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Michigan Family Independence Program

undefined Michigan Family Independence Program?


The Family Independence Program (FIP) provides temporary cash assistance to families with children and pregnant women to help them pay for living expenses such as rent, heat, utilities, clothing, food and personal care items.

FIP applicants and recipients may be assigned to the Partnership. Accountability. Training. Hope. (PATH) program through the Michigan Works Agencies for assistance in finding a job or to develop needed job skills. PATH is designed to establish and maintain a connection to the labor market for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients. To make this connection, participants are placed into employment and occupationally relevant education and training programs.

Help with transportation, childcare and other needs related to employment and training may be provided.

The Family Independence Program (FIP) provides temporary cash assistance to families with children and pregnant women to help them pay for living expenses such as rent, heat, utilities, clothing, food and personal care items.

FIP applicants and recipients may be assigned to the Partnership. Accountability. Training. Hope. (PATH) program through the Michigan Works Agencies for assistance in finding a job or to develop needed job skills. PATH is designed to establish and maintain a connection to the labor market for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients. To make this connection, participants are placed into employment and occupationally relevant education and training programs.

Help with transportation, childcare and other needs related to employment and training may be provided.

undefined Michigan Family Independence Program?


To be eligible for Michigan Family Independence, you must be a resident of Michigan, and a U.S. citizen, legal alien or qualified alien. You must be unemployed or underemployed and have low or very low income. You must also be one of the following:

  • Have a child 18 years of age or younger, or
  • Be pregnant, or
  • Be 18 years of age or younger and the head of your household.

undefined Michigan Family Independence Program?


To see if you may be eligible for FIP, or to apply for FIP online, please visit the MI Bridges website.

If you need more information or forms, please visit the Michigan Assistance Application page.


The Department of Human Services must help all persons fill out the application, when requested, if you need help, please call or visit your local DHS County Office. You can find your local office on the Map of County Offices page. 

If you need an interpreter, you may use one of your choice or the agency will provide one. If you are refused help in filling out the application, you may call:
517-373-0707

For more information on FIP eligibility, please visit the Cash Assistance website and click on the links under "Family Independence Program."

(855) 275-6424