Many people in the state of Michigan struggle financially. There are areas of the state where people are able to maintain good paying jobs, but there are other areas where people may struggle to find them. No matter what area of the state you live in, if you are struggling to pay the bills it can be a stressful situation. The good news is that there are programs offering money assistance for paying bills in Michigan.
The state and federal government have collectively created money assistance programs that will help people who may be struggling. The goal is to ensure that people’s basic needs are being met. This will help keep people from losing their home, becoming homeless, going hungry, or having their heat turned off. The programs play an important role in society and it is crucial that people know where to find them.
Money Assistance Programs for Paying Bills
The programs below are open to everyone who has a low income. Most programs do also require that you be a citizen or legal non-citizen, although some do offer assistance for refugees. Some programs allow you to receive the assistance long term, while others may limit it to a certain number of years or months that you can get the help. The funds you receive are not considered a loan, so you will never have to pay it back.
There is no limit to how many of the programs you can apply for below, so apply for all those you feel qualified for. Be sure to also reach out to the churches in your local area. They play an important role in helping people in their community who may need assistance or who are struggling with various financial matters.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program will help you with your housing needs if you qualify. It is a program provided by the federal government and they aim to reduce homelessness in the country. They have an office in every state and offer a variety of programs to help people who rent and are purchasing a home. They can help with paying rent, finding affordable housing options, avoiding foreclosure, paying for repair bills, and providing weatherization services. You do have to meet the low income and citizenship requirements to be approved. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Michigan Bridges (Cash Assistance) – This program is similar to the one called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in other states. This program will provide those who are approved with a monthly cash benefit that can be used for paying bills. The money assistance program is funded by the federal government. When you get approved by this program you receive a Michigan Bridge Card, which can be used to access cash and to pay for things. The program will assess your situation to see if there are barriers to employment that can be addressed. To qualify, you have to have a low income and children must be a part of the family. They do also offer refugee and disability assistance. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Those who need help purchasing food each month may qualify for SNAP. The program, which is largely known as food stamps, will provide people with the ability to purchase items at the store each month. Those are approved will be given a Michigan Bridge Card, which can be used as a payment source for food purchases. The program allows people to purchase food online, in stores, and some people can purchase food from restaurants. They do also offer a disaster food assistance program. The amount you receive each month depends on the number of dependents in the home. To get more information and apply for the food assistance program, click here.
Health Care Coverage – Health care can be some of the largest bills that people receive, making it difficult to fit them into the budget. In Michigan, they offer a variety of health care coverage programs to help those who have a low income. The programs include Medicaid, which is known nationwide and is a federally funded program, MI Health Link, a prescription savings program, and more. Depending on your income, there are various programs they can use to help you with paying health care bills. To get more information and apply for health care coverage through the state, click here.
Low Income Households Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) – This program will help those who have a low income to pay their overdue water bill or wastewater bill. They will also help those who have emergency needs and have received a shutoff notice, and will help with reconnection fees. To qualify for the program, you have to have a residential water account, show you are behind on your bill, and meet the low income requirements. To get more information and apply for help, click here.
Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) – This program provides money assistance to pay for energy bills for those who qualify. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
211 – This is a free referral program by the United Way. The program will help people find local programs that can help with providing money assistance for paying bills. In Michigan, as around the nation, you can simply call the number and let them know what type of help you need and where you are located. To get more information about the program, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization helps people all around the country. They provide shelters, free food, clothing, counseling, and more. They will at times help people with paying small bills. You have to contact the locations near you to see if they will provide this service. If they do not offer the assistance at that location then they may be able to refer you to local programs that can help with your situation. To get more information and contact them for assistance, click here.
