Assistance in MI

[s_kristina]

The kids and I are moving to MI where my parents live so I can go back to college and get my degree. We will be living on child support and what I can get in student loans after my current loans are out of default. I don't expect to be getting more then $1000 a month in child support so I'm assuming we will qualify for some sorts of assistance. I know the economy is horrid in MI and have heard it can take longer to get benefits because of that. Does anyone know of the time frame to get on things like WIC, FS and medicaid?

[MamaChel]

FS is within 30days from the day of app unless you have NO income/assets then you MAY qualify for expedited (7 day) processing. Medicaid can take up to 45 days from date of app but generally if you apply for both med/FS together you will get notice @ the same time. WIC depends on the county. If you know the date you are moving, call the WIC office for the county you're moving to and ask for an appointment. I got mine w/i a week but I have had to wait a couple months before.

FS can deny you without a CS order, but if you DON'T have one, they can also help you get one.

[s_kristina]

I'll have to check in to the child support order. The papers have not been filed yet, but they will be filed in FL not MI unless he decides not to file before we move. I don't know what they do about a child support order prior to the papers being finalized. I'm new to all this stuff.

[timneh_mom]

This doesn't answer your question - but if you are going to be moving to the Tri-Cities area (Midland, Bay City or Saginaw) we have a nice playgroup going in Midland. PM me if you'll be near us and I'll give you the info! We'd love to have you!

[s_kristina]

I'll be in the Flint area to attend UM-Flint. Thanks for the offer, but it's a bit of a drive.

[timneh_mom]

Originally Posted by s_kristina

I'll be in the Flint area to attend UM-Flint. Thanks for the offer, but it's a bit of a drive.

Yes, that would be pretty far for you to go. You might find some Flint mamas in the Michigan section of "finding your tribe". I hope all goes well for you with your move!

[MamaChel]

I'm about an hour from Flint.

If you have the order and it's been filed (provide proof of filing with the app) then they really shouldn't give you a hard time. How are you planning to handle court appearances? The issue for DHS is really that they are not "assisting" anyone they feel they should not be assisting. It's a messed up system for sure.

[s_kristina]

According to stbx in the state of FL I won't need to make a court aperance. I will just need to respond to his filing for divorce and we have pretty much agreed to everything so it's not going to be a huge fight. The one big issue we were having was a vehicle for me as I'm letting him keep the truck that is in my name. I'm guessing the child support order will be filed along with all the papers. I should probably check on that though as we would like to avoid having the state too involved in the child support. I don't need them taking a chunk of the money to give it to me

[deditus]

Just make sure you stay on top of your applications - caseworkers are so overwhelmed that stuff really falls through the cracks. Always make notes of what you have sent in or when you called, times, dates, etc.