Michigan
MI Home Help Program / MI Choice Waiver (Home Help)
Self-directed care programs in Michigan that let you choose your own personal assistant or pay a family member as your caregiver.
MI Home Help Program / MI Choice Waiver
Wait: VariesPA Hourly Rate
$13.73 - $17.13
per hour
Monthly Benefit
$800 - $3,000
estimated range
What You Can & Can't Do
What You Can Do
- Hire a family member (not spouse) as your paid provider
- Choose and manage your own home help provider
- Receive help with personal care, meals, laundry, and housekeeping
- Have multiple providers for schedule coverage
- Request reassessment if your needs increase
- Access MI Choice Waiver for higher-level care needs
What You Can't Do
- Hire your spouse as a paid Home Help provider
- Use Home Help for skilled nursing or medical procedures
- Exceed your authorized hours without reassessment
- Receive services while in a nursing facility
- Have your provider perform tasks outside your care plan
- Skip the required provider background check
How to Apply
Apply for Michigan Medicaid
Ensure Medicaid enrollment through MI Bridges or MDHHS at (844) 799-9876.
Request Home Help assessment
Contact your local MDHHS office to request a Home Help assessment.
Complete functional assessment
An Adult Services specialist visits your home to evaluate your care needs using the standard assessment tool.
Receive service authorization
Based on your assessment score, you receive authorization for a specific number of monthly hours.
Choose your provider
Select the person you want as your Home Help provider.
Provider completes enrollment
Your provider must complete enrollment, including a background check through MDHHS.
Begin services
Services begin once your provider is enrolled and your authorization is active.
PA Documents & Requirements
What your personal assistant needs to get started in Michigan
Government-issued photo ID
Valid identification
Social Security card
For payroll processing
W-4 tax withholding form
Tax withholding elections
I-9 Employment Eligibility
Work authorization
Michigan ICHAT background check
Internet Criminal History Access Tool check
Fingerprint-based background check
Required for providers working with vulnerable adults
Direct deposit form
Banking information for payment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Home Help Program in Michigan?
The Home Help Program provides in-home services to eligible Medicaid recipients who need help with personal care and independent living activities. You can choose your own provider, including family members.
Can a family member be my Home Help provider?
Yes. Family members can be paid Home Help providers. However, spouses are not eligible to serve as paid providers.
How are my Home Help hours determined?
An Adult Services specialist from MDHHS assesses your functional needs and assigns a point-based score. Your authorized hours are calculated from this score.
What's the pay rate?
Provider rates range from $13.73 to $17.13 per hour depending on the region and level of care.
What is MI Choice Waiver?
MI Choice is a Medicaid waiver for people who need a higher level of care (nursing facility level). It offers more comprehensive services than Home Help, including a self-directed option.
Can I have multiple providers?
Yes. You can have more than one Home Help provider. Each must be separately enrolled and pass a background check.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you if you qualify for Michigan's Home Help program.