Food & Nutrition

Michigan Food Assistance Program

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Michigan Food Assistance Program (FAP), known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and formerly as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Michigan pay for food.

If you're approved for Food Assistance benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card). This card, called the Bridge Card, looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Michigan to buy Food Assistance-approved food items. You can also make Food Assistance purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Michigan Food Assistance work?

The Michigan Food Assistance Program (FAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). MDHHS offices across the state provide local support for people who receive Food Assistance and other types of public assistance.

Food Assistance can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are Food Assistance-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the Food Assistance application process like in Michigan?

While the idea of applying for Food Assistance may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend or family member, or an MDHHS specialist can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Michigan Food Assistance:

Fill out an application: You can apply for Michigan Food Assistance online, by mail or fax, or in person. You can also get help applying over the phone. Completing the application can take as little as 20 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process and secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: You must have a phone interview with an MDHHS specialist once the agency receives your application.
Wait for a decision: Most Michigan Food Assistance applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: Within 10 days of applying for Food Assistance, you will receive your new Michigan Bridge Card in the mail. When/if you’re approved, it will be loaded with your first month of benefits.

How do I know if I am eligible for Food Assistance?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). If your spouse or child(ren) under age 22 live with you, they must be included in your household (even if you do not buy and make meals with them).

To be eligible for Food Assistance, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

All applicants must be a resident of Michigan.
All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen.
All able-bodied adults, with certain exceptions, must register for work and accept suitable employment.
The household must meet certain income (and in some cases, asset) limits.
All applicants must have a Social Security number (or proof they have applied for one).

People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible to receive Food Assistance benefits. The amount of money you will get in Michigan Food Assistance benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

What are the Michigan Food Assistance income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross and net income households can earn and still get Food Assistance benefits. In Michigan, most households must meet a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households with a member who is age 60+ or receives disability payments only have to meet a net income limit of 100% FPL.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the Food Assistance income limit. An MDHHS specialist can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

Standard deduction, based on household size
20% earned income deduction
Dependent care deduction
Excess shelter deduction
Deduction for legally obligated child support payments
Excess medical expense deduction (for households with older members and/or members with a disability)

What are the Michigan Food Assistance asset limits?

“Assets” refer to the resources and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate). There is no asset limit in Michigan for most households. However, asset limits do apply in two situations:

There is a $4,250 asset limit if you meet both of the following conditions:

Your household income is more than 200% FPL.
Your household is eligible for FAP because of senior, disability, or veteran with a disability status.

There is a $2,750 asset limit if someone in your household is disqualified from FAP for one of these reasons:

They are intentionally trying to escape a felony charge or sentence.
They intentionally received extra food stamps by lying or not reporting information.
The household member is the "head of household" and did not follow an applicable work rule.

How do I prepare to apply?

When you apply for Food Assistance, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather some basic information to make your application process easier:

Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members
Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs
Child care or dependent care costs
Medical costs (if you are age 60+ or have a disability)

Documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

Driver's license or other government-issued ID
Birth certificate
Bank statements
Pension statements
Social Security statements
Pay stubs
Tax returns
Social Security card
Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)
Marriage license or divorce decree

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your Food Assistance application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for Food Assistance in Michigan?

There are several ways to apply for Michigan Food Assistance. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for Food Assistance is online through the MI Bridges website. You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply through MI Bridges

To apply online:

Visit the MI Bridges website.
Click ‘Apply for Benefits.’
Click ‘Create an Account’ and follow the prompts to set up your username and password. Note: You can apply for Food Assistance without creating an account if you do not have a phone number or email. However, you should create an account if possible. This will allow you to save your application progress, check the status of your application, and manage your benefits.
Once you have successfully logged into your account, click on ‘Apply for Benefits’ from your account dashboard.
On the next screen, check the box above ‘Food Assistance Program (FAP)’ and click ‘Start Application.’
Follow the prompts to complete the Food Assistance application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes.

Tips for success:

Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information.
MI Bridges is available in English, Spanish, and Arabic. You can change the language using the dropdown list at the top right of the site.
Visit the Help Center for assistance with using the website.

APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR FAX

To apply for Michigan Food Assistance, you will first need to download the Food Assistance application in your primary language (large-font versions are also available) or visit your local MDDHS county office to pick one up.

The completed application can be mailed, faxed, or dropped off at your local MDHHS office. Reach out to your nearest office directly for their contact information.

Note: If you cannot visit an MDHHS office to complete a Food Assistance application due to a disability, contact them to request that someone come to your home to help you complete one.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get Michigan Food Assistance benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. You can receive expedited (faster) Food Assistance if you meet at least one of the following conditions:

Your gross monthly income is $150 or less, and you have less than $100 in cash or savings.
Your gross monthly income, plus all of your cash and savings, are less than your monthly housing and utility bills.
You are a migrant or seasonal worker who is between jobs, and you have less than $100 in cash or savings.
You are unhoused.

Need food today? Call the F.O.R. Helpline at 1-888-544-8773 during normal business hours for help finding your local food pantry and other resources.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your Michigan Food Assistance application.

You can:

Find and contact a Community Partner near you.
Reach out to your local MDHHS office.
Call the F.O.R. Helpline at 1-888-544-8773.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for Food Assistance in Michigan?

It can take up to 30 days for MDHHS to process your Food Assistance application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin. To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from your local office, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

After you submit your application, you must have an interview with an MDHHS specialist.

What can I expect during my Food Assistance interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your MDHHS specialist can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your Food Assistance interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will get a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for Food Assistance benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

What happens after I am approved for Food Assistance?

If you are approved for Michigan Food Assistance, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). Most Food Assistance households have a 12-month certification period.

When will I receive my EBT card?

Shortly after applying for Food Assistance, you will receive your Bridge Card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. The card will not be loaded with benefits until/if you are approved for benefits. Going forward, your benefits will be deposited into your EBT account between the 3rd and the 21st (same day each month) based on the last digit of your ID#.

Other important tips to know

What if my Michigan Food Assistance application is denied?

If your Food Assistance application was denied and you disagree with MDHHS' decision, you have the right to ask for an administrative hearing. Hearing requests can be made in writing, in person, or by phone. Ask your MDHHS specialist for more information about the hearing rules and appeals process.

How can I view my Food Assistance benefits information?

If you have an MI Bridges account, you can log in to your account anytime to:

Finish your application.
Review the status of your application.
Report changes to your household.
Recertify/renew your benefits.

How do I manage my Michigan Bridge card?

To create or change your EBT card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, call the Customer Service hotline at 1-888-678-8914 (or the number on the back of your card). You can also manage your account via the ebtEDGE website (you must first register your card).

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

Most Michigan Food Assistance households fall into the Simplified Reporting category, which requires certain changes to be reported. These include when:

Your household's actual gross monthly income exceeds the income limit for its size.
Your household receives a single lottery or gambling winning of $4,250 or more.
A household member subject to work requirements is working less than 20 hours per week (80 hours a month).

You must report any changes to MDHHS by the 10th day of the following month (or the next business day if the 10th day falls on a weekend or holiday).

When should you renew your Food Assistance benefits in Michigan?

You must recertify (renew) your Michigan Food Assistance benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.

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