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Michigan offers numerous grant programs that will help felons in need. The programs have been designed to mostly provide short term help to those who are experiencing financial difficulty. The grant programs will help people in need by paying their rent, helping to pay the bills, providing them with food, and giving them medical insurance. Some of them are short term, while others provide assistance on a longer basis.
While loans are something that has to be paid back, grants are not. They are essentially considered to be gifts that are given to people during times of need. Any grants that you receive to help with your financial situation will not have to be paid back. Most grant programs have qualifications that you will need to meet in order to get the help. Be sure to check the requirements for each program and apply for all those you feel you meet the qualifications for.
Grants for Felons in Michigan
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Those who need cash assistance may qualify for a grant through TANF, which is known as MI Bridges in Michigan. This federally funded program will give those who qualify a monthly cash grant. The cash can be used to pay for a wide variety of living expenses, including rent, paying bills, purchasing food, or for transportation needs. To qualify, you have to have at least one minor child you are caring for, not have cash assets of more than $15,000, meet the low income requirements, be a citizen of the state, and be a US citizen. Those who are approved will have to take part in a 21-day assessment where barriers to employment will be evaluated and addressed. To apply for TANF in Michigan, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Felons who need help obtaining food may qualify for SNAP. The federally funded program will provide those who qualify with a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food. If approved, you will receive an electronic debit card, where the funds will be added each month. You can then use that card to pay for your groceries at the store. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements, have no more than $15,000 in cash assets, and be a citizen of the state and country. To apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Those who need help paying for their energy bills may be able to get help through LIHEAP. The grant program helps people by paying one of their heating bills per year. They also provide weatherization services for those who would like to lower their energy bills. To qualify, you have to have a low income, and be the person who is responsible for paying the energy bill. If you get the grant, it will be paid directly to the energy provider on your behalf. To apply, click here.
Emergency Relief – Michigan provides emergency relief for those who may need help with paying bills, obtaining food, burial, relocation, or other such issues. The qualifications vary, depending on the service that you need, but you do have to have a low income. To get more information about Emergency Relief in Michigan, click here.
Medicaid – Those who have a low income who need healthcare may not be able to afford going to see the doctor. The Medicaid program, which is federally funded, will help ensure that everyone with a low income receives the healthcare they need. If approved for the program, it pays for people to go to the doctor, stay in the hospital, get prescription drugs, and obtain dental care. To qualify for the Medicaid program in Michigan, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply, click here.
Housing and Homeless Services – Michigan offers shelter assistance through a program called Housing and Homeless Services. The program will help people find affordable housing. To get more information, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Felons who need affordable housing or help paying their rent may qualify for assistance through HUD. The federally funded program will also provide weatherization services for those who want to lower their utility bills, and will help people avoid foreclosure. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization provides assistance and does not usually have strict qualifications that have to be met. They help people obtain food, clothing, counseling, and more. To learn more, click here.
In addition to these grants for felons in Michigan, be sure to check with your local churches. Many offer helpful programs that will provide those in need with food, clothing, transportation vouchers, and more. They also do not usually have strict requirements that need to be met in order to receive the help.
