal in Mississippi: The Basics

In Mississippi, SNAP is managed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). When you’re approved, your household is given a certification period (often several months). Before that period ends, you must renew (recertify) to keep benefits.

Key points:

• You must renew on time to avoid an interruption in benefits.
• Recertification confirms that you still qualify and checks whether your benefit amount should stay the same, increase, or decrease.
• The process usually involves a renewal form plus a recertification interview and updated documents.

When You Need to Renew SNAP in Mississippi

How You’ll Know It’s Time

You are typically notified in one or more of these ways:

• A notice mailed to the address MDHS has on file.
• A message or reminder in the official online benefits portal (if you use it).
• A date listed on your original approval or recertification notice.

The notice generally tells you:

• Your recertification due date
• The last month your current benefits are approved for
• What forms you need to complete
• How to schedule or complete your interview

⚠️ Important: If your mailing address, phone number, or email has changed, contact your local MDHS county office right away so you don’t miss renewal notices.

Who Usually Has to Recertify (and How Often)

Most SNAP households in Mississippi must recertify:

• Every 6–12 months for many working-age households
• Every 12–24 months for certain households, such as those with elderly or disabled members and stable income, depending on program rules at the time

Your exact recertification schedule is listed in your approval notice or can be confirmed by your MDHS caseworker.

You can ask your local office:

• When your certification period ends
• When your renewal packet will be sent
• Whether you are on a shorter or longer recertification cycle

How to Renew SNAP in Mississippi: Step-by-Step

Renewal usually involves three main steps:

1. Get your renewal notice and form
2. Submit the renewal and documents
3. Complete your recertification interview

1. Get Your Renewal Form or Packet

You may receive a renewal packet automatically from MDHS, which may include:

• A recertification form (sometimes called “SNAP renewal” or “reapplication” form)
• Instructions on how to return it (online, by mail, fax, or in person)
• A deadline date
• A notice about your required interview

If you haven’t received the packet and your certification period is nearing the end:

• Contact your local MDHS county office, or
• Log in to the official Mississippi benefits portal to check for online renewal options.

2. Choose How to Submit Your Renewal

Mississippi typically allows several ways to renew:

Availability and details can vary by county, so confirm options with your local MDHS office.

Documents Commonly Needed for SNAP Recertification

When you renew SNAP in Mississippi, you usually must update information about your household, income, and expenses. MDHS typically asks for proof of:

Identity & Household

• Photo ID for the head of household (driver’s license, state ID, etc.)
• Social Security numbers (or proof of application) for each person applying
• Birthdates for all household members
• Proof of household composition if requested (such as a statement on who lives with you)

Income

Provide current proof of income for all working or income-receiving household members:

• Recent pay stubs (often last 30 days)
• Self-employment records (invoices, receipts, profit/loss statement)
• Unemployment benefit letters
• Social Security or SSI award letters
• VA, pension, or other benefit statements

Expenses (If You Want Them Counted)

SNAP rules consider certain expenses when calculating eligibility and benefit amounts. You may be asked for proof of:

• Rent or mortgage payments (lease, mortgage statement, rent receipt)
• Property taxes and homeowner’s insurance (if not already included in mortgage)
• Utility bills (electric, water, gas, trash, etc.)
• Child support payments you legally owe and pay
• Childcare costs (receipts, provider statements)
• Medical expenses for elderly or disabled members (prescriptions, doctor bills, premiums, if applicable under program rules)

⭐ Tip: Bring or upload copies, not originals, whenever possible.

The SNAP Recertification Interview in Mississippi

After you submit your renewal, you will almost always need to complete a recertification interview with MDHS.

How the Interview Usually Works

• The interview may be done by phone or in person at your county office.
• You’ll be told the date, time, and method in your notice or through your caseworker.
• During the interview, the worker will:
  • Review the information on your renewal form
  • Ask about any changes (income, address, household size, expenses)
  • Request any missing documents or clarification

If you miss your scheduled interview, you may be given a second chance or a short grace period, but if it’s not completed by the deadline, your benefits can stop.

Deadlines and How to Avoid a Break in Benefits

To keep your SNAP benefits from stopping, it’s important to:

1. Submit your recertification form by the due date
2. Complete your interview on time
3. Provide all requested documents promptly

Typical timing:

• The renewal deadline is usually set for before your current certification period ends.
• If you submit your renewal on time, and complete your interview, your case is usually processed so that benefits continue without a gap into the next month.
• If you miss the deadline, you may have to reapply as a new applicant, and you could lose benefits for at least one month.

If you’re unsure about your exact deadline, contact your MDHS county office or check your official online account.

What Happens After You Renew

After your interview and once your documents are reviewed, MDHS will:

• Approve your renewal and set a new certification period,
• Adjust your benefit amount based on updated information, or
• Deny your recertification if you no longer qualify.

You should receive an official notice explaining:

• Whether you are approved or denied
• Your new benefit amount
• Your new certification period dates
• Any rights to appeal if you disagree with the decision

If you use an EBT card, your card usually stays the same; only the amount loaded each month changes based on your new eligibility.

Common Reasons SNAP Renewals Are Delayed or Denied

Knowing the most common issues can help you avoid problems:

• Renewal form not returned on time
• Missed interview with MDHS
• Missing or incomplete documents (such as pay stubs, ID, or proof of expenses)
• Unreported changes (for example, new income or household members)
• Income now too high under program rules
• Not responding to additional requests for information

If your recertification is denied or closed and you believe it’s wrong, look at your notice for:

• The reason for denial, and
• Instructions on how and when you can appeal

How to Appeal a SNAP Recertification Decision in Mississippi

If you disagree with a renewal decision, you generally have the right to request a fair hearing.

Typical steps:

1. Read your denial or reduction notice carefully to see the deadline for requesting a hearing.
2. Request an appeal by:
   • Writing to your local MDHS office,
   • Visiting the office in person, or
   • Calling the number listed on your official notice to ask about the process.

At a hearing, you can:

• Explain your situation
• Provide additional documents or information
• Ask questions about how your case was calculated

If you want benefits to continue while you appeal (when they were reduced or closed), you usually must request the hearing before a specific deadline listed on your notice. Be aware that if you lose the appeal, you may be responsible for any overpaid benefits.

If Your SNAP Renewal Is Late or You Miss It

If you miss the renewal window:

• Your case may be closed at the end of your certification period.
• You might need to submit a new SNAP application instead of a renewal.
• There may be a gap in benefits until your new application is processed.

If this happens:

• Contact your MDHS county office as soon as possible.
• Ask whether you can still complete a late recertification or if you must reapply.
• Provide all necessary documents quickly to avoid further delay.

If You No Longer Qualify for SNAP

If your income or household situation changes and you no longer qualify for SNAP, you may still have other options for food help in Mississippi:

• Local food pantries or food banks – Many areas have nonprofit groups or churches that offer food distributions.
• Community meal programs – Some communities offer free or low-cost meals at community centers or shelters.
• 211 – You can dial 211 in most areas to reach a referral line that can connect you with local food, housing, and utility assistance resources.
• School meal programs – Children in qualifying households may get free or reduced-price meals at school; contact your child’s school district.

These resources are separate from SNAP but can help bridge gaps if your benefits end or are reduced.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Mississippi SNAP Channels

With many websites and services online, it’s important to confirm you are dealing with official state resources when renewing SNAP.

Here are ways to check:

• The website clearly lists Mississippi Department of Human Services or another state government department as the operator.
• The web address typically ends in “.gov” for state government pages.
• Phone numbers and addresses match those listed on official MDHS materials or notices you received by mail.
• No one is charging a fee to submit your SNAP renewal form. The official application and renewal process are free.
• Staff introduce themselves as working for MDHS or the county office, not as independent “benefits experts” or “third-party processors.”

If you’re unsure whether a website or call is official, you can:

• Call your local MDHS county office directly using a number listed in government directories.
• Ask the person on the phone to confirm the agency name and contact details.
• Avoid sharing Social Security numbers, EBT PINs, or bank information with anyone who cannot verify they’re with an official agency.

Quick Checklist: Renewing SNAP in Mississippi

Use this summary to stay on track:

• ☐ Check your mail and online account for your recertification notice and deadline.
• ☐ Confirm your contact information with MDHS (address, phone, email).
• ☐ Gather documents:
  • ☐ ID and Social Security numbers
  • ☐ Current income proof for all household members
  • ☐ Rent/mortgage and utility bills
  • ☐ Childcare, child support, and medical costs (if applicable)
• ☐ Submit your renewal form through the official online portal, by mail, fax, or in person.
• ☐ Complete your interview by the date given.
• ☐ Respond quickly to any requests for more information.
• ☐ Review your approval or denial notice and note your new certification period or appeal rights.

By following these steps through your local Mississippi Department of Human Services office or the state’s official benefits portal, you can give yourself the best chance of renewing SNAP on time and keeping your food assistance without interruption.