LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced that recipients of the Family Independence Program (FIP) will see additional funds each month.
Earlier this month, Governor Whitmer signed the new State Budget for 2020 into law. The new budget contains a provision for $946,000 to support child support pass-through payments of up to $200 a month for qualifying households that receive assistance through FIP.
Officials say this investment will bring an estimated 2,700 families an additional $2.5 million in child support.
Before this provision was signed into law, MDHHS would keep child support payments that would be paid to parents who receive FIP. This collected money would be paid to the federal and state government to offset FIP expenses. However, federal law permits states to “pass through” up to $200 a month of child support to families with two or more children and up to $100 to families with one child.
“Providing greater opportunities for families to succeed is one of MDHHS’s top priorities,” said Erin Frisch, MDHHS chief deputy director for opportunity. “This change accomplishes that and is a win for families that receive child support and their communities. In addition to helping families, providing this additional financial support stimulates the economies of communities where parents live, as they will soon have more to spend on groceries, clothes, and other essentials of living.”
Families receiving FIP will receive the pass-through only if the parent who owes child support pays it. Additionally, if the paying parent pays less than $100, the family will only receive the amount he or she pays.
Pass-through child support payments will begin in January. Letters will be mailed to all affected FIP recipients notifying them of the change.
