A Guide to Michigan's Assistance Programs

Life can present unexpected challenges, from job loss to a health crisis, leaving individuals and families feeling overwhelmed. It is crucial to know that a robust system of support exists. Michigan's assistance programs are designed to provide a vital safety net, offering a bridge to stability for residents facing hardship.

This guide serves as a roadmap to navigating public benefits in the Great Lakes State. It aims to demystify the various state and federal programs and empower you with the knowledge to access the help you need. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is the central administrator for many of these programs, overseeing assistance for food, healthcare, cash, and emergency needs.

Understanding the purpose, eligibility, and application process for each type of support can help you confidently take the first step toward a more stable future. The journey begins with two primary "front doors": the MI Bridges online portal and the Michigan 2-1-1 service, which provide immediate and actionable starting points for anyone seeking support.

Your First Steps: Where to Start Your Search for Assistance

Knowing where to begin is the most critical step in a moment of crisis. Michigan has established a clear and accessible system with multiple entry points, whether you prefer to seek help online, over the phone, or in person.

MI Bridges: Your Online Gateway to State Benefits

MI Bridges is the official, centralized online portal for the State of Michigan. It is the primary tool for residents to apply for, manage, and learn about a wide range of state-administered assistance programs from any computer or mobile device.

Key Features and Capabilities:

• Unified Application: Apply for multiple benefits at once with a single application, including Healthcare Coverage, Food Assistance (FAP), Cash Assistance (FIP), WIC, Child Development and Care (CDC), and State Emergency Relief (SER).
• Case Management: After applying, use your account to check your application status, report changes in your household circumstances, and complete renewals to maintain benefits.
• Resource Exploration: Find information on community partners that can help with housing, unemployment, family support, and more.

The application process through MI Bridges is often the quickest way to get started. The system guides you through a series of questions to determine potential eligibility for various programs.

Michigan 2-1-1: Your Personal Connection to Help

While MI Bridges is a powerful digital tool, Michigan 2-1-1 is its human-centered counterpart. It is a free, confidential referral service that connects residents to a database of over 27,000 local programs offered by non-profits, community groups, and government agencies.

Accessibility and Scope:

• 24/7/365 Availability: Help is available around the clock, every day of the year.
• Multiple Ways to Connect:
• Dial: Call 2-1-1 from any phone.
• Text: Send your zip code to 898211.
• Online: Search the database on the Michigan 2-1-1 website or use the live chat feature.
• Broad Range of Services: Community Care Advocates can help with nearly any need, including finding food pantries, securing emergency shelter, getting help with utility bills, and accessing mental health services.

Community Partners and Local Offices: In-Person Support

Michigan also provides a strong network of in-person support options for those who need them.

• MDHHS County Offices: Every county has a local MDHHS office where you can apply for benefits, submit documents, and speak with a caseworker in person.
• MI Bridges Community Partners: The state has partnered with community organizations to provide free public access to computers and one-on-one guidance to help residents use the portal and complete applications.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Key non-profits like United Way and local Community Action Agencies often provide direct services and expert assistance with applications for state and federal programs.

Food and Nutrition Assistance: Ensuring No One Goes Hungry

Food security is a cornerstone of well-being. Michigan offers a multi-layered system of food and nutrition programs to meet a spectrum of needs, from ongoing monthly support to specialized programs and immediate aid.

The Food Assistance Program (FAP/SNAP): Your Monthly Grocery Budget

The primary food assistance program in Michigan is the Food Assistance Program (FAP), the state's name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). FAP provides eligible low-income households with monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, known as the Bridge Card, which functions like a debit card at authorized retailers.

Eligibility for FAP

Eligibility is primarily determined by a household's financial situation and size. A household is generally a group of people who live, purchase, and prepare meals together.

• Income Limits: A household's gross monthly income must generally be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
• Asset Limits: Most households are no longer subject to an asset limit.
• Other Requirements: Applicants must be Michigan residents and U.S. citizens or have an eligible immigration status. Some adults may also need to meet work requirements.

How to Apply for FAP

The application process is designed to be accessible through several channels:

1. Apply Online: The fastest method is to apply through the MI Bridges portal.
2. Paper Application: Download an application from the MDHHS website or pick one up at a local MDHHS office.
3. Phone Assistance: Organizations like the Food Bank Council of Michigan can help you apply over the phone.
4. Interview: A phone interview with an MDHHS specialist is required to review your information.
5. Decision: A decision is typically made within 30 days, or within seven days for households in urgent need.

Once approved, the Bridge Card is mailed to you and can be used at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and a growing number of online retailers.

Specialized Nutrition Programs

Beyond FAP, Michigan offers several targeted programs for specific populations.

• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): This program serves income-eligible pregnant and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age five. WIC provides specific healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.
• Summer EBT: This program provides grocery benefits to low-income families with school-aged children during the summer months.
• Double Up Food Bucks: This incentive program matches every dollar spent from a Bridge Card on fruits and vegetables with an additional dollar (up to $20 per day) for Michigan-grown produce at participating locations.
• Senior Project FRESH / Market FRESH: This program provides older adults with coupons for fresh, Michigan-grown produce at farmers markets and roadside stands.

Immediate Food Needs

For those facing an immediate food crisis, a statewide network of food banks and pantries provides emergency groceries and meals. The best way to locate the nearest site is by calling Michigan 2-1-1 or searching their online database.

Housing and Shelter: Securing a Place to Call Home

A safe, stable home is the foundation for well-being. Michigan's housing programs address a range of needs, from helping families afford rent to providing emergency shelter.

Rental Assistance and Subsidized Housing

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is the state's lead agency for housing, administering a variety of federal and state programs.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV / Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, or Section 8, is the federal government's primary program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities to afford housing in the private market.

• How It Works: Participants receive a voucher to find their own housing. They pay a portion of the rent (typically 30% of their adjusted income), and the voucher pays the rest directly to the landlord.   
• Application Process: Demand for vouchers is extremely high, and waiting lists are often closed. MSHDA manages lists for every county and uses a preference system for applicants who are homeless or who live or work in the county. Monitor the MSHDA website to be notified when a waiting list opens.

Finding Affordable Housing

You can search for subsidized and affordable rental units using these online tools:

• MSHDA Affordable Rental Housing Directory: A database of MSHDA-financed rental properties.
• Michigan Housing Locator: A broader online listing service for affordable rentals.

Emergency Housing and Homelessness Prevention

For those facing an immediate housing crisis, several resources are available.

• State Emergency Relief (SER): This program can provide one-time financial assistance to prevent an eviction or help with relocation costs like a security deposit.
• Centralized Intake for Homeless Services: If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, call 2-1-1 or contact your region's Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA). This is the single point of entry for the homeless crisis response system.

Homeownership and Repair Assistance

MSHDA also offers programs to make homeownership more attainable, including the MI Home Loan program and Down Payment Assistance (DPA) loans of up to $10,000.

For homeowners in rural areas, the USDA Section 504 Home Repair program offers loans up to $40,000 and grants up to $10,000 for elderly homeowners to repair their homes and remove health and safety hazards.

Healthcare Coverage: Accessing Medical, Dental, and Vision Care

Access to healthcare is essential for stability. Michigan provides several public health insurance programs to ensure low-income residents can get the medical care they need.

Understanding Michigan's Medicaid Programs

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program offering free or low-cost health coverage. In Michigan, the system includes traditional Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan.

Covered Healthcare Services

Both programs offer comprehensive benefits that cover a wide array of medically necessary services. Core benefits generally include:

• Medical Care: Doctor visits, specialist appointments, hospital care, emergency services, lab work, and X-rays.
• Preventive Services: Annual check-ups, immunizations, and health screenings.
• Pharmacy: Prescription medications and certain medical supplies.
• Mental Health: Counseling, therapy, and treatment for substance use disorders.
• Specialty Care: Dental, vision, hearing, podiatry, and chiropractic services.
• Maternity Care: Full prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care for mothers and babies.
• Transportation: Rides to and from covered medical appointments.

How to Apply for Health Coverage

The application process for all Michigan Medicaid programs is centralized.

1. Online: The fastest way to apply is through the MI Bridges portal.
2. Paper Application: Download an application or request one from a local MDHHS office.
3. By Phone: Call the Michigan Health Care Helpline at 1-855-789-5610.
4. In Person: Visit a local MDHHS county office or a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).

Who Qualifies for Coverage?

Eligibility is determined by factors like age, pregnancy status, disability, household size, and income.

• Traditional Medicaid: This program is for specific groups who meet income and asset limits, including pregnant women, infants and children, low-income adults who are 65 or older or have a disability, and SSI recipients.
• Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP): This is Michigan's Medicaid expansion program. It is designed for adults aged 19-64 with household incomes at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level who do not qualify for other Medicaid categories.
• Specialized Programs for Children:
• MIChild: A low-cost health insurance program for uninsured children in families with incomes too high for traditional Medicaid but below 217% of FPL.
• Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS): A program for children with specific chronic health conditions that helps families pay for specialized medical care, regardless of income.

Michigan Medicaid Income Limits (Based on 2025 FPL Estimates)

Financial Support: Cash and Emergency Assistance

For families facing significant financial hardship, Michigan offers programs that provide direct monetary support, including ongoing cash assistance and one-time emergency relief.

Ongoing Cash Assistance Programs

These programs provide a modest monthly cash benefit to help recipients meet basic needs.

• Family Independence Program (FIP): This is Michigan's version of the federal TANF program, providing temporary cash assistance to low-income families with minor children and pregnant women. FIP has strict income and asset limits, work requirements, and a 60-month lifetime limit. 
• State Disability Assistance (SDA): This state-funded program provides cash assistance to adults with a disability that prevents them from working, as well as to caretakers of a disabled person or individuals age 65 or older.
• Federal Disability Programs (SSI & SSDI): The Social Security Administration administers two key federal programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for those with very limited income and resources, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for those who have a sufficient work history.

State Emergency Relief (SER): Your Lifeline in a Crisis

The State Emergency Relief (SER) program provides swift, one-time financial assistance to low-income households experiencing an emergency that threatens their health and safety.

What Qualifies as an Emergency?

SER can provide help with a variety of urgent needs:

• Heat and Utilities: Preventing a utility shut-off or paying for a 30-day supply of a deliverable fuel like propane.
• Housing Crisis: Stopping a legal eviction, paying for relocation assistance, or funding emergency home repairs like a broken furnace.
• Burial: Helping pay for burial or cremation services when other resources are insufficient.

SER Eligibility and Application

To qualify, you must demonstrate an immediate need, such as a shut-off notice or a court-ordered eviction. The program has specific income and asset limits. For the fastest service, apply online via MI Bridges or in person at a local MDHHS office.

State Emergency Relief (SER) Income & Asset Limits

Eligibility for SER depends on household size, income, and assets, with different income limits for energy-related needs versus other emergencies.

For non-energy related assistance, if a household's income exceeds the limit, the excess amount becomes a required co-payment. Data sourced from.

Utility Bill Assistance: Keeping the Lights and Heat On

High energy costs can strain household budgets. Beyond SER, Michigan offers several programs to make utility bills more manageable and reduce energy consumption.

Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)

MEAP is a statewide program providing direct financial assistance to help low-income households pay their energy bills and work toward energy self-sufficiency.

• Purpose: MEAP helps pay for heating and electricity, enrolls households in affordable payment plans, and provides energy education.
• Eligibility: Eligibility is based on income, using a more generous standard than the Federal Poverty Level. Your utility account does not need to be past-due to qualify.
• How to Access: MEAP is administered through a network of partner organizations. Call Michigan 2-1-1 for a referral to a local provider.

Home Heating Credit

The Home Heating Credit is a refundable tax credit from the State of Michigan to help low-income residents with the cost of heating their homes. To receive the credit, you must file the MICHIGAN Home Heating Credit Claim form (MI-1040CR-7) with the Department of Treasury by September 30. You do not need to have a state income tax filing requirement to be eligible.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP offers a long-term solution by addressing the root cause of high energy bills: an inefficient home.

• Purpose: WAP provides free home energy conservation services to low-income homeowners and renters to reduce energy use and lower utility bills permanently.
• Services: Certified contractors may install insulation, perform air leakage sealing, and ensure proper ventilation, which can reduce heating costs by 20-25%.
• How to Apply: The program is run by local Community Action Agencies. Contact your local Weatherization Operator to apply.

Water and Sewer Assistance

Help is also available for water bills in many communities. Programs like the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) operate in specific counties to provide funding for past-due water bills. Residents living elsewhere should dial 2-1-1 to find local water assistance programs.

Child Care Assistance: Support for Working Families

Access to affordable, high-quality child care is a critical support for working families. Michigan's primary program for helping with this expense is the Child Development and Care (CDC) program.

The Child Development and Care (CDC) Program

The CDC program, or child care subsidy, helps eligible families by paying for a portion of their child care costs. This enables parents to work, attend school, or address medical needs.

• Administration: The CDC program is now administered by the new Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (Mi LEAP), signaling a focus on integrating child care with broader educational and workforce goals.
• Eligibility: To qualify, a family must have a qualifying reason for needing care (like a job) and meet household income limits, which have been expanded to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. There is no asset test.
• Family Contribution (Co-Pay): Families may be required to pay a portion of their child care costs. This co-payment is based on a sliding scale but may be waived for families who choose a high-quality provider.

How to Apply for CDC

1. Complete the application online through the MI Bridges portal, which is the fastest method. 
2. Alternatively, submit a paper application to a local MDHHS office.
3. The process can take up to 45 days and requires submitting documents to verify identity, income, and the need for care.

Finding a Child Care Provider

Parents are responsible for choosing a provider. The Great Start to Quality website (www.GreatStarttoQuality.org) is Michigan's official resource for finding and comparing licensed child care providers that accept the CDC subsidy.

Other Early Childhood and Family Resources

• MI Tri-Share Child Care: An innovative pilot program that splits the cost of child care three ways: between the employee, their employer, and the State of Michigan.
• Head Start and GSRP: These are high-quality, free preschool programs for eligible children from low-income families.
• Connect4Care Kids: A resource from United Way that helps families in Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, and Washtenaw counties connect with local child care options.

CDC Program Income Eligibility (Effective October 2021)

 Frequently Asked Questions