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33 Children under the age of eighteen (18), may be considered “disabled” if a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, (including an emotional or learning problem) is present. Documentation that may be submitted for a child with a disability includes:
1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) award letter, or
2. Social Security Administration (SSA) award letter. The award letters must be dated, with date no more than twelve (12) months prior to application submission date.
3. Individualized Education Program (IEP)
4. Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
Source: 45 CFR 98.20; 45 CFRR 98.21; 45 CFR98.33; Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-2(4); Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-4 Revised: August 2025
Rule 5.10 Teen Parent Eligibility Requirements
Any teen parent enrolled full-time in high school or attending a full-time educational program must apply for child care services in his/her own name as a family unit that is separate from his/her parent.
If the teen parent is living with his/her parent(s), the parent(s) of the teen must meet the work requirement or be enrolled full-time in an educational/training program; however, income of the parent(s) of the teen parent must be submitted on the application but will not be counted toward income eligibility.
If the parent of the teen meets the special needs requirement (described above), the work requirement is waived.
If the teen parent has been emancipated from his/her parent(s), the teen parent must meet the work requirement or be enrolled full-time in an educational/training program.
Source: 45 CFR 98.20; 45 CFR 98.21; 45 CFR 98.34; Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-2(4); Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-4 Revised: August 2025
Rule 5.11 Proof of Meeting the Definition of Protective Services
To provide proof that a child or children’s situation meets the definition of protective services, the following documentation is required: • A current referral from MDCPS listing the child(ren) in their custody. • A current certified custody order indicating the child is in custody of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services.
Rule 5.12 Reasons for Ineligibility
After an application for child care services has been submitted, an MDHS employee will determine if the applicant meets all eligibility requirements based on the information and documentation submitted by the parent. If the parent does not meet all the eligibility