Low-income Macomb County residents hurt by the late June flooding are eligible for one-time federal Disaster Food Assistance Program benefits.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced today that those affected by the floods but did not receive food-assistance help in July can now retroactively apply for those benefits in the coming days.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will accept in-person applications during specified hours on six days at locations in Macomb and Oakland counties beginning Wednesday.
Households determined to be eligible for disaster relief will receive a one-time-only benefit to spend on food that is $430 for a household of two and $782 for a household of four.
To be eligible, a household must have faced:
- Destroyed or spoiled food
- Disaster-related personal injury
- Lost or no access to income due to the disaster, 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
- Evacuation or relocation expenses
In July, President Joe Biden declared a federal disaster related to the Michigan flooding event in June, freeing up federal funds to assist with recovery and relief efforts.
Biden’s disaster declaration targeted several counties impacted by severe storms, subsequent flooding and tornadoes that occurred the last weekend in June.
In September Whitmer received approval from Biden for her request for a presidential disaster declaration related to the summer floods to be extended to Macomb and Oakland counties.
“Addressing food insecurity is always a priority for MDHHS,” said Elizabeth Hertel, the department’s director. “When times are tough – whether from a once-a-decade pandemic or historic flooding – it’s even more important for us to help our neighbors so they don’t have to worry about feeding their families.”
Under federal requirements, MDHHS will complete an in-person interview with each applicant before the disaster food assistance can be approved.
In both counties, applications will be accepted at MDHHS locations on: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, from 8 a.m.-noon; Monday, from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.; and Tuesday, from 8 a.m.-noon.
Residents can also apply at the Kensington Church, 25000 Hall Road, Clinton Township.
More details about disaster food assistance are available at Michigan.gov/FoodAssistance.
