Big Rapids
Ask about Big Rapids
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Big Rapids and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Big Rapids
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Utilities · City office
City Hall and Utility Billing
226 N. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307
Help here
- City servicesVisit City Hall for help with city services and local government questions.
- Utility billsContact the city about water and sewer utility bills.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on cityofbr.org
Library · City office
Big Rapids Community Library
426 S. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307
Help here
- Library servicesGet a library card, borrow books and other materials, use computers, and join library programs.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on bigrapidslibrary.org
Jobs and training · Regional office
Michigan Works! West Central, Big Rapids Service Center
14330 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Help here
- Job and career helpGet help with job searches, resumes, career planning, and job training.Read more
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on mwwc.org
State office · State office
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Mecosta County Office
800 Water Tower Road, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Help here
- Public benefitsGet help with applications and questions about state assistance programs.Apply onlineRead more
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on michigan.gov
State office · State office
Michigan Secretary of State, Big Rapids Branch Office
206 N. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307
Help here
- Driver and vehicle servicesVisit the branch for driver license, state ID, and vehicle title or registration services.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on michigan.gov
Housing authority · Regional office
Big Rapids Housing Commission
9 Parkview Village, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Help here
- Affordable housingApply for income-based housing for families, seniors, and people with special needs.Apply online
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on bigrapidshousing.org
Checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Mecosta County
Big Rapids is in Mecosta County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Older adults · County office
Mecosta County Commission on Aging
12954 80th Avenue, Mecosta, MI 49332
Help here
- Senior meals and supportOlder adults can get meals, transportation, in-home help, and referrals to local services.
- Medicare and Medicaid counselingOlder adults and their families can get help understanding Medicare and Medicaid benefits and bills.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on mecostacounty.org
Public health · Regional office
District Health Department #10, Mecosta County
14485 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Help here
- Public health servicesResidents can get local health services, immunizations, and help with health concerns.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on dhd10.org
Public health · Regional office
District Health Department #10 WIC Clinic, Mecosta County
14485 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Help here
- WIC food and nutrition supportEligible pregnant people, parents, infants, and children under five can get healthy food and nutrition support.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on dhd10.org
Human services · State office
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Mecosta County
800 Water Tower Road, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Help here
- State benefits and family servicesResidents can get help with state benefits and family services at the local MDHHS office.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on michigan.gov
Jobs and training · Regional office
Michigan Works! West Central, Mecosta County
14330 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Help here
- Job search and career supportJob seekers can get help with career planning, resumes, interviews, training, and finding work.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on mwwc.org
Veterans · County office
Mecosta County Veterans Affairs
14330 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Help here
- Veterans benefits claimsVeterans and their families can get help filing claims for federal, state, and county benefits.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on mecostacounty.org
Michigan programs by kind of help
These are run by Michigan and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- GoodsClothing, diapers, furniture, a phone and other things for home.
- TransitBus fares, rides and getting to appointments.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- LegalFree legal help, and help staying safe.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- Heart of West Michigan United Way 2-1-1
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 800-887-1107 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988