The Family Independence Program (FIP) enables pregnant women, and low-income families with children to become financially in dependent by providing them with jobs and skills that may help them pay for their basic necessities such as food, shelter and other personal needs.

FIP knows that the only way for these people to become self-supporting is to provide them with temporary gainful employment or train them if they lack the skill for certain jobs. Once an applicant is approved, he/she may also be provided with transportation allowance, child care, training and other needs related to his/her job.

To maximize the benefits that can be obtained from the program, an individual needs to:

• Obey work ethics, work exemptions and observe penalties which can be found on page 12 of this link:
  www.michigan.gov/documents/dhs/DHS_Information_Booklet_and_Assistance_Application_242170_7.pdf
• Be aware of his/her child/children's health and care needs such as immunization and other medical services To avail of Child Care Services, download, fill up and submit the application which can be found here:
  www.michigan.gov/documents/dhs/DHS-4583_237004_7.pdf
• Report child support from an absent parent
• Inform FIP of any changes that may affect your qualification such as: income and job status, family and living arrangements as well as assets, other assistance coverage and payments.

Although FIP is only limited for a 48-month period, certain exemptions can qualify an individual for an extension such as:

• Woman who has a child under four months
• Woman who is a victim of domestic violence
• Temporary physical or psychological illness

FIP does not allow individuals to buy sweepstakes, intoxicating beverages, tobacco, unimportant items as well as participate in any gambling or illegal activities.

You have the right to seek for an administrative hearing if you feel that you have been mistreated. Consult your local DHS specialist regarding your case. For a complete list of county offices, click here: http://www.michigan.gov/dhs/

Eligibility Requirements

The Michigan Family Independence Program (FIP) |Cash Assistance provides financial assistance to the following individuals:

• US citizens or immigrants who are living in Michigan
• Those whose incomes fall under the poverty level
• Those with cash assets not more than $3,000 and properties not exceeding $500,000
• Those who do not receive any kind of cash assistance from other states
• Pregnant women, authorized guardian or acting parent to children under 18

NOTE: FIP is determined by the number of people in the household and their total income

For more details, visit: www.mfia.state.mi.us/olmweb/ex/bem/230A.pdf

FIP Application Instructions

There are three ways to apply for Michigan Family Independence Program (FIP)|Cash Assistance, these include:

Application by Mail or In-Person

Print and fill up the application form which can be found at the bottom page of this link:
www.michigan.gov/documents/dhs/DHS_Information_Booklet_and_Assistance_Application_242170_7.pdf

If you need help in filling up the form, you may go to the nearest DHS where a representative will assist you. Once completed, sign your form and submit it to the representative.

Online Application

Applying online for FIP is made easier by following these steps:

1. Go to: www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,4562,7-124-5453_5526_7028---,00.html and click on the tab that says, "Apply Now"
2. If it is your first time to apply, click "Am I Eligible" to find out if you are qualified.
3. Click the: "MARS" tab or click here: http://www.mfia.state.mi.us/mars/ez_track/MARS000.asp
4. Click "How to use the System" if it is your first time in the website. Once acquainted with it, hit "Start Mars" and click "Create an Account". Enter a user ID, password and answer to secret question.
5. 5. Fill out the all required fields in the Self Screening Questionnaire. It is best to be honest because any fraudulent answers will lead to disqualification.

Apply by Phone

To apply by phone please call (800) 285-9675 and inquire about assistance or ask to recieve an application form.