Food Assistance Program: SNAP in Michigan

Online through MI Bridges at https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/ (apply, check eligibility status, manage your account, report changes). Michigan.gov/MIBridges is the address MDHHS prints. You can also apply through a local MDHHS office; MI Bridges community partner organizations help people apply.

Everyone who lives together and buys and prepares food together is one household group. You must be a U.S. citizen or have acceptable non-citizen status and live in Michigan. Most earned and unearned income counts (wages, self-employment, rental income, Social Security, veterans benefits). Since 1 March 2024 most FAP groups have NO asset limit; groups containing someone disqualified for an intentional program violation, an employment-and-training disqualification (head of household) or a fleeing-felon disqualification have a $3,000 asset limit, rising to $4,500 if a member is 60+ or has a disability.

Michigan does not publish an income table on the page we read. Do not use another state's numbers: they differ. Apply anyway — the state decides, and rent, utilities, childcare and medical costs are deducted before they compare.

Not listed as a checklist on the food pages read; MDHHS links to 'What should I bring with me when I apply for assistance?' and 'Verification' under Application Process. Expenses that affect the benefit amount: shelter (rent, mortgage, heat, electric, water, telephone), court-ordered child support, dependent care, and medical costs for members 60+ or with a disability.

Federal law gives states 30 days, and 7 days if you qualify as an emergency (expedited). This state does not confirm those figures on its own page. If you need food this week, a food pantry does not make you wait.

Name matters: Michigan calls it the Food Assistance Program (FAP), though the site also says SNAP. MDHHS states federal SNAP work-requirement rules changed 1 March 2026 and some adults 18-64 must now show proof of work. Chip- and tap-enabled Bridge Cards are being mailed later in 2026, so recipients should keep their address current in MI Bridges. The fraud-replacement window for stolen benefits is stated as only 1 Oct 2022 to 20 Dec 2024. Michigan uses broad-based categorical eligibility, but the qualifying income figure is not published on these pages.

In most states the office that runs SNAP also runs energy assistance, and having one makes the other faster. Help with your electric bill in Michigan →