Michigan

Michigan's housing agency funds local programs that help pay overdue rent, prevent eviction, and connect people who are homeless with a place to stay. Start by calling 211 to find your local agency.

Statewide list of rental help, affordable housing, and homeless assistance programs, plus links to apply for housing choice vouchers.

Helps first-time and lower-income buyers with affordable mortgages and down payment assistance, and offers foreclosure counseling if you're behind on your loan.

Free plain-language guides and court forms to fight an eviction, respond to a foreclosure, or deal with a bad landlord.

Michigan's cash assistance (TANF) for families with children who have little or no income; apply through MI Bridges.

The state's one-stop website to apply for cash help, food, medical, child care, and emergency assistance, and to check your benefits.

Emergency help for a crisis like an eviction, shut-off notice, home repair, or burial; apply through MI Bridges or with form MDHHS-1171.

Network of local Community Action Agencies that provide emergency help with rent, utilities, weatherization, and basic needs; find the one serving your county.

Local offices across the state help with rent, utility bills, food, and other emergencies when you have nowhere else to turn.

Michigan hospitals are required to offer charity care and financial assistance; ask any hospital's billing office for its financial assistance application to lower or erase a bill.

If you qualify, Medicaid can cover past and current medical bills, so applying may wipe out debt from a recent hospital stay.

File a complaint or get help if a hospital or debt collector is treating you unfairly over a medical bill.

A state tax credit that helps lower-income Michigan renters and homeowners pay their heating bills; you can apply even if you don't file a tax return.

Statewide program that helps pay past-due heat and electric bills and keeps your service on; The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) is the largest provider — call 2-1-1 or THAW at 1-800-866-8429.

Emergency help through MI Bridges to stop a shut-off or restore heat and electricity when you're in crisis.

Free home improvements like insulation and furnace repairs that lower your energy bills; run through local Community Action Agencies.

Michigan's food stamp program puts money on a Bridge Card to buy groceries; apply online through MI Bridges.

Apply for and manage your Food Assistance (SNAP) benefits online, all in one place.

Connects you to your regional food bank and nearby food pantries for free groceries anywhere in the state.

Free healthy food, formula, breastfeeding support, and nutrition help for pregnant women and families with kids under 5.

Free or low-cost health coverage for adults with low income; apply any time through MI Bridges.

Low-cost health and dental coverage for uninsured Michigan children when the family earns a little too much for Medicaid.

Shop for private health plans with income-based subsidies that can make monthly premiums very low or free if you don't qualify for Medicaid.

Find a free or low-cost clinic that treats people who are uninsured or can't afford a doctor.

Free, 24/7 line at 988 or 1-844-446-4225 for anyone in emotional distress or crisis; trained staff listen and connect you with local help.

Your county's Community Mental Health agency provides counseling, crisis care, and support for people with little or no insurance.

Help finding addiction treatment and recovery support; call 211 or your regional Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan for local options.

Helps low-income working families and students pay for child care; apply through MI Bridges.

Find free preschool, Head Start, and Early Head Start programs for families with young children.

Connects families to local diaper banks and supplies of diapers, wipes, and period products at no cost.

Help and resources for grandparents and relatives raising a child that isn't their own.

Free help finding a job, training, and career services at local service centers across the state.

File for and manage unemployment benefits online through the Michigan Web Account Manager if you've lost your job.

Find local bus and ride services, including options for seniors, people with disabilities, and getting to medical appointments; call 211 for rides in your area.

Free do-it-yourself legal guides, court forms, and a directory to find a legal aid office for problems with eviction, debt, family law, and benefits.

Free civil legal help for low-income Michiganders; its Counsel & Advocacy Law Line handles eviction, family, and benefits cases at 1-888-783-8190.

Free civil legal help — eviction defense, benefits, family safety — for people with low income in western Michigan.

Free and low-cost immigration legal help for immigrants and their families statewide; call 734-239-6863.