Benefits
Michigan Benefits for Older Adults
Michigan has many programs that can help older adults pay for health care, drugs, food, energy bills, and property taxes on their home. This page lists each kind of help in Michigan, what it pays for, and where to apply. The state agency makes the final decision on who gets help. You may qualify even if you own your home or get Social Security.
Kinds of benefits in Michigan
The agency decides who qualifies. The limits below are the published figures — use them to see whether applying is worth your time.
Social Security in Michigan
Social Security pays monthly benefits to retired workers, people with disabilities, and family members of workers who have died. Field offices can help you apply, replace a card, change your benefit information, and apply for Extra Help with drug costs. Many tasks can be done online or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Social Security Administration |
| How to apply | Online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local field office. Use the SSA Office Locator to find your office. |
| Phone | 1-800-772-1213 |
| TTY | 1-800-325-0778 |
| Source | Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Medicaid for Older Michiganders (AD-Care)
Medicaid in Michigan for people 65 or older, blind, or disabled is called AD-Care. It can pay for care that Medicare does not pay for, like long stays in a nursing home, help at home, some dental care, and hospice. In 2026, the income limit is $1,330 a month for one person, and assets must be $9,950 or less for one person or $14,910 for a couple. Long-term care has a higher income limit of $2,982 a month. The state decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) |
| What it covers | Health care Medicare does not pay for on its own, including long nursing home stays, help at home through the MI Choice waiver and Home Help, some dental care, rides to care, and hospice. |
| How to apply | Apply online through MI Bridges (michigan.gov/mibridges) or at a local MDHHS office. |
| Limits 2026 | Note: AD-Care income limit is 100 percent of the federal poverty level; with the $20 income disregard the screening figures are $1,350 for one person and $1,824 for a couple (MDHHS Reference Tables RFT 242, effective April 1, 2026).; Resources: Couple: 14910; Individual: 9950; Long term care: Note: Special income level: 300 percent of the federal SSI rate for 2026.; Home equity limit: 752000; Monthly income individual: 2982; Monthly income: Couple: 1804; Individual: 1330 |
| Source | Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) (dhhs.michigan.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Michigan notes
- Michigan raised the asset limit for aged, blind, and disabled Medicaid to $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple, up from $2,000 and $3,000.
- People with income over the limit may still qualify through the Group 2 deductible, a spend-down that counts medical bills. Michigan also expanded Medicaid for adults under 65 through the Healthy Michigan Plan.
Medicare Savings Programs in Michigan
Medicare Savings Programs help pay your Medicare costs, like the Part B premium, co-pays, and deductibles. In Michigan for 2026, QMB helps people with income up to $1,350 a month for one person. SLMB helps up to $1,616 a month, and ALMB helps up to $1,816 a month. Assets must be $9,950 or less for one person, or $14,910 for a couple. The state decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) |
| How to apply | Apply online through MI Bridges or at a local MDHHS office. Free help: MMAP at 1-800-803-7174. |
| Limits 2026 | QMB: Income couple: 1824; Income individual: 1350; SLMB: Income couple: 2184; Income individual: 1616; Note: 2026 limits effective April 1, 2026, include the $20 income disregard (MDHHS Reference Tables RFT 242). Michigan calls the QI program ALMB, Additional Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries.; ALMB QI: Income couple: 2455; Income individual: 1816; Resources: Couple: 14910; Individual: 9950 |
| Source | Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) (dhhs.michigan.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Michigan notes
- QMB pays Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. SLMB and ALMB pay the Part B premium only.
- Getting a Medicare Savings Program signs you up for Extra Help with drug costs on its own.
Food Benefits in Michigan (Food Assistance Program)
In Michigan, SNAP is called the Food Assistance Program, or FAP. It helps people with low income buy food, and benefits come on a Bridge Card that works like a debit card. If you are 60 or older, your medical costs may count in a way that raises your benefit, and you can own your home and still get FAP. You apply through MI Bridges or your local MDHHS office. The state decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) — Food Assistance Program (FAP) |
| How to apply | Apply online through MI Bridges (michigan.gov/mibridges) or at a local MDHHS office. |
| Source | Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) — Food Assistance Program (FAP) (www.michigan.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Michigan notes
- In Michigan, SNAP is called the Food Assistance Program, or FAP. Benefits come on a Bridge Card that works like a debit card.
- Households with a member 60 or older or disabled face only the net income test, and medical costs over $35 a month may raise the benefit. Households with very little income may get expedited benefits within 7 days.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Michigan
SSI pays monthly cash to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very little income and few resources. For 2026, the federal part pays up to $994 a month for one person and $1,491 for a couple. Michigan adds $14 a month for a person living on their own, paid every three months. Your resources must be $2,000 or less for one person, or $3,000 for a couple. The home you live in does not count. Social Security decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Social Security Administration |
| How to apply | Apply with the Social Security Administration online, by phone, or at a field office. |
| Phone | 1-800-772-1213 |
| Federal benefit rate | Couple: 1491; Individual: 994 |
| Resource limits | Couple: 3000; Individual: 2000 |
| Year | 2026 |
| Source | Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Michigan notes
- Michigan adds a state payment on top of SSI: $14 a month for a person living on their own ($1,008 total) and $21 for a couple ($1,512 total), paid every three months in March, June, September, and December (MDHHS SSI payment levels). The state payment is $157.50 a month for a person in adult foster care or a personal care home.
- People who get SSI in Michigan also get Medicaid. Ask MDHHS if you need to apply on your own.
Extra Help with Drug Costs in Michigan
Extra Help is a federal Medicare program that pays most of your Part D drug costs if your income and savings are low. It can save thousands of dollars a year on premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. If you get a Medicare Savings Program or SSI, you may get Extra Help on its own. Free help to compare drug plans is available from MMAP at 1-800-803-7174. The federal government decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Social Security Administration / Medicare (Extra Help) |
| How to apply | Apply for Extra Help at ssa.gov or by phone at 1-800-772-1213. |
| Extra help | Income rule: Income below 150 percent of the federal poverty level; for a household of one in 2026 that is $23,940 a year.; Resource limits 2026: Couple: 33100; Individual: 16590 |
| Year | 2026 |
| Source | Social Security Administration / Medicare (Extra Help) (secure.ssa.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Michigan notes
- Free, unbiased help comparing Part D plans is available from MMAP at 1-800-803-7174.
Energy Help in Michigan (SER and MEAP)
Michigan helps with energy bills in two main ways. State Emergency Relief can pay to stop a shutoff or fill a fuel tank when income is at or below 150 percent of the poverty level. The Michigan Energy Assistance Program helps with bills when income is at or below 60 percent of the state median income. You can also claim a Home Heating Credit on your state taxes. The agency decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (State Emergency Relief) and Michigan Public Service Commission (Michigan Energy Assistance Program) |
| How to apply | Apply for SER online through MI Bridges or at a local MDHHS office. For MEAP, call 2-1-1 to reach a local agency. |
| Facts | State Emergency Relief (SER) helps with a heating crisis, like a shutoff notice or an empty fuel tank. Income must be at or below 150 percent of the poverty level — $1,995 a month for one person in 2026 — with no more than $15,000 in cash assets (Michigan Public Service Commission)., The Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) helps with bills and energy costs through local agencies. Income must be at or below 60 percent of the state median income, or the household must get SER, SNAP, SSI, or Medicaid. Call 2-1-1 to find a MEAP agency., The Home Heating Credit, claimed on Form MI-1040CR-7 with the Michigan Treasury, helps households at or below 110 percent of the poverty level. |
| Source | Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (State Emergency Relief) and Michigan Public Service Commission (Michigan Energy Assistance Program) (www.michigan.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Property Tax Relief for Older Michigan Homeowners
Michigan gives property tax relief through the Homestead Property Tax Credit, claimed on your state tax return. If your household income is $71,500 or less, the state refunds part of the tax you paid, up to $1,900. People 65 or older get a larger share back than younger filers. If you are 62 or older with low income, you may also put off your summer tax bill to February 15 with no interest. The state decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Michigan Department of Treasury / local assessor |
| How to apply | Claim the credit on Form MI-1040CR with your Michigan tax return by April 15. For the summer tax deferment, ask your local treasurer or assessor. |
| Facts | The Homestead Property Tax Credit (Form MI-1040CR) refunds part of your property tax when total household resources are $71,500 or less and, for homeowners, the taxable value of the home is $165,400 or less. The most the credit pays is $1,900, and people 65 or older get a larger share of their tax back (Michigan Department of Treasury, 2026)., The credit shrinks by 10 percent for each $1,000 of household resources over $62,500. Renters may also claim it. File it with your state tax return, or on its own if you do not file one., Michigan has no senior property tax freeze. Proposal A caps how fast the taxable value of your home can rise each year, and low-income seniors age 62 or older may put off summer taxes to February 15 with no interest through the summer tax deferment. |
| Source | Michigan Department of Treasury / local assessor (www.michigan.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Aging Services in Michigan (Area Agencies on Aging)
Michigan aging services help people age 60 and older and the people who care for them. Local Area Agencies on Aging can help you find meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support, and benefits you may have missed. Michigan has 16 Area Agencies on Aging, one for each region of the state. Help is free.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | MDHHS Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Health Services / Area Agencies on Aging |
| How to apply | Contact the Area Agency on Aging for your county, or call MDHHS aging services to be pointed to local help. |
| Facts | Michigan has 16 Area Agencies on Aging covering all 83 counties (MDHHS)., Area Agencies on Aging give meals, rides, help at home through the MI Choice waiver and Home Help, caregiver support, and benefits checks., The Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Health Services can be reached at 517-241-4100. |
| Source | MDHHS Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Health Services / Area Agencies on Aging (www.michigan.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Free Medicare Counseling in Michigan (MMAP)
MMAP is the Michigan name for SHIP, the free Medicare counseling program. Counselors can explain Medicare, compare plans, help with appeals, and check if you may qualify for programs that lower your costs, like the Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help. They do not sell insurance. Call 1-800-803-7174 to reach a counselor near you.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP) — the Michigan State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) |
| How to apply | Call MMAP at 1-800-803-7174 to reach a counselor near you. |
| Phone | 1-800-803-7174 |
| TTY | 1-888-263-5897 |
| Facts | In Michigan, the federal SHIP program is called MMAP, the Michigan Medicare Assistance Program., Counselors give free, unbiased help in your county. They do not sell insurance. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. |
| Source | Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP) — the Michigan State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) (www.michigan.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Applying for Benefits in Michigan (MDHHS / MI Bridges)
Most Michigan benefit programs run through the Department of Health and Human Services. You can apply for food help, health coverage, Medicare premium help, and energy crisis help in one place online through MI Bridges, or at the MDHHS office for your county. Bring proof of who you are, where you live, your income, and your bank accounts. The agency makes the final decision.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS); MI Bridges online |
| How to apply | Apply online through MI Bridges (michigan.gov/mibridges) for Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, food help, and State Emergency Relief in one place, or in person at a local MDHHS office. |
| Source | Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS); MI Bridges online (www.michigan.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Good to know in Michigan
- Medicaid for people 65 or older, blind, or disabled in Michigan is AD-Care. In 2026 the income limit is 100 percent of the poverty level, $1,330 a month for one person ($1,350 with the $20 income disregard, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Reference Tables RFT 242, effective April 1, 2026). Michigan raised the asset limit for these programs to $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple, well above the old $2,000 and $3,000 limits. Long-term care uses a special income level of $2,982 a month.
- Michigan Medicare Savings Programs in 2026 go up to $1,350 a month for QMB, $1,616 for SLMB, and $1,816 for ALMB (the Michigan name for the QI program) for one person, with assets up to $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple (MDHHS RFT 242).
- Energy help in Michigan runs through State Emergency Relief (SER) for a shutoff or fuel crisis, at or below 150 percent of the poverty level ($1,995 a month for one person), and the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), at or below 60 percent of the state median income (Michigan Public Service Commission).
- Homeowners and renters may claim the Homestead Property Tax Credit on Form MI-1040CR when total household resources are $71,500 or less and the home taxable value is $165,400 or less; the most the credit pays is $1,900 (Michigan Department of Treasury, 2026).
- Free Medicare counseling in Michigan is the Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP). Call 1-800-803-7174.
- Most benefits are applied for in one place: MI Bridges (michigan.gov/mibridges) online, or a local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) office. Michigan has 16 Area Agencies on Aging covering all 83 counties.
Free local help
Three national programs connect you to help in your own community, at no cost: