Money Assistance Michigan – Help paying bills, rent, loans & more
Michigan has a higher poverty rate than most states, ranking at number 37. It is estimate that 17 percent of state residents are living at or below poverty level. In addition, Poverty USA has identified that 24 percent of children in the state are living in poverty. If you are one of the individuals or families facing financial uncertainty due to job loss, unstable work, disability or other circumstances, you may qualify for assistance from one of the many programs available to Michigan residents.
Below are multiple ways to get financial help in Michigan. Services that include help paying bills, rent, food/groceries, personal loans, debt relief and as mentioned various government benefits and support agencies across Detroit, Grand Rapids City, Warren City and all other cities in Michigan.
Social Security Loans (SSI)
Many residents living in Michigan collecting Social Security may qualify for more financial assistance through SSI. For those whose only income is Social Security and you are in need of a loan, there may be specialist lenders who will assist. Learn more about SSI and other social security loan options here.
Assistance with Utilities: If you are struggling to pay your utility bills each month, you may qualify for help through the Department of Human Services Energy and Weatherization programs. Options for assistance include a home heating credit which helps reduce heating payments. You could also qualify for state emergency relief which helps families in immediate need. Additionally, weatherization services including free insulation in walls, attic and foundation, smoke detectors and drying venting is offered to qualified families who meet the income-based standards.
Food Assistance: Michigan residents can get temporary food assistance through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. Residents must provide proof of income to qualify for assistance. The program offers monthly stipends that can only be used to purchase food. Families with children attending public schools may qualify for the free or reduced lunch program which provides a school lunch at a reduced rate to qualifying family. Additionally, pregnant women and women with children under the age of 5 may qualify for help through the WIC program.
Loan Assistance: Qualifying for a loan can be difficult as a low income earner as you may not fulfill the serviceability criteria that mainstream lenders have in place. Because of this, many borrowers turn to short-term or micro lending providers like payday loans. There are better options; many banks actually have specialty loans for low income earners or those with bad credit. In addition, there are different non-profits and credit unions that also provide assistance. Learn more about these loan options here.
Rent and Mortgage: Low income families may qualify for subsidized housing through Section 8 Housing. The program offers apartments at a reduced rate. Qualifying families may also get assistance the Helping Hand program which helps prevent families from getting kicked out of their home. The program allows families to apply for help with rent and access to other educational services including foreclosure prevention services.
Medical Assistance: If you need help paying for medical expenses, you could get free health insurance through the state health care program. The Medicaid provides free essential health care coverage to low-income families, the disabled and the elderly. The program is income based. Families who don’t qualify for coverage through Medicaid can apply for low-cost insurance for their children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Additional assistance is available for caretakers.
Educational Assistance: If you have a low income and young children in your home you could qualify for assistance through the Head Start Program. The program offers early-education programs for children raised in poverty. Potential College Students can get help through the Federal Pell Grant Program which offers free money for tuition to families from lower-income families. Additionally, students who complete high school, enroll in an associates or bachelor’s program in Michigan may qualify for the Tuition Assistance Program which offers help paying for the first two years of college.
Community Action Centers: Residents who need additional support can find help through Michigan Community Action. Local agencies are located throughout the state and provide easy access to applications for assistance. In addition residents have access to educational and employment services. If you need emergency services (immediate help find a place to stay, food and utility help) your local community action center will help find emergency resources.
Charities: Michigan ranks as the 26th most giving state in the country. This is great news for individuals who need a helping hand. You can find additional support through local charities including Avalon Housing, Health Access, Helping Hands and Secom Ministries.
Learn more about free items and other money assistance services in Michigan, including: Free clothes, furniture, car, school accessories, help with fines, seasonal items & more!
The below services are in general and may not be available in Michigan. However, if not available, many may have partnerships with other organizations through out the state that they can connect you with.
Free Hotel or Motel Vouchers for the Homeless or Emergencies
Those experiencing hardship and are without a roof over their head can access different types of short and possibly longer term accommodation throughout Michigan. Learn more about accommodation assistance in here.
Dealing with tickets or fines
If you have unpaid tickers or fines, avoiding them will only create further financial and credit problems. Learn about ways to get assistance with dealing with fines in Michigan, from requesting a waiver or challenging inaccurate fines. Get the information you need to tackle fines here.
How to get a free laptop or computer
Low income families have a range of organizations that provide free technology assistance such as computers and laptops throughout the country including Michigan. Learn about what free computers and laptop organizations are near you and how to apply here.
Getting a free or low cost car
At any given time there are different organizations that assist low income earners with transportation. Across the country and in Michigan there are different services that assist people with getting a vehicle. Learn more about free cars, how to get one and where to apply.
How to get free gas for emergencies
Gas prices in Michigan like most of the country are extremely high. This can put serious strange on the family budget. For those dealing with cashflow issues and finding it hard to put fuel in the car, there is help. Learn how to get free gas for emergencies through free gas vouchers.
