01/13/2026
The Children with Special Needs (CSN) Fund is pleased to announce special grant funding is available to assist with ceiling and stair lifts for children and youth with special health needs thanks to a generous grant from the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation.
The CSN Fund Advisory Committee aims to make sure these funds support as many children with special needs as possible, especially those demonstrating the greatest need. Applications for ceiling and stair lifts received by February 24 will be reviewed in March, and applications received by August 31 will be reviewed in September. Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered:
1. Under 21 years of age
2. Enrolled or medically eligible to enroll in Children’s Special Health Care Services
3. Submit a completed application Form DCH-1239 with required documentation:
a. A completed Financial Assessment Form DCH-1273 (if not enrolled in CSCHS).
b. A letter from parents explaining the need and reason for the request. Families earning more than $400,000 must include an explanation of hardship describing their need for assistance.
c. A letter from the child’s specialty physician explaining medical necessity for the equipment as well as the child’s diagnosis and prognosis.
d. A completed Documentation of Assistance Form DCH-2423.
e. Three (3) quotes from different vendors with attached diagrams (not manuals or spec sheets) of the proposed ceiling/stair lift system.
4. Ceiling and stair lifts will not be approved for rental units.
The Children with Special Needs Fund also assists with partial or full payment for items such as wheelchair ramps, vehicle accessibility devices, therapeutic tricycles, air conditioners for certain medical conditions, and adaptive recreational equipment. Applications are available at www.michigan.gov/csnfund or by calling (517) 241-7420 or emailing csnfund@michigan.gov.
