How to Apply for Public Assistance in Michigan
The state of Michigan has been hit hard by the economic downturn. If you're a Michigan resident, you may be eligible for assistance with medical care, food, cash, child care and emergencies. You must fill out an application form and supply the appropriate information to the Michigan Department of Human Services, or DHS.
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Things You'll Need
- DHS-1171 information booklet and application form
- Proof as indicated on the application form and by letter from DHS
Instructions
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Consult the website of the Michigan Assistance and Referral Service, or MARS. See the References that accompany this article for the appropriate link. MARS provides an online self-screening questionnaire to help you determine if your household is eligible for assistance. None of the information you provide is saved. If you are eligible, you still must fill out an application.
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Acquire packet DHS-1171, which includes an assistance application form, an information booklet outlining the assistance programs available and a filing form. The packet is available for download on the DHS website, or pick up a packet at your local DHS office. If you are unable to visit DHS in person because of a disability, call your local office to have someone come to your home to help you fill out an application. See the References that accompany this article for links to the online version of DHS-1171 and a listing of contact information for your nearest DHS office.
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Read the information booklet that accompanies the application form. The Michigan Department of Human Services recommends you read the sections titled "Things You Must Do," "Important Things to Know," "Repay Agreements" and "Information About Your Household That Will Be Shared." The person who signs the application form is asked to certify he has received and reviewed a copy of the booklet and agrees with these sections.
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Fill out the application form, which consists of multiple pages and requires a variety of detailed information. You may fill out the form online, but you must print it out to mail, fax or take to your DHS office.
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Mail the completed application to the address on the form, or deliver the application in person to your nearest DHS office. Consult the DHS-1171 information booklet for more about submitting your application.
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See the DHS-1171 information booklet for the number of days it should take to make a decision about your application. Times differ according to the program or programs to which you apply. DHS will mail you a letter telling you if you are approved or denied. The letter contains essential information, including the name, phone number and e-mail address of your DHS specialist, so keep the letter in a safe place.
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Tips & Warnings
The online DHS-1171 packet is in PDF format. To access it, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. It's free and available for download at the Adobe site linked in the Resources section of this article.
You may have to provide proof for such things as income, age, identity and immigration status. DHS will send you a list of the proof it needs after receiving your application. A DHS specialist can help you get the proof required.
If you can't finish the entire assistance application on the date you want to apply, you may either complete the filing form that's included in the DHS-1171 packet or turn in your incomplete assistance application. It must contain your name, date of birth, address, signature or the signature of the person filing for you. Date of birth is not needed for food assistance, and an address is not required if you're homeless.
References
Resources
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