What to Expect After Submitting Your Michigan Home Help Application

Oct 12

Once you apply for the Michigan Home Help Program, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) begins reviewing your information to confirm eligibility. Many applicants are unsure what happens next or how long it takes to receive a decision.

Understanding the review process helps you stay organized and avoid delays.

Care Plan Inc. helps Michigan caregivers navigate this process. Once hours are approved, we pay caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly for the care they provide.

Step 1: Application Review

After you submit your application, MDHHS reviews it for completeness. They check that your form is signed, your Medicaid coverage is active, and your personal details are correct.

If anything is missing, MDHHS will send a notice requesting the missing documents. Responding quickly helps keep your application moving.

Common items that may need follow-up include proof of Medicaid, identification, or the DHS-54A Medical Needs Form from your doctor.

Learn more about that form in How to Update or Replace Your DHS-54A Medical Needs Form

Step 2: Medicaid Verification

MDHHS must confirm that you have active Medicaid coverage before approving Home Help services. If your Medicaid application is still being processed, your Home Help application will remain on hold until coverage is active.

To prevent delays, make sure your Medicaid renewal or new application is complete. If you are not yet enrolled, contact your local MDHHS office or apply through MI Bridges online.

Learn how to maintain coverage in How to Maintain Medicaid Eligibility for the Michigan Home Help Program

Step 3: Assignment to an Adult Services Worker

Once Medicaid is confirmed, your case is assigned to an Adult Services Worker, often called an ASW. This person will contact you to schedule a home visit.

The ASW visit allows MDHHS to confirm your medical needs, daily living activities, and care environment. It also helps determine how many hours of assistance may be approved.

Step 4: The Home Visit

During the visit, the ASW will review your medical documentation, ask questions about your daily routines, and observe how you move through your home.

They use this information to recommend how many hours of care are needed each month. The visit usually lasts about an hour and may include both the care recipient and the caregiver.

For example, if you need help with bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, those tasks are reviewed to determine the level of support required.

Step 5: Determination and Approval

After the visit, the ASW submits their report to MDHHS. The department reviews your case and issues a written decision.

If approved, you will receive an official letter that lists the number of hours granted and the start date for services. This letter confirms that you are active in the Home Help Program.

If something is missing, MDHHS may request additional information before finalizing the decision.

Learn how to interpret your letter in How to Read and Understand Your Michigan Home Help Approval Letter

Step 6: Enrollment and Payment Setup

Once MDHHS approves hours, your caregiver must complete enrollment through Care Plan Inc. so payments can begin. Our agency helps with paperwork, timesheets, and weekly processing.

Caregivers are paid $17 or more per hour weekly for hours approved by MDHHS.

If you do not have a caregiver yet, you can select a qualified family member or friend to fill that role. Care Plan Inc. will assist with enrollment and training materials.

Learn more in Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Michigan

How Long the Process Takes

Processing times vary by county and how quickly documents are submitted. In most cases, applicants receive a decision within several weeks after all paperwork and the home visit are complete.

Delays are most common when forms are missing or Medicaid coverage is still pending. Staying in touch with your ASW and responding to notices quickly helps reduce waiting time.

What to Do if You Receive a Denial

If your application is denied, the letter from MDHHS will explain why. The most common reasons are incomplete medical forms or inactive Medicaid coverage.

You can fix these issues and reapply, or you can file an appeal if you believe your case was reviewed incorrectly.

Learn how in Appeal a Denial for the Home Help Program

How Care Plan Inc. Supports Families

Care Plan Inc. is not part of MDHHS and does not decide who qualifies or how many hours are approved. Our agency helps Michigan caregivers understand the process, complete enrollment, and stay compliant with program rules.

We pay caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly for hours approved by MDHHS. Our team guides families through each step to make sure care starts smoothly and payments are processed on time.

Read Understanding the Home Help Program and How Michigan’s Home Help Program Supports Independent Living

Care Plan Inc. helps caregivers across Michigan apply, stay organized, and receive weekly pay for approved Home Help hours.

Check your eligibility or enter your information through the Contact form for inquiries.

Amal Ali