Written by a parent, not a doctor. Nothing here is medical advice.

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Get ready to apply

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Children's Special Needs Fund

What you get

Special equipment or other needs that are not covered elsewhere. The amount is not published. Ask. Ask whether requests are open.

Who starts it
You, with a letter from your doctor
How it’s sent
PDF form, sent the way they ask
Your time
About 15 minutes, plus waiting for the letter
Last checked
Aug 27, 2026

Before you start, check you fit

  • Your child is 21 or under.
  • If your child is not enrolled in CSHCS, include the financial assessment form.
  • A decision usually takes four to six weeks.

  1. Ask your doctor for the letterStart here. This is the part that takes the longest.

    Michigan Department of Health and Human Services needs a letter from your doctor. It has to cover 3 things. Copy this message, or say it in person at the next visit.

    Hi [doctor’s name],

We’d like to apply to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’s Children's Special Needs Fund. Special equipment or other needs that are not covered elsewhere. We are checking whether they are taking requests.

They need a letter from you. It has to cover requested item, medical or functional necessity, and expected health or mobility benefit. Their form and instructions are here: https://www.michigan.gov/csnfund/about

Could you write that when you have a chance? I’ll bring the printed form to our next visit, or I can email it. Thank you for everything you do for us.

[your name] · [phone]
    Copying is the only thing this page does with your text. Nothing is saved.

  2. Fill in their formPrint it, or fill it in on screen if the PDF allows.

    Open the application PDF ↗ Checked Aug 27, 2026

    What the form asks for

    Family explanation of need
    Requested equipment or itemExplain the need and reason for the request

    Have ready

    • Completed CSN Fund Application (DCH-1239).
    • Financial Assessment Form DCH-1273, only when the child is not enrolled in CSHCS.
    • Completed DCH-2423 documenting contact with at least two other assistance sources.
    • Bids or quotes for the requested item; three quotes may be required.

  3. Send it the way they ask

    • Use the current January 2026 official packet and include every required and applicable attachment.
    • Add all required signatures only on the official forms after review; do not place signatures or protected identifiers in the public drafting workspace.
    • Submit through the current destination printed in the packet or with help from the local CSHCS office.

After you send

Allow 4-6 weeks for a decision and respond if the fund requests additional information. If you have not heard back by then, write and ask.

Full record, as published