There are over 672,000 veterans living in the state of Michigan. Just as in other states around the country, they may experience financial difficulty from time to time. When this happens, they may be between jobs or may not have a job that pays a rate that keeps up with the rising cost of living. Financial difficulties can create a stressful situation. The good news is that there are grants for veterans in Michigan, and they can help people get back on their feet.
Grants, unlike loans, do not have to ever be paid back. They are given to people who have a financial need, usually on a short term basis, to help them during a difficult financial time. The grants are usually federally funded, and will help to buy groceries, pay rent, pay for heating, and more. These grants can be an important resource if you are a veteran who is struggling to pay your bills.
Types of Grants for Veterans in Michigan
Cash Assistance – Similar to the nationwide program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Cash Assistance program in Michigan will help those in need by providing cash grants. The cash grants can be used for a wide variety of living expenses, including food, clothing, transportation, and rent. To be eligible for the program, you have to have a minor dependent child or be pregnant, meet the low income requirements, be a citizen or legal immigrant, be a Michigan resident, and not have more than $3,000 in cash assets. You can apply for the program online. To apply, click here.
Food Assistance – In Michigan, the nationwide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is referred to as Food Assistance. The program provides food grants for veterans in Michigan. Those who are approved will receive a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food at the farmer’s market or grocery store. To qualify for the program, you cannot have assets over $5,000 (excludes first home), meet the low income requirements, be a citizen or legal immigrant, and be a resident of the state of Michigan. You can apply for Food Assistance online. To apply, click here.
Heat and Utility Assistance – There are grants for veterans in Michigan that will help pay for heating and utility bills. The Heat and Utility Assistance program will help make it easier to afford paying for utility bills. The grants that they provide will help pay your monthly bill, but you do have to pay a portion of it each month. The amount you have to pay is determined by how many people live in your household. They also provide help for those who have received disconnect notices. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal immigrant. You can apply for the program online. To apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Veterans in Michigan who need help paying for their rent may qualify for assistance through a HUD program. The HUD programs will help veterans find affordable housing, pay rent, avoid foreclosure, obtain necessary home repairs, and locate public housing options. The goal of HUD is to help people avoid homelessness and find affordable housing. To qualify, you have to be a citizen or legal immigrant, and meet the low income requirements. To apply, you first need to speak with a HUD counselor in Michigan who will assess your current situation and housing needs. To apply, click here.
Lifeline Assistance – There are phone grants for veterans in Michigan. Many people find it difficult to pay for a phone if they are struggling financially. The Lifeline Assistance program will help make it easier to afford having a phone. If you are approved for the program, you will only have to pay $9.25 per month for your phone, whether a land line or cellular one, and the government will pay the rest of the bill with a grant. To apply, click here.
Veterans who live in Michigan who feel they are struggling to pay their bills or make ends meet each month have programs they can turn to. There are grants for veterans in Michigan, and they can be helpful to those in need while they strive to become self sufficient again. You can apply for one or all of these programs to see which ones you may qualify for.