Michigan Food Assistance Program

As you get older, eating healthy helps you stay strong, active, and independent. The Michigan Food Assistance Program (FAP) helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families buy healthy food. This program is known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and used to be called Food Stamps.

If you are approved for Food Assistance, you will get a Michigan Bridge Card (EBT card). The card works like a prepaid debit card. You can use it at most grocery stores, superstores, and farmers markets in Michigan to buy food. The average older adult gets about $188 each month to help pay for groceries.

It’s worth checking eligibility for yourself or someone you care for. On this page, you can learn more about Food Assistance and its eligibility rules.

How does Michigan Food Assistance work?

Food Assistance helps you buy groceries each month. This can help you save money for other needs, like utility bills, medicine, and medical care.

If you are approved, your benefits are added to an EBT card called the Michigan Bridge Card. The card works like a debit card. You can use it at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale clubs, and farmers markets in Michigan. You can also use your benefits to buy food on Amazon.

The Food Assistance program is run by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS). Local offices around the state help people complete their application, gather documents, and get answers to their questions.

What is the Food Assistance application process like in Michigan?

Applying for Food Assistance might seem hard, but many people find it easier than they expect. And you don’t have to do it alone—a friend, family member, or MDHHS case manager can help you through the process.

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?

When you apply for Food Assistance, you can include everyone in your home who shops for and prepares meals with you. 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 get Food Assistance, your household must meet the following basic rules:

• All applicants must be a resident of Michigan.

• All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen.

• 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).

• Applicants may also have to meet certain work requirements.

People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) generally are automatically eligible to receive Food Assistance benefits.

What are the Food Assistance work requirements in Michigan?

As of Feb. 1, 2026, the federal government changed SNAP (Food Assistance) work rules for some people:

• Under the new rules, adults age 55–64 who do not have dependents may need to work or join a special job training program for 80 hours each month to keep their benefits. Volunteer activities may also count as work.

• Some caregivers may not have to follow these work rules. Final guidance is still being worked out.

• Veterans must now follow these work rules, too.

These changes may affect how long some people can get SNAP benefits, especially in areas where jobs are hard to find.

How much Food Assistance can I get in Michigan?

In Michigan, the amount of Food Assistance benefits you may receive depends on:

• Money you get from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security

• How many people live with you

In 2026, the average monthly SNAP benefit for a one-person household is $188.

What are income limits? How do they affect my Food Assistance eligibility?

There are income limits to qualify for Food Assistance. In Michigan, most households can apply if their gross (total, before taxes) income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. If someone in your household is age 60+ or has a disability, special eligibility rules apply. These rules may help you qualify for Food Assistance.

The Food Assistance income limits below apply from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. If you’re not sure if you qualify, your local Food Assistance office can review your situation and help explain your options. You can also check your eligibility right now—just scroll up and click the black “See If You May Be Eligible”button.

Family size Maximum monthly income in Michigan

1 $2,660

2 $3,608

3 $4,554

4 $5,500

5 $6,448

For each additional person, add: +$948

Source: Michigan MDHHS (October 2026)

If your household has a member who is age 60+ or has a disability, and your household income is higher than the gross income test above, there is an asset limit of $4,500. Assets are things you own like cash on hand, savings accounts, and stocks.

How do I apply for Food Assistance in Michigan?

1. Get your important documents ready

When you apply for Food Assistance, you will 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)

Some examples of 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.

2. Complete an application

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

How 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. You can apply for Food Assistance without creating an account if you do not have a phone number or email. But 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 (but you can save your progress and come back if you need to).

Success tips when applying for Michigan Food Assistance online

• 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.

How to apply in person, by mail, or by 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). You can also visit your local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services county office to pick one up. MDHHS offices across the state provide local support for people who receive Food Assistance and other types of public assistance.

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

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.

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.

• Call the NCOA HelpLine at [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559) anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST.

What happens after I apply for Food Assistance in Michigan?

Most Food Assistance applications are processed within 30 days, or within 7 days if you qualify for expedited benefits. If approved, benefits can start from the day you applied. Check your mail and answer your phone regularly so you don’t miss messages from MDHHS.

You will also need to complete an interview with an MDHHS case manager after applying.

What can I expect during my Food Assistance interview?

Don’t worry—the interview isn’t there to trip you up. It’s just a quick check of the information you already gave. Your MDHHS case manager can also explain how Food Assistance works, answer your questions, and help if you’re having trouble getting documents.

You can expect to answer questions like:

• 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?

Other important Food Assistance application tips to know

How can I prepare for my Michigan Food Assistance interview?

Practice makes perfect! Try practicing your answers ahead of time. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence. If you live with someone else, have them ask you these questions. If you live alone, you could sit in front of a mirror.

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 will 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.

What if my Michigan Food Assistance application is denied?

If you believe your Food Assistance application was denied by mistake or that your benefit amount is wrong, contact MDHHS right away. If MDHHS does not agree after reviewing your case, you have the right to ask for an administrative hearing so an independent official can review the decision.

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 households that receive Michigan Food Assistance are in the “simplified reporting” group. This means you are only required to report when your household's gross monthly income is more than the program limit for your household size. You should also report any change you think might increase your Food Assistance benefit amount.

Changes can be reported through your MI Bridges account.

When should you renew your Food Assistance benefits in Michigan?

You must 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.