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Start Here: Low-Income Assistance Programs

An Introduction to Low-Income Programs and Resources

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You might have come across the term “low-income” before, but what does it really mean? This phrase often comes up in discussions about various local and federal assistance programs. When finances are tight, it can affect many areas of life, and finding the right assistance program can be a huge relief. That’s where our Resource Coordinators come in. We’re here to support you in navigating your situation and understanding the different assistance options available. We can help explain the various programs and even conduct a simple screening to see if you qualify for any of them. 

When figuring out if you qualify for federal assistance, your gross income and assets will be taken into consideration. Gross income refers to the total amount earned before any deductions (like Medicare premiums). This includes wages, Social Security benefits, pensions, and more. Eligibility is often based on a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL) or median income. 

Assets include things like cash, bank accounts, CDs, stocks, bonds, second homes, and other valuables. However, there are some assets that are exempt from this calculation, such as your primary residence, personal belongings, one vehicle, life insurance up to $1,500 in value, and certain burial arrangements. Please note that giving away or selling assets for less than their value could affect your eligibility for benefits. For any program you apply for, you’ll need documentation to verify details like your identity, age, citizenship or immigration status, income, and assets. 

Below, we’ve listed several assistance programs we often refer individuals to. 

Government Programs 

  1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Offers financial help to low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. (See our articles on Social Security and SSI)
  2. Medicare and Medicaid: Provide healthcare coverage. (See our articles on Medicare, Understanding the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), and AD-Care and MSP)
  3. Housing Assistance: Subsidized Senior Housing and HUD's Section 8 can help with affordable housing options. (See our Independent Senior Housing list and an article on Low-Income Housing Options) 

Community Resources

  1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Offers monthly benefits (on a Bridge Card) to help individuals and families purchase nutritious food. (See our article on Understanding SNAP Benefits)
  2. Double Up Food Bucks: When you use your Bridge Card, Double Up matches your fruit and vegetable purchases dollar for dollar (up to a certain amount) at participating grocery stores and farm markets.
  3. Food Pantries and Meal Programs: Offer essential food resources to those in need, including food pantries or food clubs, meals-on-wheels, congregate meal programs, and Senior Project FRESH.
  4. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Helps low-income households with energy bills, including heating and cooling costs.
  5. Legal Aide of West Michigan: Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm providing free legal advice and representation in a broad range of areas including consumer cases, family matters, housing problems, government benefits, and much more.
  6. Senior Centers: Provide social activities and support services.
  7. Area Agencies on Aging: Coordinate and offer services that help older adults remain in their homes. (See our handout on the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program) 

These programs vary by location and eligibility criteria, so it’s often helpful to consult local agencies or online resources for specific information and application procedures.

Respond Promptly

If it’s been determined that you’re eligible for any of these programs, it’s common for the supervising agency to conduct an annual review to make sure everything is up to date and reconfirm eligibility for another year. If you receive a request for this review, be sure to respond promptly to ensure you continue receiving your benefits without interruption. 

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We're here for additional resources.

If you have additional questions about these programs or others, please contact our Resource Center:

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