I sent a SER application into state to stop eviction

(Request from Roy in Clinton Township, Macomb County, Michigan) I sent a SER application into state to help me with $1500 to stop the eviction. I am now 2 days away from the 10 days. I have my sister who is a single mom with a 6 year old that lives with me. I need help I work full time but I can’t gather the $1500 by Thursday june 19 2014. Someone please help me or we’ll be homeless.

Dear Roy,

I see that you are referring to the State Emergency Relief (SER) Program. It does normally take about 10 days to process each request, and that could depend largely on increases in demand from other tenants or weekends/holidays. If your landlord is threatening eviction, then you may want to inform them that you anticipate supplemental rental assistance grant money to be sent by the state through this program.

For those not familiar with the SER Program, it is a statewide process for matching eligible applicants with public benefits that are funded by Michigan state taxpayers. It is a one stop shop for multiple types of benefits, including emergency cash assistance for rent and utilities, emergency services, childcare, healthcare, and food stamps (SNAP).

The primary portal for the SER Program is the Michigan Bridges website. This is where you can submit your new application for benefits. You may notice that once an application has been submitted, there is a section where you may view your case.

Since you advised that you applied for benefits 8 days ago, then you should be able to get an update on your case by returning to the website and checking on your application for benefits. Just look for the section entitled “View My Case” to the side of the other options.

Your benefits (if approved) would be initiated by a Specialist with the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS). Your DHS Specialist may be in touch to request clarification on information that you submitted with your application. They will also want to review any income documents (paystubs, w2, etc.) that show what your household income is. It is a good idea to gather these items now so that there is no delay once the Specialist calls you.

Calls to check on your application are generally discouraged, but there is probably little harm in doing so if there is no response by day 11. You can call your local DHS office at 586-412-6100 or 586-469-7700 to check if any additional information is needed. It can help to provide any identifying information that you have from your application to help with the match.

While you are waiting on a response from the State Emergency Relief Program, you may wish to review any additional aid programs through Macomb County. That way you can take advantage of charitable rental assistance programs in addition to government aid.