The STRIDE Center's Benefits Resource page is a valuable tool that outlines Michigan's financial assistance and waiver programs. It also provides direct links to the application forms, making it easy to apply for the support you need.
Financial Assistance
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that gives monthly financial help to people who have low incomes and are either elderly, blind, or have disabilities. This support helps cover essential needs like food, clothing, and a place to live for those who meet the requirements, ensuring they have some financial stability despite having limited income and resources.
Guidance and Advocacy
Although Michigan’s Area Agencies on Aging mainly assist older adults, they also support younger people with disabilities in understanding programs like Medicaid and Medicare. They offer helpful information on how to access various benefits, including assistance programs and services that allow individuals to live at home or in their communities.
Medicaid Waivers
Michigan Agencies
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) runs important programs that help people access healthcare and financial support, such as Medicaid, the MI Choice Waiver, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). They provide assistance in completing applications, figuring out if someone is eligible for support, and managing cases to ensure individuals get the help they need with their health and finances.
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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government program designed to offer financial assistance to people with disabilities who can’t work. To qualify, individuals must have a work history meeting certain requirements. The benefits from SSDI are determined by how much someone earned in the past and is intended to help pay for everyday living costs when they can no longer hold a job due to their disability.
To apply, you must you call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or your local Social Security office
Michigan's Temporary Cash Assistance Programs offer temporary financial help to families and individuals struggling to make ends meet. One of the main programs, the Family Independence Program (FIP), assists with basic needs such as food, housing, and utilities. The goal is to support families, especially those with children, as they work towards becoming financially stable.
The Arc Michigan helps people navigate the process of getting government benefits, like Social Security and Medicaid, for those with developmental disabilities. They provide information on who qualifies for these benefits and offer assistance with filling out the necessary application forms.
The Disability Network helps people learn about and apply for benefits such as Social Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and various state support programs. They offer support from others who understand similar challenges and assist individuals in finding the resources they need to live more independently.
MDRC helps people navigate and understand benefits such as Medicaid and Medicare. They provide resources that explain different state and federal programs, making it easier for individuals to know what options are available and to ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to.
UCP Michigan helps people with disabilities find and understand different types of support they can receive, like Medicaid and SSI. They offer guidance and advocacy to assist individuals in getting the resources they need to live independently.
To qualify for the Children's Waiver Program (CWP) in Michigan, a child must meet the following requirements:
Services include:
You must contact the Community Mental Health Services Program (CMHSP) in your family’s county of residence to apply.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) administers the MI Choice Waiver Program. The program provides home and community-based services to people without nursing facility care.
To qualify, you must:
Services include:
You must contact the MI Choice Waiver Agency in your county of residence to apply.
The MI Habilitation Supports Waiver is designed to provide services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities who would otherwise require institutional care.
Here are the primary qualification criteria:
Disability Criteria
Level of Care Requirement
Financial Eligibility
Residency Requirement
Need for Habilitation Supports Waiver Services
Services include:
You must contact the Community Mental Health Services Program (CMHSP) in your family’s county of residence to apply.
The MI Health Link HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver provides services to individuals who require a level of care typically provided in a nursing facility. This waiver aims to support individuals in living independently at home or in a community setting, rather than a nursing home.
Here’s an overview of the qualifications:
Dual Eligibility:
Age Requirement:
Level of Care Requirement:
Need for HCBS Services:
Services include:
You must contact the Health and Human Services (HHS) office in your family’s county of residence to apply.
The SED Waiver is designed to provide home and community-based services for children with serious emotional and behavioral needs. This waiver supports children who might otherwise require institutional care, allowing them to remain at home and actively participate in their communities.
Here are the qualifications:
Age Requirement:
Diagnosis of Serious Emotional Disturbance:
Level of Care Requirement:
Financial Eligibility:
Residence Requirement:
Key services include:
You must contact the Community Mental Health Services Program (CMHSP) in your family’s county of residence to apply.
MRS helps people with disabilities find and understand job-related benefits. This includes support for programs that make it easier to work while still receiving assistance, as well as guidance on vocational training services. They also explain how having a job can affect the benefits people receive due to their disabilities.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has offices in Michigan that help people apply for disability benefits. These benefits include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The offices offer support in person and online, making it easier for individuals to understand what they need to qualify, how to complete the application, and what to do if they need to appeal a decision.
