Michigan Home Help CHAMPS enrollment: how a caregiver signs up, step by step

The short answerTo be a Home Help caregiver, you create a free MILogin account, open CHAMPS from it and fill in the online provider application. Finishing it starts a criminal history check. You then wait for a letter from the State approving or denying the application. Finish the application within 30 days of starting it.

If you are an adult child caring for a parent, the State's sign-up system can feel like one more job. This page walks through it. Some families still search for the old name, "chore provider". Today the program is Home Help, and you would enroll as an individual caregiver.

What MILogin and CHAMPS are

MILogin is the State of Michigan's online sign-in. CHAMPS is the Medicaid provider system, and the Home Help provider application is filled in there. You get to CHAMPS through your MILogin account.

Before you start

Home Help is a Medicaid benefit, and the person you care for has to be approved for it. If that has not happened, read who qualifies and how to apply first. Our guide on becoming the paid family caregiver covers the full list, including the interview and the agreement.

The State's guide for new individual providers asks you to have these ready:

• Your first and last name, Social Security number and date of birth.
• An email address. It must match the email on your MILogin account.
• Your home address. The State's guide uses your personal residence as the primary practice location.
• A phone number for each location, and office hours.

The steps

1. Create a MILogin account

You accept the terms, enter your email and verify it with a passcode, add a phone number, enter your name, and choose a User ID and password. Then you search for CHAMPS and request access as a "Provider/Other" user.

2. Open CHAMPS

Once your request is confirmed, open CHAMPS from your MILogin welcome page and accept its terms. The State's guide says to choose the "Atypical Access" profile.

3. Fill in the application

You enter your personal details and your addresses, then answer the enrollment checklist. Write down your Application ID when CHAMPS gives it to you. You need it to check on the application later. You can track it with the Application ID, your Social Security number, date of birth and home ZIP code.

4. Submit it

Accept the statement that the information is correct, read the terms and submit. If you do not see a confirmation message, the application was not submitted. Remember the 30 day limit.

5. Tell your Adult Services worker

The State's checklist says to tell your relative's Adult Services worker when you finish. The worker sets up an in-person meeting with you and your relative, and you must attend. The worker may schedule it before your application is complete.

6. Wait for the letter

Finishing the application starts the criminal history background check. The State then sends a letter approving or denying the application to the correspondence address you gave. If you get a denial letter, the checklist says to call Provider Support.

7. Use your provider ID and log your services

Your Provider ID shows at the top of CHAMPS after you log in. Once you are approved, you log your services in CHAMPS under Electronic Service Verification. Payment still depends on the State authorizing services for your relative, so do not start counting hours until your caseworker confirms.

Keep it current

Update any change to your contact information within 10 business days. Every provider must also revalidate their enrollment at least once every five years, or sooner if MDHHS asks. The State mails a letter to your CHAMPS correspondence address when it is due. If revalidation is not finished, the State says your enrollment is closed and payments stop right away.

If you work through an agency instead

In the agency route, the caregiver still creates a MILogin account and enrolls in CHAMPS. The State's guide for agency caregivers has you enter the agency's Provider ID to link the two. The State's guide describes this person as an agency caregiver. The rules and the rate are different for each route. See how Home Help works, and ask your Adult Services worker which route fits your family. Individual caregivers are listed at $17.13 an hour in the 2026 State bulletin (ASB 2026-002); rates can change.

Where to get help

The State's guides give the Provider Support Helpline as 1-800-979-4662 and the email ProviderSupport@Michigan.gov. The State's Home Help page is at michigan.gov/homehelp. Your Adult Services worker is the person to ask about your relative's case.

Common questions

Is a chore provider the same as a Home Help caregiver?

Many people still search for "chore provider". The program families look for today is Michigan Home Help, and the person who gives the care is called an individual caregiver. If you are not sure which name your caseworker uses, ask your Adult Services worker.

How long do I have to finish the CHAMPS application?

The State's enrollment guide says you must finish the application within 30 days of starting it. Write down your Application ID so you can track it.

Do I need my Social Security number to enroll?

The State's enrollment guide lists a Social Security number, date of birth, email and address among the information you enter. Have them ready before you start.

Who can I call if my application is denied or stuck?

The State's checklist says to contact Provider Support at 1-800-979-4662. You can also ask your Adult Services worker.

Do I have to enroll again later?

Yes. The State requires providers to revalidate at least once every five years, or sooner if MDHHS asks. If it is not done, enrollment can be closed and payments stop.

This is general information, not legal, tax or benefits advice. Whether someone can be paid depends on the State's decision for that person. Rules change, so confirm with MDHHS. Already Caring is a private company and is not part of MDHHS or the State of Michigan.