Learning Center

How to Apply for Medicaid (Michigan)

Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Michigan residents.

1. Go to benefitsenrollment.michigan.gov or apply in person at your local DHHS office.
2. Create a Michigan Bridges account (or log in if you already have one).
3. Complete the application – you'll need your Social Security number, income info, and household size.
4. Submit your application. Most decisions are made within 45 days.
5. If denied, you have the right to appeal within 90 days.

How to Apply for SNAP (Food Assistance)

SNAP (formerly food stamps) provides monthly benefits to buy groceries.

1. Apply online at newmibridges.michigan.gov, by phone at (888) 642-7434, or at your local DHHS office.
2. You'll need: photo ID, proof of address, Social Security numbers, and income documentation.
3. Complete an interview (usually by phone) after submitting your application.
4. If eligible, you'll receive an EBT (Bridge) card in the mail within 30 days. Emergency cases may be approved within 7 days.

How to Apply for Disability Benefits (SSI / SSDI)

SSI provides income to disabled individuals with limited resources. SSDI is based on work history.

1. Apply online at ssa.gov/disability, call (800) 772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778), or visit your local Social Security office.
2. Gather medical records, doctor contact info, work history, and proof of age/citizenship.
3. Complete the application – expect to describe your conditions and how they limit your daily activities.
4. Most initial decisions take 3–6 months. Many applicants are denied the first time – you can appeal.
5. If denied, request Reconsideration (60 days), then appeal to an Administrative Law Judge if needed.

How to Apply for TANF (Michigan Cash Assistance)

TANF provides temporary cash assistance to families with children.

1. Apply at newmibridges.michigan.gov or at your local DHHS office.
2. You'll need: ID for all household members, Social Security numbers, proof of income, and proof of residency.
3. Complete a face-to-face or phone interview with a caseworker.
4. If approved, benefits are loaded onto your Bridge Card monthly.
5. TANF has a 48-month lifetime limit in Michigan. Work participation requirements apply.

How to Apply for WIC

WIC provides nutrition support for pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children under 5.

1. Find your local WIC clinic at michigan.gov/wic or call (800) 26-BIRTHS.
2. Call or visit to schedule an appointment. There is no online application – appointments are required.
3. Bring: proof of ID, proof of Michigan residency, proof of income (or Medicaid card), and the child's immunization records if applying for a child.
4. At your appointment, a WIC staff member will review your eligibility and issue benefits to spend at participating stores.

How to Apply for Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher

Section 8 vouchers help low-income households pay rent in private market housing.

1. Contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). In Detroit, that's the Detroit Housing Commission at (313) 877-8000.
2. Most waitlists open only occasionally. Sign up for waitlist alerts at hud.gov/section8.
3. When the waitlist opens, submit an application with ID, income documentation, and household member information.
4. After receiving a voucher, you have a limited time to find qualifying housing. The unit must pass a HUD inspection.
5. You pay about 30% of income toward rent; the voucher covers the rest up to the local payment standard.

How to Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance

Emergency rental help for households facing eviction or housing instability.

1. Contact Wayne Metro Community Action Agency at (313) 388-9799 or Michigan 211 (dial 2-1-1).
2. You'll need: proof of identity, proof of address, a copy of your lease, documentation of the arrears (overdue rent), and proof of income or financial hardship.
3. If you have received an eviction notice, bring it – priority is often given to households with an active eviction filing.
4. Assistance is paid directly to the landlord and/or utility provider in most programs.

How to Get a Michigan Driver's License or State ID

A Michigan state ID or driver's license is accepted for housing, employment, benefits, and more.

1. Schedule an appointment (recommended) at a Michigan Secretary of State branch at michigan.gov/sos.
2. Bring documents proving: identity (e.g. birth certificate or passport), Social Security number (e.g. Social Security card), and Michigan residency (e.g. utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
3. If you don't have a birth certificate, you can request one (see the guide below).
4. Pay the fee (Standard ID: ~$10; Driver's License: ~$25). Fee waivers may be available for low-income applicants.
5. First-time drivers must pass a written knowledge test and vision test.

How to Apply for U.S. Naturalization (Citizenship)

For green card holders (Lawful Permanent Residents) who meet residency and eligibility requirements.

1. Confirm eligibility: generally requires 5 years as a green card holder (3 if married to a U.S. citizen) and continuous U.S. residency.
2. Complete Form N-400 at uscis.gov/n-400. You can file online or by mail.
3. Pay the filing fee ($760 as of 2025) or apply for a fee waiver using Form I-912 if your income is below 150% of the poverty level.
4. Submit biometrics (fingerprints) at a USCIS Application Support Center.
5. Attend your naturalization interview, you'll be tested on English and U.S. civics (10 questions; you need 6 correct).
6. Take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.

Free or low-cost legal help: Michigan Immigrant Rights Center or International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit.

How to Apply for or Renew DACA

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization for eligible individuals brought to the U.S. as children.

1. Check eligibility at uscis.gov/DACA. You must have been under 31 as of June 15, 2012, arrived before your 16th birthday, and meet continuous residence requirements.
2. Complete Form I-821D (DACA request), Form I-765 (work authorization), and Form I-765WS (worksheet).
3. Submit two passport-style photos, evidence of eligibility, and the filing fee (~$495 for initial; renewals vary).
4. Work with an accredited immigration representative or attorney: avoid unauthorized "notarios."
5. Renew your DACA at least 150–180 days before it expires.

Free or low-cost help: Michigan Immigrant Rights Center · Immigration Law & Justice Michigan

How to Obtain a Michigan Birth Certificate

A birth certificate is often needed for a driver's license, passport, Social Security card, and benefits applications.

1. Order online at vitalchek.com or in person at a Michigan Vital Records office. In Detroit: 3423 E Jefferson Ave.
2. You must be the person named, a parent, legal guardian, or an authorized representative.
3. Bring or provide: a valid photo ID and your full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
4. Fee: ~$34 for the first copy, ~$16 for additional copies ordered at the same time.
5. Processing time: ~2–4 weeks by mail; same-day in person at state offices.

How to Build a Resume (from Scratch)

A simple, well-formatted resume is the first step to most jobs and training programs.

1. Header: Your full name, phone number, email, and city/state.
2. Objective (optional): 1–2 sentences describing what kind of work you're looking for.
3. Work Experience: List jobs in reverse order (most recent first). Include employer, your title, dates, and 2–3 bullet points on what you did. Use action verbs: "managed," "completed," "assisted."
4. Education: High school (or GED), graduation year, and any certifications or training programs.
5. Skills: Include both hard skills (computer programs, forklift license, CPR) and soft skills (communication, reliability).
6. Keep it to one page for most entry-level or first-time applicants. Use a clean font like Arial or Calibri, size 11–12.

Free resume help: Michigan Works! offices offer free resume writing assistance in person.

How to Apply for Michigan Unemployment Benefits

If you lost your job through no fault of your own, you may qualify for weekly payments while you look for work.

1. File online at michigan.gov/uia (fastest) or by phone at (866) 500-0017.
2. Have ready: Social Security number, work history for the past 18 months (employer names, addresses, dates, wages), and your bank info for direct deposit.
3. File as soon as possible, benefits don't go back to before you applied.
4. After approval, certify for benefits every two weeks online to keep receiving payments.
5. You must be actively seeking work, keep a record of your job search activities.

How to Earn Your GED in Michigan

The GED is a high school equivalency credential accepted by almost all employers and colleges.

1. Create a free account at ged.com to register and access study materials.
2. Take one or more free GED Ready practice tests to assess your readiness.
3. Find a free adult education class near you via michigan.gov/adulted. Many libraries and community centers also offer free GED prep.
4. Schedule your 4 subject tests (Math, Science, Social Studies, and Reasoning Through Language Arts) at a testing center. Each test costs ~$30 in Michigan.
5. Pass all 4 tests with a score of 145 or higher per subject to earn your diploma.

How to Apply to Detroit Job Corps

Job Corps is a free residential program for ages 16–24 offering trade training, GED, housing, meals, and a small stipend.

1. Apply online at jobcorps.gov or call (800) 733-JOBS.
2. Eligibility: ages 16–24, low-income (documented), U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and not enrolled in school.
3. An admissions counselor will contact you to complete a phone interview and schedule an in-person assessment.
4. If accepted, you'll receive housing, three meals per day, a bi-weekly stipend, healthcare, and free trade training in fields like HVAC, CNA, plumbing, or IT.
5. The Detroit campus is at 11500 Glenfield Ave, Detroit, MI 48213.

How to Enroll in a Health Insurance Plan

If you don't qualify for Medicaid, you may be eligible for subsidized insurance through the federal marketplace.

1. Go to healthcare.gov during Open Enrollment (typically Nov 1 – Jan 15). Special Enrollment Periods exist if you lose coverage, have a baby, or experience another qualifying life event.
2. Create an account and complete the application. You'll need SSNs, income estimates, and employer info for everyone in your household.
3. Compare plans and check for Premium Tax Credits (subsidies) based on your income. Many people qualify for $0 or very low premiums.
4. Enroll in a plan and pay your first month's premium to activate coverage.

How to Find a Free or Low-Cost Clinic

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and free clinics serve patients regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

1. Search for a federally qualified health center at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
2. FQHCs use a sliding fee scale, what you pay is based on your income and family size. No one is turned away.
3. In Detroit: visit the Healthcare category page for a list of local free and low-cost clinics.
4. Call ahead to confirm services offered and whether an appointment is required.