Food Assistance Program (Michigan SNAP)
Last updated August 2026
The Food Assistance Program (FAP) is Michigan's SNAP: monthly grocery money on a Bridge Card that works at stores, farmers markets, and even Amazon, Walmart, and Aldi online. It pays up to $298 a month for one person, $546 for two, $785 for three, $994 for four. Apply and manage everything at MI Bridges (michigan.gov/mibridges).
The income limits: $1,696 a month gross for one person, $2,888 for three, $3,483 for four, with a net test at the poverty line. Most households face NO asset limit; savings do not disqualify you. Shelter, child support, dependent care, and (for elderly or disabled members) medical costs all get deducted before the math runs.
Speed matters and Michigan's rules deliver: decisions within 30 days, expedited cases within 7, and where possible a caseworker interviews you the same day you turn the application in.
The work rules expanded March 1, 2026: adults 18 to 64, including some parents of kids 14 and older, need 80 hours a month of work or training, or benefits stop after 3 months in 36. Fifteen counties and six cities, including Detroit, Flint, and Saginaw, are waived. Check your area before assuming.
Two housekeeping notes worth money. Unused benefits are permanently erased after 9 months of not using the card, with one warning letter first, so swipe at least occasionally. And new chip-and-tap Bridge Cards mail out later in 2026: confirm your address in MI Bridges under Report Changes. Appeals get 90 days, heard by phone.
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Income-based; most households qualify with gross monthly income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level, with a net-income test after deductions
- Working families, older adults, and people with disabilities with limited income may qualify; MDHHS runs the exact numbers
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply at michigan.gov/mibridges, or at your local MDHHS office. Case questions: 1-844-464-3447.
- 2
Almost no money? Say so; expedited decisions come within 7 days.
- 3
Do the interview, often the same day you file where possible.
- 4
Send proof of identity and income; most households skip the asset test entirely.
- 5
Report rent, child support, dependent care, and medical costs (60+/disabled); each can raise your amount.
- 6
Use the Bridge Card at least every few months; unused benefits vanish after 9 months of no card use.
- 7
Denied or cut? Request a fair hearing within 90 days; hearings happen by phone.
What to have ready
- Photo ID for the person applying
- Proof of income for everyone who buys and prepares food together
- Rent or mortgage and utility costs, which raise your amount
- Your office confirms the exact list at the interview.
What the application looks like
Common questions
What is the income limit for food assistance in Michigan?
$1,696 a month gross for one person, $2,888 for three, $3,483 for four (130 percent of poverty), plus a net-income test. Groups with a senior, disabled member, or veteran skip the gross test.
Does Michigan have an asset limit for food assistance?
Not for most households since March 2024. A $3,000 limit ($4,500 with a 60+ or disabled member) only applies to groups with certain disqualifications.
How much does FAP pay?
Up to $298 a month for one person, $546 for two, $785 for three, $994 for four at zero net income, phasing down as income rises. Figures run through September 2026.
Do I have to work to keep food assistance?
Since March 2026, adults 18 to 64 without an exemption need 80 hours a month of work, training, or community service, or benefits stop after 3 months in 36. Fifteen counties and six cities including Detroit, Flint, and Saginaw are waived; check yours.
Where does the Bridge Card work?
Grocery stores, farmers markets, and online at Amazon, Walmart, and Aldi. Card help runs 24/7 at 888-678-8914. Use it at least occasionally; benefits unused for 9 months get permanently removed.
How do I appeal a decision?
Request a fair hearing within 90 days of the notice; an administrative law judge hears it by phone unless you ask for in-person.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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