PUBLIC BENEFIT PROGRAMS

last update: 8/21/07


CLINTON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
201 W Railroad
St. Johns, MI 48879
Ph: (989) 224-5500
After Hours: (989) 224-7684
Medicaid Benefiary Helpline: 1-800-642-3195

Fax: (989) 224-6415

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Services: Handles applications and assistance in Medicaid, food stamps, emergency assistance, adult services (Adult Foster Care Homes, protective services, home services, etc.). Volunteers and workers may be available for filling out applications for the homebound seniors. Adult protective services available to adult persons suffering from neglect, abuse and exploitation.

Eligibility: Depends on the program. Must be a Clinton County resident.


EATON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
1050 Independence Blvd.
Charlotte, MI 48813
Ph: (517) 543-0860
After hours: (517) 543-0863
Medicaid Benefiary Helpline: 1-800-642-3195

Fax: (517) 543-2125

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Services: Handles applications and assistance in Medicaid, food stamps, emergency assistance, adult service (Adult Foster Care Homes, housing, protective services, home services, etc.). Volunteers may be available for filling out applications for homebound seniors. Adult protective services are available to persons suffering from abuse, neglect or exploitation. Uses the least restrictive procedures to provide theses services including social and legal intervention.

Eligibility: Income and asset guidelines. Age 65 or disabled. Must be a resident of Eaton County.


INGHAM COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
5303 S. Cedar, Building 4
Lansing, MI 48910
Ph.: (517) 887-9400
Adult Protective Services: (517) 887-9651
Medicaid Benefiary Helpline: 1-800-642-3195

Fax: (517) 887-9405

Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call in hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Services: Offers a variety of services for low income individuals. Handles applications and assistance for Medicaid, food stamps, State Emergency Relief (SER), Family Independence Program (FIP) State Disability Assistance (SDA) Employment Support services, Child Day Care and welfare services and adult services (home help services, protective services, Adult Foster Care, etc.). Volunteers may be available for filling out applications for homebound seniors. Adult Protective Services also handles calls (can be anonymous) regarding abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults. The agency investigates these situations and take necessary action if needed, utilizing the least restrictive procedures to provide these services including social and legal intervention.

Eligibility: Depends on the program. Must be Ingham County resident.


INGHAM COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN'S AFFAIRS
5303 S. Cedar - Bldg 2-2nd floor
Lansing, MI 48911
Ph: (517) 887-4331
Fax: (517) 393-3450

Hours: 8:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and1:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; Friday 8:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Services: Assists eligible veterans and survivors to apply for Federal, State, and County benefits such as veteran's pension, widow's pension, burial benefits, arrangement for payment by the VA on emergency admissions to local hospitals, and financial assistance in cases of emergency. A van is available for transportation and prescription refill pick-ups to the Ann Arbor VA hospitals. Van runs are Monday through Thursday only, reservations suggested.

Eligibility: Contact office for eligibility and an appointment.

Cost: No charge.


MICHIGAN LIFELINE
Universal Service Assistance
P.O. Box 4600
Waterloo, IA 50704-9717
Ph: (800) 621-8650

Services: Ameritech offers two telephone service lifeline plans to make basic phone service more affordable for qualified customers. Save up to $144 per year and receive a discount on new phone installations or transfers.

Eligibility: Household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.

Cost: None to apply.


MICHIGAN VETERANS TRUST FUND
5303 S. Cedar, Bldg 2-2nd floor
Lansing, MI 48911
Ph: (517) 373-3130 or 887-4331
Fax: (517) 393-3450

Hours: 8:00 a.m.-11:45 and 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; Friday 8:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Services: "NEED" is a program that provides financial assistance to wartime veterans & dependents who are in need or on an emergency basis. This assistance is not designed to relieve an individual of obligations that he/she could and should meet through their own efforts. Call for more information and an appointment.

Ingham County Committee - Authorized Agent Pamela Frame - (517) 887-4331
5303 S. Cedar Street, Lansing, MI 48911 .
8:00 - 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday


Clinton County Committee
- (Applications taken by Ingham County)- Randy Marwede

Eaton County Committee - Authorized Agent Gary Goff - (517) 543-5616
Court House, Charlotte, MI 48813
11 :00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday


MEDICARE
1-800- Medicare (633-4227)

Part A: 1-866-804-0686
Part B: 1-800-482-4045

Part A (hospital) & Part B (medical)

Federal medical coverage for persons 65 years and older and for those with permanent disabilities.


RAILROAD MEDICARE
1-800-833-4455


Services: Restricted to Railroad Retirees only. Please have your beneficiary number ready.


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
District Office
5210 Perry Robinson Circle (formerly Skoog Ct.)
Lansing, MI 48910
Ph: (517) 393-3876
1-800-772-1213

Web site: www.ssa.gov

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday - Friday. Best time to visit - anytime after 1st week of the month on days other than Mondays. Toll free number 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Best times to telephone: after 9:00 a.m. mornings or later in afternoons.

Services: Provides information and assistance in making application for Social Security Retirement, Survivors and Disability benefits, Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Pamphlets and films on Social Security, Medicare and SSI are available. Persons may also apply for food stamps at the office. Speakers are available to talk to groups to explain the various Social Security benefits, how to apply, who is eligible, etc. Call for more information.


VERIZON LIFELINE

Ph: 1-800-483-4000

Fax: 1- 866-869-4500

Hours:  7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Services:  Telephone discount for individuals with low incomes can have phone installed at a lower cost &/or receive $10.20 off basic phone service. Discount will be effective within 30 days after eligibility is determined.