The Family Independence Program (FIP) provides 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 Jobs, Employment @ Training (JET) program through the Michigan Works Agencies for assistance in finding a job or to develop needed job skills. JET 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.

General Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Michigan, either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19 years of age, a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, have low or very low income, and be either under-employed (working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.

Only a Family Independence Specialist or Eligibility Specialist at the Department of Human Services (DHS) can accurately determine your family’s eligibility for FIP. Ask for details when turning in a completed application at your local Department of Human Services (DHS) County Office.

Your Next Steps

The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.