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A student may receive food assistance, Medicaid, cash assistance, and/or assistance with childcare costs. The following section will provide some general information about the Department of Human Services (DHS).

Students who have children and want to apply for benefits will need to follow the new Department of Human Services (DHS) policies and guidelines.

If you receive assistance from DHS, be aware that scholarships and grants over the amount of tuition, fees, books, and minimal expenses, will count as income and reduce the assistance you may receive. Keep all receipts for books, school supplies, clothing, transportation costs, and miscellaneous expenses.

The Family Independence Program (FIP) is one of the programs that are administered by DHS. It is a cash assistance program for adults with minor children, or for women who are pregnant. When a client applies for FIP benefits, their case is assigned to a Family Independence Specialist (FIS). The FIS will explain the program requirements and make the eleigibility determination. The FIS is also responsible for coordinating other public assistance benefits for a client, which could include Medicaid, food assistance, employment-related activities and childcare assistance.

Be aware that DHS policies often change and are difficult to keep updated. To inquire about your eligibility call DHS in the county where you live.

Childcare Assistance
Clients meeting financial and non-financial guidelines, may qualify for assistance with child daycare costs. An application must be filed with the Department of Human Services. The childcare provider must be registered with the DHS or licensed by the State of Michigan. The client may select a licensed group home or day care center. If the provider is a family member, they must be a grandparent, aunt, uncle or sibling, who is at least 18 years old. See childcare section for information on finding a childcare provider.

Food Assistance
In order to receive food assistance you must meet financial and non-financial requirements. It is important to check with your DHS Specialist to determine your eligibility.

Medicaid
A student may qualify for Medicaid benefits. The DHS Specialist assigned to the client can assist with more information about health care coverage programs.

Ingham Health Plan (IHP)
5303 S. Cedar Street
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 887-4465

For uninsured adults and children in Ingham County. Non-citizens are eligible for IHP. Call for more information.

Healthy Kids
5303 S. Cedar Street
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 887-4306 (Health Dept.)
(517) 887-9400 (DHS)

Healthy Kids is a Medicaid program for pregnant women, babies, and children under 19 years of age. You may have other forms of insurance. The other insurance would be primary and Healthy Kids Medicaid secondary. For income and eligibility information call Ingham Health Department or Ingham County Department of Human Services.

Capital Area Human Services Connection
2-1-1 (Lansing local number)
1-866-561-2500 (Toll-free from cell phones)

2-1-1 is an easy to remember free phone service that links people with the human service information they need. By dialing the easy to remember 2-1-1 numbers, callers are connectedwith a call specialist who can discuss the caller’s needs and give them the information and/or agencies they can contact for assistance. Referrals include rent and utility assistance, parenting resources, shelter, food pantries, housing, transportation, health care, counseling and much more! This service is available for free 24/7, 365 days a year.

Christian Services
(517) 394-5413

Christian Services offers help with items which cannot be purchased with food stamps such as soap, shampoo, toilet paper, laundry soap, tooth care, etc. They are also able to help with small household items, a clothing closet for women sizes 16 and up, holiday food baskets, a clothing center for children, emergency diapers/formula, and more.

The Salvation Army
3305 S. Pennsylvania
Lansing, MI 48910
(517) 484-4424

The Salvation Army assists with emergency food and personal needs. Gives away free produce every Wednesday at 1:00 pm. A valid photo ID is required, first come, first serve. Personal need items are provided on Tues. & Thurs. from 8:30-11:00 AM. Birthdates and social security numbers for all adults in the home required. May also assist with utility shut offs and rent/mortgages arearages, if funding is available.

University Apartments Give and Take & Lending Centers
802 Cherry Lane Basement, MSU
(517) 353-9499

Residents of MSU University Apartments may obtain free clothing, household items, books, and toys which have been donated by other residents. Open 4:00-7:00 PM, Thursday through Saturday.

Resale Shops
Carousel Consignments
1780 W. Grand River
Okemos, MI
(517) 347-0668

Volunteers of America
111 W. Mt. Hope
Lansing, MI
(517) 372-8210

Second Time Around
4737 Marsh Road
Okemos, MI
(517) 349-2151

Salvation Army Store
5206 W. Saginaw
Lansing, MI
(517) 484-4424

Debt & Credit Counseling
MSU Federal Credit Union
600 E. Crescent Road
Lansing, MI 48823
1-800-MSU-4YOU

Provides services for debt and loan consolidation. Call for more information.

Greenpath Debt Solutions
Credit Counseling Centers
612 S. Creyts Road, Suite C
Lansing, MI 48917
(517) 321-5836

Provides financial counseling in a confidential and dignified manner by trained counselors. They help families work out an orderly debt repayment program and provide sound money management information on budgeting and the wise use of credit. They may also pull credit reports. Anyone seeking services is eligible. The initial interview is free.

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