How do I apply for food assistance (SNAP) for my family in Michigan?

Michigan's SNAP program is called the Food Assistance Program and is administered by MDHHS. You can apply online anytime at michigan.gov/mibridges, by calling your local MDHHS office, or by visiting in person. Eligibility is based on household size and income. After applying, most households receive a determination within 30 days; expedited benefits may be available within 7 days if your household has very little or no income.

My family is about to be evicted. Is there emergency rental help in Michigan?

Michigan has had several rounds of emergency rental assistance administered at the local level. Availability varies by county and funding cycles. Your best first steps are to call 2-1-1 to ask about current rental assistance programs in your area, and to apply for State Emergency Relief through MDHHS via MI Bridges, which can sometimes cover housing emergencies. HUD-funded legal aid and housing counseling agencies in Michigan can also help — find them at hud.gov/findacounselor.

How can I get help paying for childcare in Michigan?

Michigan's Child Development and Care (CDC) program provides subsidized childcare for income-eligible working families, those in school or job training, and families involved with the child welfare system. Apply through MI Bridges at michigan.gov/mibridges or at your local MDHHS office. Your child must use a licensed or registered provider who participates in the CDC program. Call 2-1-1 if you need help identifying approved providers near you.

I'm worried about a child's safety. How do I report suspected abuse or neglect in Michigan?

To report suspected child abuse or neglect in Michigan, call the MDHHS Children's Protective Services (CPS) hotline at 1-855-444-3911 , available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reports can be made anonymously. Mandated reporters (teachers, doctors, social workers, etc.) are required by Michigan law to report reasonable suspicions. MDHHS will assess the report and determine next steps.

Child & Family Assistance Resources in Michigan

Last updated September 6, 2026

Michigan families facing financial hardship, housing instability, food insecurity, or a family crisis have access to a wide range of state and federally funded programs. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is the primary gateway for most assistance programs, including cash aid, food benefits, Medicaid, and child welfare services. You can apply for many of these programs together through the MI Bridges online portal at michigan.gov/mibridges, or visit your local MDHHS office in person.

If you are not sure where to start, calling 2-1-1 — available 24/7 across Michigan — is one of the fastest ways to get connected to local resources for food, rent, utilities, childcare, mental health support, and more. Trained specialists can help you navigate both state programs and community-based organizations in your county. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211michigan.org.

The resources below cover some of the most widely used programs available to Michigan children and families. Eligibility rules and benefit amounts are set by state and federal guidelines and can change — always confirm current details directly with the administering agency or through 2-1-1.

Key programs in Michigan

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) — MI Bridges

The central portal for applying to Michigan's core safety-net programs, including the Food Assistance Program (Michigan's SNAP), Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP/MIChild), the Family Independence Program (cash assistance), childcare assistance, and State Emergency Relief for utilities and housing emergencies.

How to access: Apply online at michigan.gov/mibridges, call your local MDHHS office (numbers listed on the MDHHS website by county), or visit in person. A benefits navigator or community partner listed on MI Bridges can also help you apply for free.

WIC (Women, Infants and Children) — Michigan WIC Program

Provides nutrition support, healthy foods, breastfeeding assistance, and referrals to health and social services for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet income guidelines.

How to access: Contact your local health department WIC clinic — a full list is available at michigan.gov/mdhhs under the WIC section — or call 2-1-1 to be connected to the nearest clinic. No appointment is required for a screening call.

LIHEAP — Michigan Energy Assistance Program

Helps income-eligible Michigan households pay heating and utility costs through the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered in Michigan by MDHHS and local community action agencies. May also help with emergency energy needs.

How to access: Apply through MI Bridges at michigan.gov/mibridges, or contact your local community action agency — call 2-1-1 to find the agency serving your county. Applications are typically accepted on a seasonal basis; check current open enrollment dates through MDHHS.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free, confidential crisis support by call or text for anyone in Michigan experiencing a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress — including parents under extreme stress. Connects callers to local crisis counselors.

How to access: Call or text <strong>988</strong> anytime, 24/7. Chat is also available at 988lifeline.org. Michigan has several regional crisis centers that receive 988 calls; no insurance or ID is required.

National Domestic Violence Hotline & Michigan Local DV Services

WIC Program teaches her how to breastfeed. Once she’s had her baby, WIC provides peer counseling and support as well as breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies. Breastfeeding moms on WIC also receive more food and for a longer time period.

Cameron, Texas(254) 697-4913

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Child & Family Assistance Resources in Michigan

Key programs in Michigan

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) — MI Bridges

WIC (Women, Infants and Children) — Michigan WIC Program

LIHEAP — Michigan Energy Assistance Program

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

National Domestic Violence Hotline & Michigan Local DV Services

Child & Family Assistance resources for Michigan

Alliance for Period Supplies

American Pregnancy Association

Babylist

Breast Pumps Through Insurance

Cribs for Kids At Home

I Support The Girls

Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Share The Love

She Supply

Tiny Treasures Milk Bank

WIC Breastfeeding Support

Other resources in Michigan

Child & Family Assistance in other states