Family Support Subsidy Program
What is this program?
Michigan has a program to help families who care for their children with severe disabilities at home. The Family Support Subsidy Program can pay for special expenses the family has while caring for their child with severe disabilities. This financial support may prevent or delay placements outside the home. In other cases, the program may provide the funds necessary to allow children to return from placements outside the home. Supporting families of children with severe disabilities in this way allows families to stay together. It gives them flexibility in purchasing special services and saves money for the taxpayer by avoiding or reducing the need for more costly placements outside the home.
Who is eligible?
Families may be eligible for this program if they have a child under age 18 who has been recommended by a local or intermediate school district's multidisciplinary evolution team with an eligible category of:
- Cognitive impairment (CI)
- Severe multiple impairment (SXI) or
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Children with an eligibility category of CI may be eligible if their development is in the severe range of functioning as determined by the local intermediate school district.
Children with ASD must be receiving special education services in a program designed for students with autism or in a program designed for students with severe multiple impairments.
In cases in which the child is not receiving special education services or if it is not known if the child is received special education services, parents may contact the director of special education at the local or intermediate school district.
They can also call Early On / Project Find at 1-800-252-0052. Families can be headed by birth parents, adoptive parents or legal guardians. Foster parents who are also legal guardians are not eligible.
Under the law, the taxable income for the family may not exceed $60,000. In addition, the family cannot receive reimbursement from the Medical Subsidy Program for Adoptive Children if they choose to apply for the Family Support Subsidy.
How to Apply
You can get and turn applications for the subsidy program at local offices of Michigan's community mental health service programs (CMHSPs). Your local CMHSP determines eligibility for this subsidy program.
CMHSPs are listed in most telephone books. If you cannot find the number, call the family support subsidy office in Lansing at 517-241-5773. The TTY number is 800-649-3777. You will be provided with your community coordinator's name and telephone number.
You may get and turn in applications at any time. Renewals are required every year just before or during your child's birth month.
The following papers must be turned in with your application:
- A copy of the child's birth certificate
- Proof of income such as your family's most recently filed Michigan Income Tax Return (MI 1040)
- A copy of the child's Social Security card
In addition, you must contact your child's local or intermediate school district and request that they send directly to the CMHSP, written proof that certifies the child's eligibility category and programming if ASD.
Program Benefits
Many children with severe impairments cannot eat, walk, dress or talk on their own. They often have both mental and physical impairments and need round-the-clock care. Families that include children with severe disabilities have many expenses other families do not.
Uses for the subsidy program might be the purchase of additional therapies, special equipment, special food, paper diapers, transportation costs, in-home specialized care, respite care, family counseling, support groups, general household expenses, family recreation and home remodeling to provide for the special needs of the child.
This list is not all-inclusive. A unique feature of this subsidy is that the family decides its use to suit their needs.
Payments
Payments are just over $200 per month. They are the same for all families and are issued near the end of each month.
Families of children presently placed out of the home may contact their CMHSP to discuss possibilities for being reunited. The subsidy program allows parents a one-time advance payment equal to a two-month amount. This payment helps the family prepare for the child's homecoming. Parents are eligible for this one-time payment if the child's placement outside the home has been more than one year and the family has received help from this program in the past.
Administration
The Michigan Legislature passed the Family Support Subsidy Act in 1983. The Department of Community Health and the CMHSPs administer and implement the act. Together, they are supporting in an effort to keep children in their homes.
Information
CMHSPs can provide additional information on the Family Support Subsidy Program. Questions or requests for applications should be directed to your local CMHSP.
If you are unable to find the name of the contact person and telephone number at your CMHSP, call the Michigan Department of Community Health Family Support Subsidy Program Office in Lansing at 517-241-5773. The TTY number is 800-649-3777.