Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced the launch of MI Benefits Center, an innovative approach to assist Michiganders in applying for food assistance and connecting families to benefits.

The MI Benefits Center is aimed at removing barriers to accessing benefits and is currently mailing letters to older adults and others who are eligible for food assistance benefits but are not currently enrolled. 

Individuals who receive the letters will be encouraged to call the MI Benefits Center to be connected with a benefits outreach specialist who will screen them for benefits, offer to assist with application documents and submit applications on their behalf.

MDHHS is partnering with Benefits Data Trust, a nationally recognized leader in improving access to public assistance programs by conducting data-driven outreach and application assistance, as well as by providing policy assistance to states nationwide. 

In the next year, the MI Benefits Center will invest up to $1.2 million to support Michiganders. 

"My top priority every day is to make life easier for Michigan families by delivering change that makes a difference in their lives, and the MI Benefits Center is the latest innovation to help us lower food costs for Michigan families," Whitmer said in a press release. "By delivering additional relief to Michigan families on their grocery bills, we can ease financial burdens for Michiganders, drive down costs, and put more money in people's pockets, putting Michigan first." 

CMF members and the Office of Foundation Liaison (OFL) have supported efforts to increase access to benefits for Michiganders.

As CMF reported, the state, Michigan Associate of United Ways, OFL, CMF and several of our members worked to support MDHHS’ MI Bridges, to streamline the system for Michiganders who apply for benefits such as food assistance, child development and care, the Healthy Michigan plan, Medicaid and other critical services.

Implemented in April 2018, the more user-friendly system was aimed at better serving Michiganders, potentially creating a path for more people to access state assistance and benefits.

The changes to streamline the system of delivery included:

•    A shorter application.

•    Universal caseload management resulting in team-based expertise areas.

•    Calls managed by a team in real time instead of a single assigned caseworker. 

•    One phone number instead of several points of contact.

•    Community partner organizations playing a more significant role in connecting residents to benefits and supports. 

Want more?

Read the full press release.