Michigan, MI

Michigan Earned Income Credit (EIC) #

The EITC is a proven effective anti-poverty tool that rewards work and helps low-income families make ends meet. Benefits phase out at higher incomes, and more benefits go to families with children.

Michigan's EIC provides tax credit up to $2,229. The credit amount depends on several factors — including your income, filing status, number of “qualifying children”.

How much is Michigan Earned Income Credit?

Michigan's EIC supplements the federal EITC with a state credit equal to 30% of the federal allocation, with families raising at least two children receiving a bigger benefit.

• NO. OF CHILD Maximum EIC
• 0 $180
• 1 $1,198
• 2 $1,981
• 3 or more $2,229

To claim both the federal and Michigan’s EIC, you must first file a tax return — even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to do so because you had too little income.

Michigan Family Independence Program #

Michigan's Family Independence Program (FIP) provides cash assistance to low-income families with minor children as well as pregnant women. It is designed to help low-income Michigan families become self-supporting.

Under current Michigan law, you cannot receive FIP for more than 48 months in your lifetime. When eligible, deposits will be made to your EBT account, known as Michigan Bridge Card, twice per month.

How much does Michigan pay for cash assistance?

How much does Michigan pay for cash assistance largely depends upon your family’s income and size. For example, a family of three with little or no income may receive up to $492 per month.

Michigan Food Assistance Program #

Michigan's Food Assistance Program is a joint initiative between the U.S Department of Agriculture and the State of Michigan’s DHS that aims to help low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled buy an adequate supply of nutritious food.

Benefits are calculated based on the number of people in your household and the income, expenses, and assets for those in your household.

For example, in Michigan, a family of three with no income may receive up to $740 in monthly benefits or $440 each month if the family has a net monthly income of $1,000.

• Family Size SNAP Benefits
• 1 $281
• 2 $516
• 3 $740
• 4 $939
• 5 $1,116
• 6 $1,339
• 7 $1,480
• 8 $1,691

The actual SNAP benefit amounts are based on a household's net income with a general rule that an increase of $100 in net income results in a reduction of $30 in benefits.

How do I sign up for food stamps in Michigan?

Requests can be made in person at the local DHS county office or use MI Bridges to apply for assistance, check your eligibility status and manage your account online.

Michigan Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) #

Michigan WIC serves low and moderate income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, including infants and children up to age five who are at health risk due to inadequate nutrition.

It provides special checks or vouchers for buying healthy foods to supplement their diet. Other benefits include nutrition education, breastfeeding support, free screening and referral to health care.

Foos include, but are not limited to, infant cereals and baby foods, fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, dried and canned beans, canned fish, and tofu.

What is the income limit for WIC in Michigan?

WIC is open to Michigan families with a household income less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level. That's about $3,833 per month for a single mother of two.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $2,248
• 2 $3,040
• 3 $3,833
• 4 $4,625
• 5 $5,418
• 6 $6,210
• 7 $7,003
• 8 $7,795

How do I apply for WIC online in Michigan?

Michigan WIC cannot be applied for online, you will need to request for a certification appointment from a local agency.

Call 2-1-1 to locate WIC agency nearest you.

Healthy Michigan Plan #

Healthy Michigan Plan is the largest program providing medical and health-related services to Michigan’s poorest people — mostly uninsured children under age 19, pregnant women, disabled adults, and the elderly.

As Michigan is expanding Medicaid coverage, Healthy Michigan Plan is now available to all adults age between 19-64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

What is the income limit for Healthy Kids in Michigan?

Healthy Kids has an income limit which is lower than MIChild. Eligibility is limited to those with income less than 160% of the poverty level or about $39,780 for a family of three.

If you are under age 19, or pregrant, you may be able to get health and dental services for you and your children through Healthy Kids which is free.

How do I apply for Michigan Medicaid?

If you think you might be eligible, apply today and see if you qualify. Choose from one of the following options to apply.

1. Apply online at MI Bridges

2. Call the Michigan Health Care Helpline at 1-855-789-5610

3. Visit your local Department of Human Services office

   
   
   

MIChild #

MIChild is a health care program for the low income uninsured children of Michigan’s working families under age 19 whose income exceeds the Medicaid limit.

To qualify for MIChild, your children must:

1. Be under age 19
2. Live in Michigan, even for a short time
3. Be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
4. Have a Social Security Number (or have applied for one)
5. Have no comprehensive health insurance, including Medicaid
6. Meet monthly family income limits

Unlike Healthy Kids which is free, most families pay a premium of $10 per month or $120 per year, regardless of the number of children in the family with MIChild coverage. There are no co-pays in MIChild.

What is the income limit for MIChild in Michigan?

MIChild has a higher income limit than U-19 Medicaid. Participants must not earn more than $31,640 for a single person and $53,950 for a family of three.

• Family Size 217%
• 1 $31,640
• 2 $42,790
• 3 $53,950
• 4 $65,100
• 5 $76,250
• 6 $87,410
• 7 $98,560
• 8 $109,720

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

How do I sign up for MIChild?

To find out if you or your children qualify for MIChild or Healthy Kids, apply online at MI Bridges or call MIChild/Healthy Kids at 1-888-988-6300.

Michigan Child Development and Care Program #

Family contribution (FC) amounts are temporarily waived for all children, regardless of their provider assignment. This change will be in effect through September 23, 2023.

Michigan's Child Development and Care (CDC) Program offers payment assistance for child care services for low-income families who need help paying for child care.

Eligible families that qualify for the CDC program can choose their own child care provider. The state pays a portion of the cost of child care, while the parent is responsible to pay a co-payment to the provider each month.

For families who are receiving FIP/TANF, children in foster care, homeless or migrant children, the child will have a $0 family contribution (FC).

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Michigan?

A family is considered “income eligible” when their gross income is less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty level at the time of initial application.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 2 $3,287
• 3 $4,143
• 4 $5,000
• 5 $5,857
• 6 $6,713
• 7 $7,570
• 8 $8,427

How do I apply for child care assistance in Michigan?

The fastest way to apply for CDC is online through the MDHHS website, MI Bridges. The application process takes around 45 days to complete.

Michigan Head Start #

Michigan Head Start is a national school readiness program that provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services for low-income pre school children ages 3 to 5.

Early Head Start is open to children under 3 years old in low-income families, while children 3 to 5 years old participate in Head Start. Pregnant women may also be eligible for Early Head Start.

There are 90 Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Michigan. If you need help determining if your child is eligible, please call Head Start at (517) 373-6472 to find a program near you.

Michigan School Breakfast and Lunch Program #

Michigan's National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) are federally funded programs that assist schools and other agencies in providing nutritious meals at reasonable prices to children whose families meet income eligibility requirements.

If you are a SNAP recipient and qualify for reemployment compensation, your child qualifies for free school meals. Children who are migrant, runaway, foster, or homeless are automatically eligible.

For the most current information, please contact
School Nutrition Program Office
517-373-3347

Michigan Housing Choice Voucher Program #

MSHDA administers approximately 28,000 Housing Choice Vouchers that provides rent subsidies for very low income people who find their own housing in private homes and apartment buildings.

To be eligible, your gross income must not exceed the income limits for the county in which you live. If you are accepted into the program, the amount you pay for rent and utilities may vary, but generally your portion will not exceed 40% of your income.

Participants in the program may also qualify for other opportunities such as the Family Self-Sufficiency and Key to Own Homeownership programs.

How do I apply for Section 8 in Michigan?

Applications are only accepted for open waiting lists and are available online only; no paper applications will be available or accepted. Preference will be given to those living or working in the county selected.

Michigan Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) #

LIHEAP is federal money given to each state to assist low-income families with energy costs. In Michigan, the LIHEAP grant is used for the following programs: ²

1. State Emergency Relief (SER) is a crisis intervention program that provides assistance for energy-related expenses such as heating fuel, electricity and home repairs.
2. Home Heating Credit is a state credit available to eligible low-income households to help pay for winter heating bills.
3. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides free home energy conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters.

Each of these programs has its own specific eligibility requirements and application processes. To determine your eligibility and apply for assistance, you can contact the designated agency responsible for administering these programs in your area.

Michigan Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) #

Michigan LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program to help eligible households pay overdue water and wastewater bills. LIHWAP is available to low-income homeowners or renters.

Households facing the threat of disconnection, or those that have already been disconnected, are eligible for priority consideration.

Application for LIHWAP is open now through September 30, 2023, pending funding availability. The application process and requirements are the same as for LIHEAP.

How do I get help paying my water bill in Michigan?

If you are in danger of falling behind on your water bills and need help, please contact your local Community Action Agency to apply for LIHWAP assistance.

Michigan Unemployment Insurance #

Michigan Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to workers who become unemployed or under-employed through no fault of their own.

Those who file for a new claim may be entitled to up to 20 weeks of state unemployment benefits and are required to actively seek work each week that they file a claim for benefits.

Benefits per week range from a minimum of $157 to a maximum of $362, which is determined by wages paid during the qualifying period.

How do I file for unemployment in Michigan online?

You can apply for UI benefits either online via MiWAM or by phone at 866-500-0017. To phone in your biweekly claim, use MARVIN’s statewide, toll-free telephone number 1-866-638-3993.

Here's the six-step guide to walk you through the application process, putting all the necessary information on how to file for benefits in one place.

Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG) #

Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG) is available to undergraduate students and is based on financial need for use at non-profit colleges and universities in Michigan.

Awards are restricted to tuition and mandatory fees — up to a maximum of $3,000 per academic year, subject to available and approved funding. For priority consideration, submit your application by March 1 deadline.

For more information, contact the Michigan Tuition Grant program,

Student Scholarships and Grants (SSG)
1-888-4-GRANTS (1-888-447-2687)

Michigan Reconnect #

Michigan Reconnect provides free in-district tuition at a Michigan community college to earn an associate degree or Pell-eligible skill certificate.

There are a few basic requirements you must meet to be eligible for the Michigan Reconnect — and your previous GPA and past course grades is not one of them.

Who qualifies for Michigan Reconnect program?

Michigan Reconnect is available to students who:

• Are age 25 or older at the time of application
• Have lived in Michigan for at least one year
• Have a high school diploma, high school equivalency (GED), or certificate of completion
• Have not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor's)

Michigan Reconnect is a last-dollar program, which means that any Pell grant funds you receive are applied to your tuition and fees bill first, with Reconnect paying what’s not covered by Pell.

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