Lansing (WWJ) -- Help is coming to low-income residents who were impacted by late June flooding.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Tuesday that those affected Individuals in Macomb and Oakland County can soon apply for federal Disaster Food Assistance Program benefits.
Eligible households will receive a one-time-only benefit to spend on food. A household of two will receive $430 while a household of four will receive $782.
"Michiganders in Macomb and Oakland counties were among those who saw their homes, property, and prized possessions damaged by historic flooding this year," Whitmer said. "In Michigan we look out for one another, and as governor, I want to ensure that every family can recover and thrive through difficult times.
To be eligible, applicants must:
• have lived in Macomb or Oakland counties on June 25, 2021.
• not have received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Food Assistance Program benefits in July 2021 in Michigan.
• meet income requirements for its family size based on the household's take-home income and accessible liquid resources during the disaster benefit period, minus unreimbursed disaster expenses. That translates to an income of approximately 150% of the federal poverty level.
• be directly affected by the flooding, which means the household has experienced at least one of the following due to the disaster: destroyed or spoiled food; disaster-related personal injury; lost access or no access to income, including reduced, terminated or delayed receipt of income, for a large part of the benefit period; the need for home or business repairs; temporary shelter expenses; or evacuation or relocation expenses.
In-person applications are being accepted by The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Oakland County locations HERE and Macomb County locations HERE beginning Wednesday:
In both counties' MDHHS locations, applications will be accepted Wednesday-Friday, Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m and Saturday, Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Residents can also apply at three Kensington Church locations:
· Macomb County
o Kensington Church, 25000 Hall Road, Clinton Township.
· Oakland County
o Kensington Church, 4640 S. Lapeer Road, Lake Orion.
o Kensington Church, 1825 E. Square Lake Road, Troy.
MDHHS will complete an in-person interviews with each applicant before the disaster food assistance can be approved.
Applicants must provide verification of their identity and are encouraged to bring proof of residence, income, and liquid assets such as the amount of money in their bank accounts during the disaster period, if possible. Proof of citizenship is not required.
Face masks will be required at all sites. Applicants are asked to bring their own mask if possible, however, masks will be available if needed.
