What the Michigan DHS Car Voucher Program covers

Michigan's Department of Human Services (DHS) car voucher program provides financial support toward vehicle purchase or repair for people receiving certain state benefits. The program is not a direct cash payment — instead, DHS works with approved vendors (repair shops, dealerships, and mechanics) who accept vouchers as payment. You cannot use a voucher at any shop; it must be one on the DHS approved vendor list for your county.

The voucher covers either a vehicle repair that keeps your current car running or, in some cases, a down payment or full purchase price toward a used vehicle. The maximum voucher amount varies by county and by the type of information you receive. DHS prioritizes repairs over vehicle purchases, so you will need to show that repair is not a viable option before the program considers a purchase voucher.

may be able to access is tied to your DHS case status. You must be receiving Family Independence Program (FIP) benefits, State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), or certain other state information programs. straightforward having low income is not enough — you must be an active case holder with DHS.

Key Takeaways

  • The car voucher program only works with DHS-approved vendors in your county, so you cannot choose any repair shop or dealership.
  • You must be receiving active DHS benefits (FIP, EITC, or similar programs) to be considered; low income alone does not make you may be able to access.
  • The program prioritizes repairs over vehicle purchases, and you will need documentation showing why repair is not possible before requesting a purchase voucher.
  • Maximum voucher amounts and available funds vary by county and change throughout the year as budgets are spent down.
  • Your DHS caseworker is the starting point — they determine whether you meet the program rules and submit the voucher request on your behalf.

How to request a car voucher through your DHS caseworker

Contact your DHS caseworker directly to ask about the car voucher program. Your caseworker is assigned to your case file and handles all requests related to your benefits. You can reach them through your local DHS office or through the Michigan DHS online portal (mibridges.michigan.gov). Tell them you need a vehicle repair or purchase voucher and explain why the vehicle is necessary for work, medical appointments, or other essential activities.

Your caseworker will ask you to provide documentation of the repair estimate or the vehicle you want to purchase. For repairs, bring a written estimate from a DHS-approved vendor showing the cost and what work is needed. For a vehicle purchase, you will need the vehicle details (year, make, model, mileage) and the asking price. Your caseworker will then check whether funds are available in your county's budget and whether the amount you need falls within the program limits.

If your caseworker approves the request, they will issue the voucher directly to the vendor. You do not receive cash or a check. The vendor submits the voucher to DHS for payment, and you pay any amount that exceeds the voucher value out of pocket. Processing time from approval to voucher issuance typically takes one to three weeks, depending on your county's workload.

Finding an approved vendor in your county

DHS maintains a list of approved vendors — repair shops, used car dealerships, and mechanics — in each county. Your caseworker can provide you with this list, or you can ask for it when you call your local DHS office. The list changes periodically as vendors join or leave the program, so always confirm with DHS that a shop is currently approved before you get a repair estimate or agree to buy from a dealership.

Approved vendors understand the voucher process and know how to submit the paperwork to DHS for payment. If you go to a shop that is not on the approved list, DHS will not issue a voucher for that work, even if your caseworker has approved your request. This is one of the most common reasons voucher requests fall through — the shop you want to use is not participating in the program.

If there are no approved vendors near you or none offer the service you need, ask your caseworker whether an exception can be made. Some counties allow exceptions for specialized repairs (transmission work, for example) if no approved vendor can do the job. Exceptions are not automatic and require your caseworker to document the reason and get supervisor approval.

Repair vouchers versus purchase vouchers

The program strongly prefers to fund repairs because it costs less and keeps your existing vehicle on the road. A repair voucher typically covers the full cost of the repair up to the county limit (amounts vary, but commonly range from $500 to $1,500). You will need a written estimate from an approved vendor showing the repair cost and what is being fixed.

A purchase voucher is harder to obtain. DHS will only consider a vehicle purchase if the car cannot be repaired cost-effectively — usually meaning the repair estimate exceeds 60 to 70 percent of the vehicle's value, or the vehicle has multiple major problems. You will need to provide repair estimates showing why the car is not worth fixing. Purchase vouchers are typically smaller than repair budgets and may only cover a down payment rather than the full purchase price. Some counties do not offer purchase vouchers at all.

If you are approved for a purchase voucher, you can only buy from an approved dealership on the DHS vendor list. The voucher amount is applied to the purchase price, and you are responsible for any remaining balance, taxes, title, and registration fees.

What happens if your county has run out of funds

Each county receives a fixed budget for car vouchers each fiscal year. Once that money is spent, no new vouchers are issued until the next budget cycle. Your caseworker can tell you whether funds are currently available in your county. If the budget is exhausted, ask when the next funding period begins — this is usually at the start of the state fiscal year (October 1) or the calendar year, depending on your county's schedule.

If you need a repair urgently and your county has no funds, ask your caseworker about alternative programs. Some counties have emergency vehicle repair funds through Community Action Agencies or local nonprofits. Your caseworker may also be able to refer you to low-interest vehicle loans or other resources, though these are separate from the DHS voucher program.

What you pay out of pocket

If the repair or vehicle costs more than the voucher amount, you pay the difference. For example, if your repair estimate is $1,200 and your county's voucher limit is $1,000, you owe $200 plus any taxes or fees. For vehicle purchases, you are responsible for sales tax, title transfer, registration, and any amount above the voucher value.

The voucher is not a loan — you do not repay DHS. It is a one-time benefit applied to a specific repair or purchase. If you need another voucher in the future, you must request it through your caseworker and meet the program rules again at that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a car voucher if I am not currently working?

You must be receiving DHS benefits to be considered, but you do not have to be employed. However, you will need to show that the vehicle is necessary for activities like job training, medical care, or other essential purposes. Your caseworker will ask why you need the vehicle and may require documentation of that need.

What if the repair shop I want to use is not on the approved vendor list?

DHS will not issue a voucher for a shop that is not approved. You can ask your caseworker to check whether an exception is possible, but this is uncommon and requires documented justification. Your best option is to choose from the approved vendors in your county or ask DHS to recommend a shop that does the work you need.

How long does it take to get a voucher after my caseworker approves it?

Processing typically takes one to three weeks from approval to voucher issuance, depending on your county's workload and whether all required paperwork is complete. Ask your caseworker for a timeline specific to your county. Once the voucher is issued, the vendor can begin work when ready.

Can I get a voucher for a vehicle I already own but have not paid off?

Yes, you can get a repair voucher for a vehicle with an outstanding loan. For a purchase voucher, the rules vary by county. Some counties allow vouchers only for vehicles you will own outright; others may allow a voucher toward a purchase even if you are financing the rest. Ask your caseworker about your county's policy.

What if I disagree with my caseworker's decision to deny a voucher?

You have the right to request a hearing through Michigan's Administrative Hearing System (AHS). Your caseworker or DHS office can explain how to file a hearing request. You will need to show that you meet the program rules and that the denial was incorrect. Bring documentation of your need for the vehicle and any repair estimates or vehicle information you have.