Are there any grants for felons in Michigan? Felons in Michigan can get financial help and employment support through several government programs, and nonprofit initiatives.
Basic Needs Grants For Felons in Michigan 2025
Felons facing financial difficulty can get help through government programs for low-income individuals and families. Help is available for felons who need money to buy food, pay rent and utility bills, and afford medical care.
What Grants Help Felons Buy Food?
If you meet the income limits you’ll qualify for a monthly payment to spend on groceries. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Michigan could give you up to $292 per month as an individual. Higher amounts are awarded to families.
Find out how much you could get HERE.
Hardship Grants in Michigan
Felons with minor children can qualify for the Family Independence Program (FIP). The program is for low-income households; payments are based on your income, family size, and assets.
Click Here to learn more.
Can Felons Get Rent Assistance In Michigan?
Rent assistance is provided by your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). To receive rent assistance you’ll need to fill out an application and meet the income and asset limits for your household size.
All adult members of your household will have to pass a criminal background check, but having a felony won’t automatically disqualify you.
Most housing authorities have waiting lists for their rent assistance program, so it’s a good idea to apply as soon as you can.
Michigan Emergency Utility Bill Grants
If your heating or electricity is going to be shut off because you can’t pay your bill, you may qualify for a temporary heat and utility assistance payment. This payment for low-income households will cover the amount needed to ensure your service stays on for the next 30 days.
Learn more HERE.
For other Michigan state government utility programs check HERE.
You could also qualify for federally funded LIHEAP payments which help with winter heating costs and emergency bill payments. Contact your County Office for more information.
Find your County Office: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/county-offices
Michigan Lifeline Grants
Lifeline grants help you pay for phone and internet service. You’ll need to meet income limits to qualify or already be getting a benefit like Medicaid or SNAP.
Check with your provider to find out if they offer a Lifeline plan or apply through Life Wireless. Life Wireless gives eligible subscribers free unlimited calls and texts plus 4.5 GB of data each month.
Learn more HERE.
Second Chance Education Grants in Michigan for Felons
Felons can qualify for federal student aid programs. You can even get some federal grants to help you get a degree or trade certification if you’re still in prison.
Pell Grants: Pell grants are for low-income students. You can get up to $7,395 per year to help you pay for school. Awards are based on your income and your cost to attend school.
FSEOG: Students with exceptional financial need can qualify for a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. The maximum annual grant is $4,000.
Learn more HERE.
Michigan Reconnect Program: This state program pays for tuition-free community college education for residents aged 25 and over.
Learn more HERE.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): The WIOA funds job training and educational opportunities for marginalized groups— including felons.
Click Here to Learn more
Modest Needs Grants
Modest Needs offers targeted financial aid to households struggling with a short-term crisis. With direct payments to creditors or vendors, these grants prevent temporary challenges from spiraling into lasting financial issues.
What Small Business Grants Are There For Felons?
To find out about grants you can get to help you start a business, contact your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
As well as helping you apply for grants, your SBDC advisor provides support and expert advice to get your business venture off the ground.
What Is The Program For Felons In Michigan?
The Michigan Works felon program is called Offender Success. Run by the Michigan Department of Corrections, Offender Success is a reentry program helping recently paroled offenders make a successful transition back to civilian life.
Parolees get help with:
- Job placement and on-the-job training
- Residential stability
- Health and behavioral health
- Social support
Goodwill Industries Of Greater Detroit Job Training
Goodwill Industries runs a job-focused reentry program for felons. Through their Skilled Trades Academy, you can learn welding, construction, and other in-demand skills that will help you get a job.
What Other Support Is Available For Michigan Felons?
For help with utility bills, rent, food, clothing, and other basic needs and support, felons can use the programs offered by Michigan charities and community groups.
Some of the main charities providing support to felons in Michigan are:
- The Salvation Army
- Vincent de Paul Society
- Catholic Charities of Michigan
- United Way of Michigan
Call the free 2-1-1 helpline to find your nearest center.
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