Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Michigan. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Michigan)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rent, utility, food, and medical help, 24/7
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, the federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging
- BenefitsCheckUp.org screens you for every benefit you may qualify for
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Michigan MI Options)
In 2025 Michigan launched a new statewide call center, MI Options, run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. It connects you to MMAP, Michigan's long-running SHIP for free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare counseling, plus long-term care options counseling. One number does both: 1-800-803-7174, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Same trusted number families have used for years, broader help behind it.
Medicaid in Michigan
Michigan Medicaid is run by MDHHS. Apply online through MI Bridges at newmibridges.michigan.gov (the same portal handles food assistance and State Emergency Relief), or visit your local MDHHS office. Medicaid can help pay Medicare premiums and long-term care costs for those who qualify.
Prescription help
Michigan does not currently run a general statewide pharmaceutical assistance program for seniors. Start with Medicare's Extra Help / Low-Income Subsidy (apply through Social Security, 1-800-772-1213) and screen at BenefitsCheckUp.org. MI Options counselors (1-800-803-7174) can walk you through Part D and Extra Help.
Energy and utility help
Michigan routes federal heating help through several doors:
- Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): supplemental bill help through local agencies. Dial 211 or visit mi211.org to find the agency serving your county.
- State Emergency Relief (SER): year-round help with heat and electric bills, shutoffs, and restorations. Apply through MI Bridges (newmibridges.michigan.gov) or your local MDHHS office.
- Home Heating Credit: a refundable state credit for low-income homeowners AND renters, filed with the Michigan Department of Treasury on Form MI-1040CR-7 by September 30 each year.
Property tax relief (Michigan)
Michigan's main senior relief is a credit on your state taxes, not a county exemption.
- Homestead Property Tax Credit (HPTC): a refundable credit claimed on Form MI-1040CR with your state return. For tax year 2025, total household resources must be $71,500 or less (the credit starts phasing out above $62,500), your home's taxable value must be $165,400 or less, and the maximum credit is $1,900. Seniors get a more generous calculation than younger filers. You can claim it even if you do not owe income tax, and renters can qualify too. Limits are indexed and change annually.
- Every owner-occupied home also gets the Principal Residence Exemption (exempts the home from up to 18 mills of school operating tax), and Michigan's Proposal A caps how fast taxable value can grow.
- Some local treasurers offer a summer tax deferment for qualifying seniors. Ask your city or township treasurer.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Michigan's Area Agencies on Aging handle home-delivered meals, in-home care, caregiver support, and transportation. Find yours through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), MI Options (1-800-803-7174), or 211. For free civil legal help, ask 211 or your Area Agency on Aging for the legal aid office serving your county.
Frequently asked questions
What is Michigan's SHIP program? It is MMAP (the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program). Michigan's new MI Options call center, run by MDHHS, connects you to it. Call 1-800-803-7174 for free, unbiased Medicare help.
Does Michigan offer senior property tax relief? Yes, mainly through the Homestead Property Tax Credit, filed with your state taxes on Form MI-1040CR. For 2025 the income limit is $71,500 in total household resources and the maximum credit is $1,900. Renters can qualify too.
How do Michigan seniors get help with heating bills? Three ways: dial 211 for MEAP agencies, apply for State Emergency Relief on MI Bridges, and file the Home Heating Credit (MI-1040CR-7) by September 30.
How do I apply for Michigan Medicaid? Online at newmibridges.michigan.gov or at your local MDHHS office.
Sources
- MDHHS, MI Options launch (Aug 22, 2025): https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/newsroom/2025/08/22/mi-options . Verified June 4, 2026.
- MDHHS, State Health Insurance Assistance Program: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/adults-and-seniors/acls/state-health-insurance-assistance-program . Verified June 4, 2026.
- MDHHS, MI Bridges / apply for healthcare assistance: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/medicaid/portalhome/beneficiaries/apply and https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/ . Verified June 4, 2026.
- Michigan Treasury, 2025 Homestead Property Tax Credit values and limits: https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/iit/tax-guidance/credits-exemptions/hptc/tax-year-credit-information/2025 . Verified June 4, 2026.
- Michigan Treasury, Home Heating Credit: https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/questions/iit/accordion/heating/home-heating-credit-information-1 . Verified June 4, 2026.
- Michigan PSC, Michigan Energy Assistance Program: https://www.michigan.gov/en/mpsc/consumer/energy-assistance . Verified June 4, 2026.