Cochran Firm Reports on MichiganÂ’s Family Independence Program

(EstateNewsWire.com, August 01, 2012 )

Dothan, AL -- The main goal of the Family Independence Program (FIP) is to help families reach a level of self-sufficiency. To achieve this goal FIP provides families in need with temporary cash assistance to pay for living expenses such as rent, heat, utilities, clothing, food and personal care items. FIP applicants and recipients may also be referred to JET (Jobs, Education and Training) for assistance in finding a job or to develop the skills needed to qualify for a job. Other needs related to employment such as transportation and childcare may also be provided.

Eligibility for FIP and the amount of assistance a family can receive is based on the number of people within a household, court-ordered child support expenses paid by the household (if applicable) and the total income. Unless a family qualifies for an extension or exception, families cannot receive FIP for more than 48 months in their lifetime. Months do not count if:

• They were before October 2007,

• The person or family is deferred,

• The family is working and following the Family Self-Sufficiency Plan, or

• The family lives in a county with a high unemployment rate.

To be eligible to receive assistance through FIP, individuals must:

• Be a Michigan resident & not receiving assistance from another state,

• Be a parent, legal guardian or relative acting as a parent for a child under the age of 18 or a high school student between the ages of 18 and 19,

• Be pregnant,

• Have cash assets less than $3,000, and

• Meet the income requirements.

More information can be obtained about the Family Independence Program or to find a close DHS office, by calling (517) 373-2035 or visiting www.michigan.gov/dhs-cash.

About The Cochran Firm

Recognized as one of the nation’s premier law firms, The Cochran Firm handles cases on behalf of clients seeking a Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Medical Malpractice or Social Security Disability lawyer. The Firm can be reached at 1-800-THE-FIRM (1-800-843-3476) or visit their website at http://www.CochranNation.com. “We go to work for you…when you can’t.”

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Cochran Firm

Ben Irwin, Esq.

163 West Main Street

Dothan, Alabama 36301

1-800-THE-FIRM (1-800-843-3476)

http://www.cochrannation.com

Cochran Firm

Ben Irwin

800-843-3476

detroit@disabilitylawyerindetroit.com

Source: EmailWire.Com