Michigan Benefits


Family Independence Program (TANF)

Michigan’s Family Independence Program offers cash assistance with a strong focus on employment assistance. In order to receive TANF benefits, adults must work or participate in job training. Additional benefits include health care through Medicaid and child care assistance.


Food Stamps (SNAP)

The Food Stamps program is in Michigan is now called SNAP. The SNAP program assists people who lack enough income to pay for healthy and nutritious food. In Michigan and other states, the recipient is given a specified amount per month that can only be spent on certain authorized foods. SNAP benefits in Michigan are issued through a card similar to a debit card known as Bridge Card. The card is used just like any ordinary debit card and it can be used in all the other states.


LIHEAP

The Michigan Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal government sponsored program that helps to supplement the energy and heating budgets for low income households in the state of Michigan. This program achieves this by making monthly deposits in the utility accounts of eligible members to help them settle their energy and heating bills. All these are made possible through a network of local Michigan LIHEAP agencies spread across the state.


Medicaid

Medicaid in Michigan is administrated by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Medicaid services are available to those who otherwise can't afford to pay for their health. There are several programs available for children, pregnant women, adults and families who meet eligibility criteria.


MIChild

The Michigan Child Health Insurance Program (MIChild) aims to give low-cost medical plans to uninsured children under the age of 19 from low income households. A $10 monthly fee covers all the children in an eligible household. Thus, dental, medical, psychological and vision care becomes affordable for children who live below the poverty level.


SSDI

If you live in Michigan and are no longer able to work because of a disability, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. You must meet specific eligibility requirements before your claim is approved.


The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

Michigan's TEFAP, part of the USDA's emergency food assistance efforts, includes items like peanut butter, canned corn, and fresh potatoes. Local agencies, such as food banks and pantries, distribute these essential foods to residents facing food scarcity.


Unemployment

In an effort to protect its workers, the state of Michigan offers Unemployment Benefits to residents who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. The unemployment benefits are funded by the taxes employers pay on their payroll and distributed through the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth. Unemployment claim is normally filed to help with expenses during the unemployment period. People receiving unemployment benefits are required to search for work during this period.


Veterans Disability

Michigan provides Veterans Disability Benefits to veterans who were injured or developed a medical condition during their active military service. These benefits are part of a larger suite designed to honor their service. Alongside disability benefits, Michigan veterans have access to VA pensions, Dependents and Survivor Benefits, comprehensive healthcare services, and much more.


WAP

Michigan Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federally funded program for low-income families so that they can make their homes energy efficient and conserve energy. The program will help eligible households to reduce their fuel consumption and lower energy bills.


WIC

The Michigan Women, Infants, Children program provides supplemental food assistance to pregnant or breastfeeding mothers and their children. Single fathers with children under the age of five may also qualify for WIC assistance. Benefits are distributed in the form of vouchers, which are redeemable for specific foods. Examples of WIC approved foods include milk, bread, cereal, juice, peanut butter, fresh fruits and vegetables. Infants may receive instant formula, baby food, cereal and juice.