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Eligibility

To qualify for cash assistance, children must be a part of your family and meet age requirements. If your child is under the age of 18, or 18 years old and attending high school, you may be eligible. The family or legal guardians of that child (those living with the child - typically parents, stepparents, legal guardian and siblings) are also evaluated as part of the eligibility process.

If you are a pregnant woman or parents of a child in foster care who is expected to return home within one year, you may also be eligible for cash assistance.

In general, MDHHS will review your assets, countable income and residency to determine what, if any, benefits you may be eligible for.
 

 Assets  Income Residency

Effective 12/01/19 the cash asset limit is $15,000. Assets are cash or any property you own. Assets such as your vehicles and personal belongings are not counted.

Assets include:

  • Cash on hand
  • Bank and credit union accounts
  • Investments
  • Retirement plans
  • Trusts
  • Property or real estate (asset limit is $200,000)

 

Most earned and unearned income is counted. Income is considered when determining the amount of cash assistance your family is eligible to receive.

Examples of countable income are:

  • Wages
  • Self-employment earnings
  • Rental income
  • Child support
  • Social Security benefits
  • Veterans benefits

The following residency requirements apply:

 

  • Must be a U.S. citizen (or acceptable alien status)
  • Must live in Michigan
  • Must not be receiving cash assistance from any other state.