State Resources

Assistance Programs

1. Healthcare Coverage - Helps pay for medical costs
2. Food Assistance Program - Provides benefits to buy or grow food
3. Child Development & Care - Helps pay for childcare costs
4. Cash Assistance - Provides cash to help meet your basic needs
5. Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) - Helps moms and kids up to age 5 with food and education
6. State Emergency Relief - Provides help or assistance for emergency housing, utilities and burial situations

MI Bridges

To apply for benefits you will need to register on the MI Bridges website. If you are unable to access a computer or need technical assistance with filling out the MI Bridges application:

1. Call your local DHHS office
2. Find a local agent
3. Call MI Bridges Help Desk 1-844-799-9876

Registering for MI Bridges Account

Step 1:

To create a MI Bridges account you will need to provide:

• Name
• Date of Birth
• Current Address

You will be asked to provide (which is not required):

• Phone number
• Email address
• Social Security Number
• Medicaid ID (if applicable)

Step 2:

Create a username, password and 3 security questions

Step 3:

You will be asked a few questions to verify your identity.

Once you have an account you can then:

• Apply for benefits
• Each program has an individual application
• Search for resources

Important things to know when applying for benefits:

1. Standard Processing
          a. Healthcare: within 45-90 days
          b. Food Assistance: Expedited within 7 days, Standard: within 30 days
          c. Childcare: within 30 days
          d. State Emergency Relief: within 10 days
          e. Cash Assistance:
                    i. Family Independence Program: within 45 days
                    ii. Refugee Cash Assistance: within 30 days
                    iii. State Disability Assistance: within 60 days

2. Providing Proof
You will need to provide proof of eligibility. You may be asked to submit the following documents:

• Household: driver’s license, state ID or passport, social security card, green card
• Assets: banking statements, deeds for any property you own
• Income: pay stubs, unemployment benefit receipts, award letters for disability or worker’s compensation
• Expenses: receipts for childcare, medical receipts, proof of rent or mortgage

3. More Information
Comprehensive guide to apply for benefits

If you need assistance:

• Call the Client Connect line 1-844-464-3447
• Contact your local DHHS office
• Locate a local navigator to assist
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Medical Transportation

MDHHS administers the Medicaid Non-Emergency Transportation (NEMT) program and assists with non-emergency medical transportation for Medicaid beneficiaries who cannot otherwise afford a ride to medical appointments. The rides must be for medical purposes, including medical, dental, vision, mental health, or substance abuse appointments, or to the pharmacy.

• For assistance please call the Client Connect line at 1-844-464-3447
• You can also call your local DHHS office.

Protective Services

• If you have concerns about the abuse or neglect of a child or adult call 855-444-3911 to be connected to a state hotline to report your concern.
• This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• This line can also be used to report Human and Labor Trafficking.

Foster Licensing

If you are interested in Fostering, reach out to your local DHHS office to inquire about the licensing process.

Contacting the State

• To view a full listing of state programs, you can check out the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service website for more information.
• If you have questions that you are unable to answer by checking out the state website you can also call your local Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS) office.
• Or you can call one of the many of the State of Michigan Hotlines that are available to help answer your questions regarding specific programs or concerns.