Michigan is a state known for all the great lakes that it has to offer. Surrounded by water on most sides, the state offers a lot of recreational water activities. There are many people who live in the state and at times some of them may experience financial difficulties at times. Whether it is because they are between jobs, newly divorced, have experienced injury or illness, or something else, they need resources they can turn to for help. The good news is that there is financial help for African Americans in Michigan.
Many of the programs that provide financial help for African Americans in Michigan are funded by the federal government. There are also some funded by organizations and the state government. The help that they provide is not a loan, so those who receive it never have to worry about paying it back. There is no limit to how many programs you can apply for or receive help from at once, so be sure to apply for all those you feel qualified for. This will help ensure your basic needs are being met.
Financial Help for African Americans in Michigan
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program provides financial help for African Americans in Michigan by providing food each month. Those who are qualified for the program will be able to get groceries paid for each month. The program is federally funded and there is no limit to how long you can receive help from it. If you are approved, you will receive a debit-style card that can be used to pay for your groceries at the store or farmer’s market. Each month, the benefit is electronically added to the card again. To qualify for SNAP in Michigan, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. The amount you will receive is calculated by how many dependents are in the home. To get more information or apply, click here.
Cash Assistance – This program is the same as those called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in other states. The federally funded program provides cash assistance to those who meet the qualifications. The monthly cash payment can be used for rent, bills, food, transportation, diapers, and more basic living needs expenses. To qualify, you have to have at least one minor child that you are caring for. There is a time limit to how long you can receive help through this program, and some people may have to participate in work or job skills programs to receive it. The amount that you receive is determined by how many dependents are in the home. To get more information, click here.
Medicaid – This program will provide financial help for African Americans in Michigan by paying for medical bills. Those who are approved for the program will be able to get free access to healthcare, including seeing the doctor, stay in a hospital, and have surgery, purchase prescription drugs, and more. The program will help pay for all of your healthcare needs if you meet the eligibility requirements. There is no limit to how long you can get help through Medicaid. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements you can keep using the program. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or a legal non-citizen. To get more information about Medicaid in Michigan, click here.
Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) – This program helps ensure that people have heating and cooling in their home. They will help those who are struggling to pay their utility bills. If you are approved for the program they will pay your utility bill, sending the money directly to the provider on your behalf. To meet the qualifications for the program you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the bill. They will also help with emergency services, such as if you are facing a disconnection. To get more information and apply for MEAP, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This federally-funded program will provide financial help for African Americans in Michigan by providing assistance with housing. They have several programs they provide, including help paying rent, avoiding foreclosure, and finding affordable housing. They will also help with providing weatherization, which will reduce your monthly utility bills. They will also help people with paying for essential home repairs, such as if you need a new heating unit. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization has locations around the country. They provide free services to the community to help those in need. Some of the services they provide include shelters, hot meals, boxes of food, clothing, counseling, healthcare, and more. To find a location close to you, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program is designed to ensure that women who are considered nutritionally at risk get the healthy food that they need. Those who are approved will be able to get healthy food each month from the grocery store, including fruits, vegetables, cereal, and bread. To qualify for the program, you have to either be pregnant or have at least one child age five and under that you are providing for. You also have to be low income and be considered nutritionally at risk. To apply, you have to visit a WIC clinic near you and apply in person. To find a clinic near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, but they don’t expect you to be religious to receive help from them. They have over 3,000 locations around the country, and provide a wide variety of helpful services to those in the community who need financial help. They will provide financial help for African Americans in Michigan by providing free food, clothing, shelter, bill payment assistance, counseling, and more. To find a location close to you, click here.