"Connecting the pieces for your education"

  Michigan Commission For The Blind
The Michigan Commission for the Blind is a state agency responsible for rehabilitating legally blind individuals within the state. Agency counselors are available to determine a feasible employment goal and setup an individualized plan to reach that goal. To be eligible, individuals must have a disabling condition that is a barrier to employment, and have the potential of becoming employed. Contact your local office for more information or call 1-800-292-4200. (http://www.michigan.gov/cis/0,1607,7-154-28077_28313---,00.html)

  Michigan Rehabilitation Services
Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) is a part of the Department of Career Development. The Agency is responsible for the vocational rehabilitation of Michigan citizens who are physically or mentally impaired. The exception is legally blind individuals who are served instead by the Michigan Commission for the Blind. MRS counselors are available in 35 offices throughout the state. They work with eligible individuals to help them determine an appropriate employment goal and to develop an individualized plan to reach their goal. They also arrange, provide, or purchase the services necessary to accomplish the plan.

To be eligible, individuals must have a physical or mental impairment that is a substantial impediment to employment, and require Agency services to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain employment. Individuals who meet these criteria are presumed to be employable unless there is clear and convincing evidence that they are not.

The services available through the Agency include_oncepersonal and vocational guidance and counseling, a broad range of physical and mental restorative services, all types and levels of vocational and college training, job placement assistance, follow up services to ensure successful employment and a variety of support services. Accommodation services and assistance with transportation costs are provided when needed.

Contact your local MRS office for more information. Offices are usually listed in your local telephone directory under the Department of Career Development. If you need assistance in locating the office serving your community, call 1-800-605-6722 (VOICE), or 1-888-605-6722 (TTY). (http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd/0,1607,7-122-25392-71588--,00.html)

  Social Security Administration
Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal agency that administers two disability benefit programs that may be relevant to students:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Under both programs, people unable to work because of a disability may be eligible for monthly benefit checks.

SSA defines disability as the inability to perform substantial work due to a medically determinable impairment that will last for at least 12 months or is a terminal condition.

To receive SSDI you must have worked and paid FICA taxes from your wages for a period of time before you became disabled. For young people, as little as six months of work credit is required. Older workers may need as much as ten years of work credit to qualify for SSDI.

Eligibility for SSI is based on need rather than having earned work credit. A need is measured by how much other income and financial resources you have. In general, you must have less than $2,000 in liquid assets and monthly income of less than $572 to qualify. These are general limits, however, and may not apply to your situation. The other requirement is that you be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

A plan for achieving self-support (PASS) is a plan for a person's future. Many people with disabilities want to work, but may need to go back to school before then can get jobs. Some people would like to have their own businesses, but need money to get started. Whatever a person's work goals may be, a PASS can help him/her reach them.

A person can have a PASS if he/she wants to work; receives SSI because of a disability or blindness; and has income and/or resources to use for a work goal. Under SSI rules, any income a person has may reduce a person's SSI benefit. But, if a person has an approved PASS, he/she can use that income to pay for the items needed to reach work goals. SSA does not count money set aside under a PASS when the SSI benefit amount is determined. This means a person may get a higher SSI benefit to pay living expenses.

In addition, a person's resources cannot be worth more than $2,000. However, if a person has an approved PASS, the resources can be used to pay for the items or services needed to reach work goals. Resources set aside for a PASS don't count against the $2,000 limit. This could help a person qualify for SSI.

The job a person seeks should allow him/her to earn enough to reduce or eliminate the need for benefits provided under both the Social Security and SSI programs. A PASS is meant to help a person get those items, services or skills needed to reach a work goal.

An individual should contact his/her local Social Security office to find out whether a PASS could help him/her get the job he/she wants.

The Ticket to Work Program has started in the State of Michigan. 285,457 tickets will be released to Michigan residents who are between the ages of 18 and 64 and are currently receiving Social Security benefits. This program will afford individuals the opportunity to receive job training and job-seeking assistance. Some helpful websites are www.ssa.gov/work; www.michigan.gov/mdcd/0,1607,7-122-1681_21457---,00.html; and www.yourtickettowork.com.

For additional information about these programs, visit any SSA office, telephone toll-free 1-800-772-1213 any business day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or visit their Web site at www.ssa.gov.

  Education Bureau (MHEAA/MHESLA)
The Michigan Higher Education Assistance Authority (MHEAA) and the Michigan Higher Education Student Loan Authority (MHESLA) are state agencies that offer assistance to help students pursue their educational goals. For general information about these programs, access our Web site at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid, or call 1-877-FA-FACTS (323-2287). You may also receive information from specific programs by calling the numbers listed elsewhere in this section.

The Michigan Guaranty Agency (MGA) is a component of the MHEAA.  MGA is the federally designated guarantor for the State of Michigan, guaranteeing its first loan in October 1962. To date, MGA has guaranteed more than $7.4 billion in loans through more than 300 lenders for students in almost every school in Michigan, as well as hundreds of out-of-state and foreign schools. As one of the oldest guarantors in the country, MGA offers workshops, specialized training, brochures, and other resources for schools and lenders. For more information contact MGA Customer Services at 1-800-MGA-LOAN (1-800-642-5626), extension 77009 or visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid.

MHESLA and its banking partners offer students and parents access to the following federal student loan programs: Federal Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), Federal PLUS Loans and Federal Consolidation Loans. Students and parents must meet federal requirements to obtain these loans, which may be used to assist with college costs such as tuition, room and board, books and supplies. To receive more information, contact MHESLA at 1-888-MHESLA-1 (1-888-643-7521) or visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid.

The Michigan Alternative Student Loan (MI-LOAN) Program is intended to provide students and their families an alternate source of loan funds to assist in meeting the cost of postsecondary education at Michigan degree-granting colleges and universities. The MI-LOAN Program consists of two programs: the Creditworthy Loan Program and the Credit Ready Loan Program. Both of these programs allow the applicant to be either the student or their parent. To receive more information or an application kit, contact the MI-LOAN Program toll free at 1-888-MHESLA-1 (1-888-643-7521) or visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid.

The Michigan Competitive Scholarship Program provides scholarship assistance based on need to qualified students for attendance at eligible Michigan public or private colleges and universities. Students must take the national ACT test and receive a qualifying score before starting college. High school students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid prior to February 21. For more information visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid

The Michigan Tuition Grant Program provides tuition grant assistance to students attending Michigan private, non-profit colleges and universities. Awards are based upon individual need. High school students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid prior to February 21. For more information visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid

The Robert C. Byrd Scholarship is a federally funded program that recognizes academic achievement. Students are nominated by their high school principal or guidance director. Recipients may use the scholarship to attend any college in the United States. Although applications are not available to students, you may receive more information regarding the Robert C. Byrd Scholarship from your high school guidance director. For more information visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid

The Michigan Education Trust (MET) Program allows families and others to pre-purchase undergraduate tuition. MET offers three prepaid tuition contracts: a full benefits plan, a limited benefits plan and a community college plan. Contract prices are based on the current weighted average tuition at Michigan public colleges and universities. When students reach college age, MET provides tuition and mandatory fees at any Michigan public college or university regardless of the cost. Refund amounts may be directed to Michigan private or out-of-state colleges. MET also offers tax incentives and purchase options. For more information call 1-800-MET-4-KID or visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/treasury and click on Education.

The Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) provides families with a flexible way to save for tuition, fees, room, board, and books for a child's higher education. MESP offers three investment options: managed allocation, guaranteed option and 100% equity option. When students reach college age, savings and earnings may be used at any qualified higher education institution both in the United States and abroad. MESP also offers tax incentives, and a matching grant for eligible beneficiaries. For more information call 1-877-861-MESP or visit the Web site at www.misaves.com.

The Office of Michigan Merit Award and Campus-Based Programs administers seven programs including the: Michigan Merit Award, Michigan Nursing Scholarship Program, Adult Part-Time Grant, Michigan Education Opportunity Grant, Michigan Work-Study Undergraduate and Michigan Work-Study Graduate Program. The office offers outreach services providing information and training services for families, school counselors and college administrators about student financial aid programs. This service is free and students and parents can call 1-877-FA-FACTS (1-877-323-2287) toll-free to get the facts about the many programs available.

The MI-SEARCH scholarship search service is offered free on line at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid. This service allows students to search for scholarships that may be available to them. Students can get the free "Guide to Searching for Scholarships" by calling the toll-free number above. This guide features:

• Scholarship research strategies
• Sample letters
• Helpful advice
• Basic financial aid terms

  Tuition Incentive Program
The Tuition Incentive Program (TIP), is primarily a high school completion program. The mission is to reduce the State's high school dropout rate, especially among low-income youth, by offering to pay college tuition as an incentive to graduate from high school.

The program offers assistance in two phases.

Phase I

TIP encourages high school completion by helping to pay college tuition and mandatory fees (does not include_oncecollege admission fees) for eligible students for up to 80 semester or 120 term credits leading to an associate degree or certificate.

To be eligible, students must:

• Have (or have had) Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36 consecutive month period as identified by the Family Independence Agency. Medicaid eligibility may be established as early as the sixth grade.
• Eligibility must be established before graduating from high school, or receiving a GED certificate and prior to the student's 20th birthday.

Phase II

TIP will also provide up to $2,000 in tuition benefits (does not include_oncecollege admissions fees) to qualified students continuing their education beyond the associate degree or certificate program level. Students must attend a Michigan four-year college or university and must have an associate degree, or certificate, or must have 56 transferable semester or 84 transferable term credits.

Coursework for Phase II must be completed within 30 months of completion of Phase I requirements.

To see if you your school is a TIP participant, contact OIR at 1-877-FA-FACTS (1-877-323-2287), or visit our Web site at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid

  Youth In Transition
Youth in Transition (YIT) is a funding source available to provide independent living services to youth who are or have been in foster care in Michigan on or after their 14th birthday until they reach the age of 21. Independent living services are designed to assist youth in the development of skills needed to lead independent adult lives once they are living on their own. Services that can be provided from this funding source include_oncelife skills training, mentor services, youth focus groups, employment and educational supports, and transitional living services.

YIT is administered by the Michigan Family Independence Agency, Bureau of Child and Family Services, with services provided through local FIA offices. If you have questions about the YIT program, please CALL (517) 241-8904 or WRITE:

  Michigan Family Independence Agency
The Michigan Family Independence Agency (FIA) is a state agency that administers several programs that provide assistance with basic living expenses such as shelter, food, dependent care and medical needs. These programs include: Family Independence Program (FIP), State Disability Assistance (SDA), Food Stamps (FS), Medicaid (MA), Child Development and Care (CDC).

You can obtain an application for these programs by mail, telephone, or in person from the FIA office in your county. You will have to show proof of income, assets, and many other factors. Contact your county FIA office for more information. (http://www.michigan.gov/fia)

  Michigan Works!
The Michigan Works! Service Centers offer one-stop access to a wide range of career development services. Individuals can easily access the state's major workforce development and career development programs and services, such as job training, job listings and information about education and opportunities such as internships and apprenticeships. For more information, contact the nearest Michigan Works! Service Center. Call 1-800-285-WORKS (9675), or visit their Web site at www.michworks.org.

  Inter-Tribal Council Of Michigan, Inc.
A consortium of ten federally recognized tribes in the State of Michigan, the Inter-Tribal Council acts as a forum for member tribes and advocates for member tribes in the development of programs and policies which will improve the economy, education and quality of life for Michigan Native Americans. The member tribes are: Bay Mills, Hannahville, Keweenaw Bay, Saginaw/Chippewa, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, LacVieux Desert, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. The Inter-Tribal Council provides a wide range of services.

If you are Native American but need assistance tracing your ancestry for Michigan tribes, you can call the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Michigan Agency, at (906) 632-6809.

For college tuition waver and additional information on Native American programs, contact Native American Community Services at (616) 458-4078, or e-mail rechisd@triton.net.

  Michigan Veterans Trust Fund
The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF) offers assistance for any child between the ages of 16-25, who has been a resident of the state for the preceding 12 months, and who is the legal child of a Michigan veteran who was killed, died as a result of service-connected disabilities, or is rated 100% disabled because of injuries sustained while in the Armed Forces of the United States. Such a student, upon admission to a Michigan institution of higher education, may be eligible for tuition waiver up to $2,800 annually for undergraduate study. The student must:

• Attend school full time.
• Maintain a cumulative grade of 2.25 or better.

Requests for applications should be directed to Mary Kay Bitten at the MVTF central office at 517-335-1629. Processing time for applications ranges between one week and one month, depending upon the availability of required documents.

For additional information on other services available, contact the MVTF central office at 517-373-3130.

  Internal Revenue Service
Hope Scholarship (HOPE) is a tax credit available to eligible individuals for tuition and fee expenses incurred during the first two years of post secondary education. A HOPE tax credit only applies to tuition and fees not covered by other tuition and fee scholarships or grants.

A Hope tax credit is available to eligible students and covers 100 percent of the first $1000 in tuition and fees and 50 percent of the second $1000. This means that at least $2000 of eligible expenses will be needed to claim the full $1500 tax credit. A Hope tax credit may be claimed for each person in a family that qualifies. The credit is non- refundable and may be taken by the student, or if appropriate, the taxpayer who claims the student as a dependent.

To be eligible, students must:

• Be enrolled at an eligible institution in a degree, certificate or other program leading to a recognized education credential (e.g., associate degree certificate.)
• Be enrolled at least half-time for at least one academic period that begins during the tax year.
• Be in the first two years of postsecondary education.

Some limits apply. See your local tax advisor for further information.

Lifelong Learning Tax Credit is an income percentage based tax credit available for tuition and fee expenses to both undergraduate and graduate students. Credit only applies to tuition and fees not covered by other tuition and fee scholarships or grants.

Life Learning Credit of up to $1000 a year is intended to help subsidize college studies after the first two years of Hope Scholarship. It is also intended to help workers return to school to upgrade their job skills or retrain for a new career.

To be eligible, students must:

• Be enrolled at an eligible institution in a degree, certificate or other program leading to a recognized education credential (e.g., associate degree certificate.)
• Be enrolled in at least one course for one academic period, which begins during the tax year.

Some limits apply. See your local tax advisor for further information.

Student Loan Interest deduction is now available on your Federal Tax 1040. For more information, see your local tax advisor.

MSFAA Mission Statement The mission of the Association is to enhance student financial aid awareness, to promote student access to postsecondary education and to provide professional development opportunities for its members. www.msfaa.org MSFAA Inter-Agency Mission Statement The mission of the Inter-Agency Committee for the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association is to coordinate services and funding information between client support agencies and postsecondary financial aid offices to ensure mutual understanding of assistance programs and their impact on students in pursuit of their educational goals. This brochure was developed by the Inter-Agency Committee of the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association (MSFAA). You may print, duplicate and distribute as many copies as needed. Michigan Student Financial Aid Association