Public benefits are government-funded programs that assist individuals and families in need. Public benefits may include access to healthcare, housing, food, childcare, utilities, tax credits or financial assistance. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) oversees most public benefits programs. Individuals can apply online (MI Bridges) or by phone at (833) SIAYUDA or (833) 742-9832.
Qualifications for Public Benefits
To qualify for public benefits, an individual must have a low income and be a U.S. citizen or have an eligible immigration status. Eligible immigrants include immigrants who have been permanent residents for five years or more.
Medicaid: Beginning October 1, 2026, certain categories of immigrants who have previously been eligible for full Medicaid, no longer will be. This includes refugees, people granted asylum or withholding of removal, and certain survivors of domestic abuse or trafficking (T-visa). However, in Michigan, any pregnant person or child under the age of 21 who is lawfully residing in the United States will remain eligible for full Medicaid coverage. Find more information at: bit.ly/MIRC_ICHIA.
Food assistance: Recent changes removed eligibility for food assistance to almost anyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident (usually with more than five years).
Farmworkers who are in urgent need of assistance may be eligible for faster eligibility consideration.
Partially Qualified for Public Benefits
Individuals who meet income guidelines but do not meet the immigration requirements, may still qualify for Emergency Services Only (ESO) Medicaid or Maternity Outpatient Medical Services (MOMS). ESO Medicaid is coverage for serious emergencies and includes outpatient dialysis for people with End Stage Renal Disease. MOMS is for people who are pregnant or recently gave birth. MDHHS may also be able to provide transportation to and from medical appointments.
Public Benefit Eligibility for Children
U.S. Citizen or permanent resident children may be eligible for benefits, regardless of a parent's immigration status. If a child is eligible, childcare assistance may also be available.
Additionally, the Michigan Summer EBT program (Sun Bucks) is available to help families buy food for their school-aged children. Families will get $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. Your child is eligible if they were or already are receiving food assistance, cash assistance, or certain types of Medicaid anytime between July 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. Your child is also eligible if they are approved for free or reduced-price meals with their school. Individuals can apply online on the MI Bridges Website.
Changes to Food Assistance Eligibility
On July 4, 2025, a new law, "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA), or H.R. 1, changed the qualifications requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Food Assistance Program (FAP), benefits. OBBBA limited the categories of non-citizens who are eligible for food assistance to U.S. citizens, certain U.S. lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants (note, that this is not all Cubans and Haitians, but a specific immigration status for certain Cubans and Haitians), and people present in accordance with the Compact of Free Association (COFA), i.e. citizens from the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau. Additionally, OBBBA made several changes to SNAP’s work requirements as of December 1, 2025. These changes include expanding work requirements to cover adults 18-64, as well as no longer exempting the following groups from work requirements: caregivers for children 14 and older, veterans, adults experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth.
For more information on updates and changes to public benefits, refer to the Michigan Poverty Law Program (MPLP) website.
Common Questions
What if I do not speak English?
- DHHS is required to provide you with a free interpreter if you do not speak English and your caseworker does not speak your language. If you receive notices in English that you do not understand, your caseworker is required to interpret them for you. If you do not understand the application, or a notice, ask for help.
Are there any changes with the end of the COVID-19 pandemic?
- During the COVID-19 public health emergency, people did not have to report changes or annually renew their eligibility. As of April 1, 2023, annual renewals and reporting requirements are again required. If you are a Medicaid recipient, make sure MDHHS has your current contact information. If you receive a Medicaid renewal notice, you must respond, or your Medicaid coverage will stop. If you were receiving Medicaid based on Social Security Income eligibility and received a termination letter, you may qualify for another category of Medicaid but will need to take steps to apply.
When do I need to report changes to DHHS?
- You must report changes to MDHHS within 10 days of becoming aware of them.
- Types of changes that must be reported include:
- Starting or stopping employment;
- Changing employers;
- Change in rate of pay;
- Change in work hours of more than five hours per week that is expected to continue for more than one month;
- Persons in the home;
- Change in address;
- Marital status;
- Address and shelter cost changes that result from the move;
- Vehicles;
- Assets;
- Child support expenses paid;
- Health or hospital coverage and premiums; and/or
- Dependent care expenses.
- Types of changes that must be reported include:
What if I am denied or cut off from benefits at MDHHS?
Ask for the decision in writing. You may appeal within 90 days. If you appeal within ten days, you may receive benefits until your hearing.