Financial assistance programs in Michigan.
Find financial help or free stuff in all Michigan cities and counties listed below, including Detroit and Grand Rapids. Learn how to get with rent, free food, utility bill assistance, free medical care as well as a gas card for work and more. Low-income families will get help from charities as well as government agencies. Locate financial assistance near you in MI below as well as places for free stuff.
The goal is to provide emergency financial aid to help pay bills in a crisis as well as long term support. Charities may therefore give out free clothes or groceries, a free car for transportation or bus passes for work or help with housing needs. There are also government grants in MI to help pay for daycare costs, car loan payment or transportation services as well as longer term cash aid for paying bills.
Get grant money for bills, free stuff or food, housing programs and more in MI
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Resources offers many resources including the following assistance programs. Each county has its own local intake site as well.
- MiRx Prescription Drug Assistance Program - A prescription drug medication assistance program for anyone without proper insurance living in Michigan. The plan provides year-round prescription coverage that provides vouchers, discounts, online savings or direct financial help to pay for medications, insulin and other medical needs. Call 1-866-755-6479
- MiChild - This government assistance program will help low income families as well as single mothers or fathers by providing free health insurance coverage to children living in the state of Michigan. There is a very small monthly premium due per month with no co-pays and no deductibles. Call 1-855-789-5610
- Family Independence Program (FIP) - The main goal of the FIP program is to help families become independent and self-supporting. Free cash is for low-income, single moms or unemployed people in MI to help pay bills, housing, job training, transportation and more. FIP is temporary cash assistance for struggling or lower income families including pregnant women or minor children. The government assistance helps these families pay for living expenses. Call 517-373-3740.
- In addition, FIP applicants and recipients may be assigned to the free Jobs, Education and Training (JET) program. It gives counseling and assistance in finding a job or ways to develop needed career skills. Financial help with childcare, transportation, and other needs related to training and employment may be provided. Apply at your local Department of Human Services office.
- SNAP Food Assistance Program (FAP) - Eligibility for the Food Assistance Program will depend on the financial situation of all members of the household. The state of MI may issues households an EBT card to help pay for groceries. All persons who live in the household and purchase and prepare food together will be considered to be members of the same SNAP household that applies. Call 517-373-3740
- Health Care Coverage - Michigan offers numerous free or cheap government health care programs that are available to families, children, and adults who meet certain eligibility requirements. There is Medicaid, Medicare, disability resources, free medications in MI and more. The goal of these various health and medical care programs is to ensure that essential services are made available to those who need it and who otherwise would not have the financial resources to purchase care on their own or to pay for medical bills. Call 1-888-988-6300 or 1-800-642-3195.
State Emergency Relief (SER) - The Michigan SER program provides limited financial help to residents who have a limited income and who have an emergency that threatens their health or safety. This can include grant money for gasoline for work, rental assistance, utility bill help or money for an electric deposit and other basic needs. Cash assistance can car repairs or gasoline for work, or a new computer. The program also partners with local non-profits. Call 517-373-3740. Find more on emergency assistance.
- Home Repairs - SER assists residents with home repairs that will correct unsafe conditions and also restore essential services. Eligible home repairs may include the replacement or repair of hot water heaters, a nonfunctioning furnace, or a septic systems as well as AC units. In addition to this, there are also non-energy repairs available. This will generally include all home repairs with the exception of furnace repair or replacement. (This will include hot water heaters as well as septic systems for client-owned housing.) Read more on free government home repair programs.
Utility and Heating Disconnection Rules - Low income families, seniors, and the working poor in Michigan have rights and laws that protect them when their power or heat is threatened. The government has consumer protections. More on utility disconnection prevention laws.
Free Child Care - For many families in Michigan and elsewhere, the cost of quality, safe, affordable child care is a major strain on the family budget. The free DHS' Child Development and Care Program will provide financial aid, vouchers and payments for daycare services for qualifying families. This can be offered when the legal guardian, parent, or substitute parent is unavailable to provide the child care. Call 1-866-540-0008, or more Michigan free child care assistance.
PeopleCare Program - The Michigan Salvation Army and the utility company Consumers Energy have partnered together to offer this program to individuals and families across the state of Michigan. The assistance program can provide people with energy bill assistance, food, free grant money, gas help, and more. Read more on PeopleCare.
Cash Assistance and Social Services - The states human services organization can direct low income families and individuals to government financial assistance programs. Get help with a variety of needs, such as energy bills, food, child care costs, and medical bills. More Michigan public assistance programs.
Housing, Rent Help, and Money for Security Deposits - The state and their social service organization offers a number of housing programs to the low income. Receive help paying for deposits, rent, and moving expenses. Michigan wants to ensure people retain or find affordable and safe housing. Click here housing and rent help in Michigan.
Free Legal Assistance - There are several non-profit law firms and free attorneys located in Michigan. The elderly, disabled and low-income families will get free civil legal assistance and consultations to low-income people. Read more on free legal aid from Michigan lawyers.
Home Ownership Services - Home Ownership Services can help prevent loss of a home by providing services such as:
- Grants for the payment of property taxes and fees. Get details on other sources of financial help for property taxes.
- House payments (which can include mortgage or land contract payments), including principal, interest, legal fees and escrow for taxes and insurance.
- Mobile home lot rent for owners or purchasers of mobile homes.
- Home insurance coverage that is required by a mortgage or land contract.
- Contact your local DHS County office and ask for this housing program.
Emergency Crisis Assistance and Case Management - Many Michigan families receive help from the Salvation Army. Dozens of branches are located across the state. The centers can provide limited amounts of help for paying electric bills, food, clothing, emergency rent help, and referrals. OR get free vouchers for furniture, gas cards, winter clothes and groceries. Learn more Michigan Salvation Army.
Eviction and Homeless Prevention in Michigan - Federal funding from the Continuum of Care is offered by non-profits. The program can provide emergency rent help, transitional housing, funds to the homeless for paying security deposits, and free legal aid to prevent an eviction. Other low income housing resources are offered too. Read Michigan eviction prevention.
Utility and Energy Company Programs - In addition to financial assistance that you can find in your county using the resources below, people who need help can turn to the energy companies themselves. They may have grants, payment plans, free energy audits and other financial support for seniors and the low income. More on Michigan utility bill assistance.
Seniors, Older Adults, and Elderly Programs - The state of Michigan Office of Services to the Aging coordinates a number of assistance programs and social services for older adults. Your local Agency on Aging centers can provide meals, advice, referrals, information on health and medical programs, and more. Or get free grant money, transportation and hot meals. Click here Michigan Agency on Aging.
Mortgage Help and Foreclosure Prevention - Michigan provides various programs that will help families with paying their mortgage and also help homeowners avoid foreclosure. Learn about local moratoriums, counseling services, and other solution. Read more on mortgage assistance in Michigan.
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