Michigan Department of Human Services extends rent assistance and job training programs for those affected by lifetime limits on cash assistance and are actively seeking employment

Contact: Christina Fecher, media relations coordinator, 517-373-7394

The Michigan Department of Human Services announced today that it will extend rent assistance and job training programs for those recipients affected by the lifetime limits on cash assistance and who are actively seeking employment. The department is also initiating a new job navigator program, in conjunction with community partners, that will connect those seeking employment with trained volunteers who will assist participants in securing a job.

Recipients who are affected by the cash benefit limit on Oct. 1 will receive a final notice next week. DHS social workers have already begun calling each recipient to schedule an appointment to create a plan for independence and to connect them with the resources necessary to achieve that goal. Recipients will receive a minimum of three phone calls in an attempt to connect them with social workers. Social worker hours have been adjusted in order to reach recipients at optimal times. A resource fair in each county will be scheduled by mid-September for those recipients unreachable by phone.

During these meetings, social workers will help recipients determine if they are eligible for programs including food assistance, Medicaid, child care, temporary rental assistance and job placement initiatives.

"Together with our community partners, we will continue to refine a comprehensive strategy for each community and an individual plan for each family," says Maura D. Corrigan, director of DHS.

For more information on DHS, please visit www.michigan.gov/dhs. Follow DHS on Twitter @MichiganDHS.

###