Raising a child without the support of a spouse often means dealing with significant financial strain to meet the extra demands of parenting.
Research shows that the increase in single-parent families, especially those led by mothers, is a major contributor to the ongoing rise in child poverty rates in the United States.
Unfortunately, many children live in poverty, so specific federal and state grants are designed to help families with limited incomes.
This blog will explore the top 10 grants available to single mothers in Michigan.
We’ll provide clear and practical information to assist these mothers in accessing the financial support they need.
10 Grants For Single Moms In Michigan
Michigan’s government is dedicated to helping its residents navigate financial difficulties.
To provide essential support during tough times, both state and federal agencies offer a variety of assistance programs.
Keep reading to find out the grants available for single moms in Michigan.
1. Michigan Family Independence Program
Michigan’s Family Independence Program (FIP) offers financial aid to families with minor children and expectant mothers with limited incomes.
The program aims to assist these families in achieving self-sufficiency.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must either hold U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
- Must reside within the state of Michigan.
- Must be experiencing unemployment or earning meagre wages.
- Must either be pregnant or have a child below the age of 19.
- Must maintain income within specified limits.
Application Procedure:
- Apply for FIP through MDHHS, either online via the MI Bridges Portal or in person.
- MDHHS will schedule a conference to review your application, address any issues, and explain your rights.
Source: Singlemotherguide.com
2. Michigan Food Assistance Program
Michigan’s Food Assistance Program is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHS).
Its primary goal is to assist low-income families, elderly individuals, and disabled individuals purchase nutritious food.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must belong to a low-income family, be elderly, or have a disability.
- The financial circumstances of all individuals in your household who purchase and prepare food together will be considered.
- Non-disabled recipients aged 18 and 50 without dependents may need to fulfill specific work requirements through unsubsidized, self-employment, or community service employment.
Application Procedure:
To apply for this program, you can apply to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) online through the MI Bridges portal or in person.
3. Michigan Special Program For Women, Infants, And Children (WIC)
Michigan WIC assists pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, along with children up to age five, who are at risk due to inadequate nutrition.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Pregnant women (Breastfeeding women up to 1 year from delivery, Postpartum women up to 6 months from delivery).
- Children up to their 5th birthday.
- Income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or receiving Medicaid or food stamps.
Application Procedure:
To apply for WIC, contact your nearest WIC agency or call 211 for information about your local WIC agency.
4. State Emergency Relief
SER, a resource established by The Michigan Department of Human Services, offers cash assistance to cover various expenses such as bills, rent, housing, and mortgages.
Additionally, the program forms collaborations with local non-profit organizations.
Eligibility Requirements:
Eligibility hinges on factors like the number of people in your household, your monthly income, and cash assets exceeding $15,000 (except those seeking burial services).
Application Procedure:
- Apply to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
- You can apply online through the MDHHS website, MI Bridges or in person.
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5. The Healthy Michigan Plan
The Healthy Michigan Plan is the most extensive program offering medical and health services to Michigan’s most economically disadvantaged individuals, primarily including uninsured children under 19, expectant mothers, disabled adults, and senior citizens.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Adults aged 19-64.
- Adults with income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
Application Procedure:
- Apply conveniently online via MI Bridges.
- Contact the Michigan Health Care Helpline at 1-855-789-5610.
- Visit your nearby Department of Human Services office.
6. Child Development And Care Program
Michigan’s Child Development and Care (CDC) Program provides financial support to low-income families needing assistance with childcare expenses.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Factors like income, family size, and the need for child care determine eligibility for the CDC program.
- Families must work, attend school, or participate in approved activities. High school, college, or English learning may also qualify.
- Residency in Michigan is required and available for families with kids under 13.
Application Procedure:
- To apply, use MI Bridges online or complete a paper application at your local MDHHS office.
- You can also apply for License Exempt status if you provide child care in your home as a family member, friend, or neighbour.
7. Michigan Head Start
Michigan Head Start is a nationwide program to prepare economically disadvantaged preschool children aged 3 to 5 for school through a comprehensive approach encompassing education, health, nutrition, and parental involvement.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Children aged 3-5.
- Families with incomes below the poverty guidelines.
- Children with disabilities or special needs.
- Children in foster care, homeless children, and families receiving public assistance such as TANF or SSI.
- Children must be Michigan residents.
Application Procedure:
- Contact your local Head Start program or the Michigan Head Start Association at (517) 371-2460.
- Alternatively, you can apply online through the Michigan Department of Education’s GSRP website.
8. Michigan School Breakfast And Lunch Program
Michigan’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) are federally funded initiatives designed to aid schools and other organizations in offering nutritious meals to children at affordable prices, provided their families meet specific income eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Children from families with incomes at or below 130% of the poverty level.
- Children from families with incomes between 130% and 185% of the poverty level.
- Children who are homeless, migrant, or in foster care.
Application Procedure:
- Contact your child’s school or school district.
- Complete a Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Application, which can be obtained from the school or agency where your child is enrolled.
9. Michigan Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
Michigan’s LIHWAP is a short-term emergency initiative to assist qualifying households in settling overdue water and wastewater bills.
This aid is accessible to low-income individuals who are either homeowners or renters.
Eligibility Requirements:
Eligible recipients include low-income homeowners or renters residing in Michigan.
Household income should equal or less than 150% of the federal poverty level.
Application Procedure:
To apply, contact your local Community Action Agency (CAA) and arrange an appointment.
10. Michigan Unemployment Insurance
Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) offers temporary financial support to individuals who are unemployed or underemployed due to circumstances beyond their control.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Residency in Michigan is a prerequisite.
- You must be unemployed through no fault of your own.
- Earnings should have been received in at least two-quarters of the base period.
- A minimum wage threshold must be met during the base period.
- Physical and mental capability to perform full-time work that you have experience in or have been trained for.
- Availability for work and a willingness to accept suitable full-time employment.
Application Procedure:
You can apply for UI benefits conveniently through MiWAM online or by calling 866-500-0017.
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Conclusion
These grants for single moms in Michigan offer great opportunities to empower yourself and create a better future for your family.
Before applying, it’s important to check if you meet the requirements and follow the application instructions carefully.
If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact the organizations listed with their helpline numbers – they can provide valuable assistance in getting these essential resources.
This blog has given you useful information about grants for single moms in Michigan.
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FAQs
You can apply for multiple grants if you meet their eligibility criteria.
Certain grants may face competition due to limited funding and high demand. It’s crucial to submit your applications early and fulfill all prerequisites.
There are many organizations and agencies ready to help single mothers as they navigate the grant application process. Contact them for assistance and support via their helpline numbers or websites.
