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Michigan

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on June 22, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Michigan, we recommend that you visit the state’s COVID-19 Resources website or the Michigan Economic Development Corporation

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Description of Program and Relief

State Emergency Relief Policy Changes

The State Emergency Relief (SER) Program provides immediate help to individuals and families facing conditions of extreme hardship or for emergencies that threaten health and safety. SER helps low-income households meet emergency needs such as:

  • Heat & Utilities

  • Home Repairs

  • Relocation Assistance

  • Home Ownership Services

  • Burial

In response to COVID-19, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) made changes to SER policy in order to allow for faster processing of emergency requests and to make access to benefits easier to Michigan’s most vulnerable households, including:

  • A phone interview is no longer required.

    • SER energy services will no longer be limited to one payment for the remainder of the fiscal year.

      • The non-cash asset limit will be changed to align with the cash asset limit of $15,000 for all SER services (except burial when the deceased is the only group member).

        • MDHHS will not be making a shortfall determination for any month for energy or utility services until further notice. The required payment amount for electricity, heat, water and sewer services is $0.

        Government or Lead Agency

        Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

        Dates Available

        As of March 30, 2020

        Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

        To qualify for SER, one must meet a number of requirements. In general, eligibility is based on the number of individuals in a household, monthly income and countable cash assets over $15,000 (except for those applying for burial services). Some assets such as homestead, one vehicle, personal and household goods are excluded. Please visit here for more information and contact your local MDHHS office.

        Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

        N/A

        To apply, please visit here.

        Contact for More Information

        For county-specific contact information, please visit here.

        List of Additional Information

        For more information, please visit here or here.


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