You can go to any WIC office in Michgian to apply for benefits so if there is a long wait time in your county you can consider making an appointment in another county.
It is required that you take the child with you to your WIC appointment. They will take the child's weight and test for iron levels during the appointment.
If WIC personnel asks for income during the appointment, you can tell them the foster care daily rate that the child is receiving while in care. You do not need to disclose your family income to qualify for this benefit.
Early On
" Early On® Michigan offers early intervention services for infants and toddlers, birth to three years of age, with developmental delays and/or disabilities, and their families."
All foster children ages 0-3 must be screened for Early On services and be provided with needed supports. DHHS will make the referral and an Early On Coordinator will contact you to make an appointment.
Foster Parent Tip!
Early On can be the gateway to many important services for the children in your care. It's important to prepare for their visit by making a list of any concerns you may have.
Approved foster families that open their home to children under the age of 4 will receive between 10 to 15 diaper changes, per child, for up to 1 year. Time extensions are available as needed.
Foster Parent Tip!
Always send your foster child to their visits in disposable diapers even if you normally use cloth.
Day Care
Foster children automatically qualify for day care benefits regardless of family income. However, foster families may only claim this benefit while working for an employer or while attending school as an undergraduate (*graduate programs may not qualify).
You must indicate that the application is for foster children by selecting the appropriate relationship box on the application and we also recommend writing a statement in the notes section that says: “We automatically qualify because we are making the application for foster children and qualification is not based on our income.” Fill out as much information as you can on the application.
This program pays retroactively so get your application as soon as possible after you have a placement.
Once approved payments, including back payments will be made directly to your provider.
You will need to supply a copy of your driver's license along with pay-stubs or a signed letter from your employer on letterhead stating the hours you work and the duration of your employment (For example is it a permanent 12 months a year position or seasonal).
Upload the completed forms and documents to your online application or fax/email it directly to your worker.
Foster Parent Tips!
DHHS has 30 days to process the application and they usually take the full 30 days but once your application is complete you can call your local DHHS office to see if a worker has been assigned.
Choose your provider carefully. The out of pocket expense can vary drastically! Some daycares will ask you to pay for care out of pocket while you are waiting for this benefit to kick in but some daycares will cover you while you wait. Also, you might have to pay a portion of their fees out of pocket if the state’s rates do not cover all of the fees. Make sure to ask your provider about any costs you might incur.
DHHS will pay for sick days if you follow the daycare’s absentee procedure.
**IF YOU ARE DENIED DAYCARE YOU SHOULD FOLLOW THE ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING PROCESS, DETAILS ON HOW TO INITIATE THE HEARING PROCESS ARE LISTED ON YOUR REJECTION LETTER....DO NOT REAPPLY**
Don't Miss the Annual Renewal! DHHS redetermines your eligibility every year. That means you are going to have to submit a renewal application with requested information annually. Keep any eye out for the renewal documents and call your worker if you do not receive them. If you do not submit the documents your benefits could be interrupted. We know many families who have had this happen and it cost them hundreds of dollars in lost benefits so mark your calendar!
What if I have payment problems? We recommend going to the CDC supervisor first. You can call any MDHHS receptionist and ask for your daycare worker's supervisor's name and email. Always put it in writing! Still getting the run around? Contact us for additional assistance!
