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Emergency Financial Resources and Services Directory

The following is a list of financial resources and services:

Food Assistance

Coupons to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers markets
Office of Services to the Aging (OSA)
517-373-8230

If you're homebound and in need of meals
Eldercare Locator to connect with your local area agency on aging
800-677-1116

Meals on Wheels
Your local Area Agency on Aging can assist you with further information on finding a Meals on Wheels provider or Senior Center in your area.

Information about local food banks or food pantries
Food Bank Council of Michigan
800-552-4483

To apply for food benefits
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS)
855-275-6424

For older adults age 60 years and older, assistance provided with applying for food benefits
Elder Law of Michigan
MiCAFE Program
877-664-2233

If you've been denied food assistance from MDHHS, the Salvation Army may be able to help.
Contact your local Salvation Army office

Housing Concerns

Homeless and special housing needs, rental assistance, and affordable assisted rental housing
Michigan State Housing Development Association (MSHDA)
Lansing: 517-373-9344
Detroit: 313-456-3540

In risk of losing your home, help with home repairs, weatherization, rental and relocation assistance
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS)
855-275-6424

Mortgage payment assistance/home foreclosure
Step Forward Michigan (MSHDA)
866-946-7432

If you've been denied housing or rental assistance from MDHHS, the Salvation Army may be able to help.
Contact your local Salvation Army office

In Home Care

For financial and physical assistance to be able to maintain capacity within your own home
Michigan Association for Home Care
Home Care Service Directory
517-349-8089

Eldercare Locator to connect to your local area agency on aging
800-677-1116

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS)
Independent Living Services
855-275-6424

Legal Services

Free legal services for older adults age 60 years and older
Sixty Plus, Inc.
Elder Law of Michigan
866-400-9164

Lawyer referral service
State Bar of Michigan
800-968-0738

Legal advice, information, advocacy, training, and professional services
Elder Law of Michigan
866-400-9164

Medicare and Medicaid

To apply for Medicaid
Medicaid
855-789-5610

To apply for Medicare
Medicare
800-722-1213

For help with issues regarding Medicare or Medicaid
Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP)
800-803-7174

Nursing Homes

To report abuse, neglect or exploitation of a resident of a nursing home by another resident or by a nursing home employee
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS)
Statewide 24 hour Hotline
855-444-3911

Bureau of Health Services Abuse Hotline
800-882-6006

Prescription Help and Insurance Issues

Free or Low cost Prescriptions, Free Clinics, Prescription Costs
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
517-373-3740

For information about insurance, questions about insurance, and issues regarding insurance companies
Department of Insurance and Financial Services
877-999-6442

Tax Preparation and Information

For free tax preparation
AARP
866-227-7448

Internal Revenue Service
800-829-1040

Michigan Economic Impact Coalition (MEIC)
517-485-3588

Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (VITA)
Call 2-1-1 or 888-636-4211

Transportation

To schedule transportation services and obtain information

Eldercare Locator to connect with your local area agency on aging
800-677-1116

Michigan Transportation Services
877-777-7900

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
517-373-2090

Utilities

If you are unable to pay your utility bills
Contact your local utility company to negotiate payment arrangements

For help with utility and weatherization payments
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS)
855-275-6424

For information on utility bill programs, how to reduce energy and save money on your energy bills
Michigan Public Service Commission
517-284-8100

For a list of companies that furnish free cell phones or plans at a discounted price in Michigan to low-income people/families
Federal Communications Commission
888-225-5322

If you've been denied utility assistance from MDHHS, the Salvation Army may be able to help.
Contact your local Salvation Army office

General Information:

  • For aging related topics and issues, contact the National Institute on Aging (NIA), an institute of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-222-2225.
  • The Michigan Association of United Way provides the Michigan 2-1-1 telephone helpline for Michigan residents. Michigan 2-1-1 is a free, confidential service that connects you with local community-based organizations across the state offering thousands of different programs and services for people seeking answers. 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, Michigan residents can call 2-1-1 to find information:
    • Arts, Culture & Recreation
    • Clothing, Person & Household Needs
    • Disaster Services
    • Education
    • Employment
    • Food & Meals
    • Healthcare
    • Housing & Utilities
    • Income Support & Assistance
    • Individual, Family & Community Support
    • Information Services
    • Legal, Consumer & Public Safety
    • Mental Health & Addictions
    • Government & Economic Services
    • Transportation
    • Volunteer & Donation Services