If you are struggling to meet your basic food and nutrition needs, there is help available to you. The Michigan Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance help to eligible low-income households. If you want to know if you qualify for food stamp benefits in Michigan, this article will provide you with the Michigan Food Stamp Eligibility Requirements.
This Michigan Food Stamp Eligibility Guide will cover the requirements for fiscal year 2022.
In addition, this article will cover:
- Food Stamps Eligibility in Michigan for 2022
- Michigan Food Stamp Eligibility Requirements
- SNAP/Food Stamps Gross and Net Income Limit
- How to Calculate Gross and Net Income for Food Stamps
- How Much Food Stamps you will get in Michigan
- Michigan Food Stamps Vehicle Asset Test & Work Requirements
- How to Apply for Food Stamps in Michigan
- What Happens After you Apply for MI SNAP
Michigan Food Stamps Program
The USDA Food Assistance Program provides monthly benefits to low-income households struggling to meet their nutritional needs.
If you are struggling to afford food, then applying for Michigan food stamp benefits could provide your household with some much-needed relief.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps provides monthly cash benefits to eligible households in Michigan.
In Michigan, SNAP is administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) through the MI Bridges online platform.
If you meet the Michigan eligibility for food stamps, you will receive a special debit card, called an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card.
The Michigan EBT Card, also known as the Michigan Direction Card is loaded with your food benefits each month.
Monthly food stamp benefits can be used to purchase eligible food items at grocery stores, markets, gas stations, seafood markets, bakeries and more.
Households approved for the Michigan food stamps could receive over $1,500 in benefits each month.
The amount of food stamp benefits a household gets depends on three things:
- Household income from all sources (earned and unearned), such as money you get from a job, Social Security, SSI, or child support.
- How many people live in your household
- Where you live
If you want to apply for SNAP benefits in Michigan, you must make sure you meet the Michigan eligibility for food stamps.
There are strict eligibility guidelines that you must meet to receive Michigan food stamp benefits.
To find out if you qualify for the Michigan Food Stamps Program, continue reading below.
Michigan Food Stamp Eligibility Guide for 2022
To be eligible for the Food Assistance Program in Michigan, you have to meet the eligibility requirements established by the USDA.
The Michigan Food Stamp Eligibility Guidelines will help you determine if you will qualify for SNAP benefits.
Do I qualify for Michigan Food Stamps?
To qualify for the Michigan Food Stamps and EBT Card benefits, you must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Non-Citizen
- Live in the state of Michigan
- Meet the SNAP Income Limit
In addition to the eligibility requirements listed above, your household must also meet the three income and resources tests.
Income is the most important requirement when it comes to qualifying for Michigan food stamp benefits.
SNAP/Food Stamps Income Tests
The three tests that determine your Michigan eligibility for food stamps include your household’s gross monthly income, net income, and assets.
We’ve provided more information about each of the three tests below:
Gross Monthly Income — is your household’s total income before any deductions. This includes money earned from work and other assistance such as unemployment, Social Security and child support.
Net Income — is your household’s total income after all allowable deductions.
Assets — is your household’s total resources that are considered available to purchase food, such as bank accounts and cash.
To learn more about each of the Michigan SNAP eligibility tests including how to calculate them for your household, continue reading below.
Michigan Eligibility for Food Stamps
To help determine if you qualify for Food Stamps in Michigan, we’ve explained each of the three SNAP eligibility tests below.
Test 1 – Gross Income Test
The first test you must meet is the gross monthly income test. This is a household’s income before any allowable deductions are applied.
The USDA requires that a household’s income must be at or below 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for 2022.
In fiscal year 2022, the poverty line amount for an individual is $1,073. Therefore, 130 percent of that level is $1,396.
Furthermore, an individual applying for Michigan food stamps must have a gross monthly income of $1,396 or below to qualify.
For a family of three, the poverty line is $1,830 a month. Therefore, 130 percent of that is $2,379 a month, or about $28,550 a year.
The poverty level is higher for bigger families and lower for smaller families.
How to Calculate Gross Income
Use the example provided below to help you calculate your household’s gross monthly income.
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How to Calculate Gross Income for Food Stamps in Michigan |
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| Gross Income Calculation: | Example: |
| Determine household size . . . | 4 people with no elderly or disabled members. |
| Add gross monthly income . . . | $1,500 earned income + $550 social security = $2,050 gross income. |
| If gross monthly income is less than the limit for household size, determine net income. | $2,050 is less than the $2,871 allowed for a 4-person household, so determine net income. |
Michigan SNAP Income Limit
The SNAP Income Limit Chart, also known as the Michigan Food Stamp Eligibility Chart will help determine your household’s eligibility for benefits.
First, calculate your household’s gross income, then use the chart below to determine if it meets the income limit for Michigan food stamp benefits.
What is the income limit for food stamps in Michigan for 2022?
The Michigan Food Stamp Income Limit Chart shows both the gross and net monthly income based on your household size.
The food stamp Michigan income limit for 2022 is based on your household size.
Use the chart provided below to determine if your income qualifies:
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Michigan Food Stamp Income Limits for Fiscal Year 2022 |
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Effective October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022 |
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Household Size |
Gross Monthly Income (130% of FPL) |
Net Monthly Income (100% of FPL) |
| 1 | $1,396 | $1,074 |
| 2 | $1,888 | $1,452 |
| 3 | $2,379 | $1,830 |
| 4 | $2,871 | $2,209 |
| 5 | $3,363 | $2,587 |
| 6 | $3,855 | $2,965 |
| 7 | $4,347 | $3,344 |
| 8 | $4,838 | $3,722 |
| Each Additional Household Member: | +$492 | +$379 |
Test 2 – Net Income Test
The Net Income, or household income after deductions are applied, must be at or below the poverty line for your household size.
To find out how to calculate your net income with the allowable deductions, continue reading below.
Michigan Food Stamp Allowable Deductions
Certain deductions are allowable to be taken from the gross income to arrive at the net income amount.
The following deductions are allowed for all households depending on the living situation and expenses:
- 20 percent deduction from earned income to account for work-related expenses and payroll taxes.
- A standard deduction based on household size (see below) to account for basic unavoidable costs.
- Dependent care deduction for out-of-pocket child care or when needed for work, training, or education.
- Child support deduction for any legally obligated child support that a member of the household pays.
- Medical expense deduction for elderly or disabled household members that have incurred out-of-pocket medical expenses greater than $35 a month.
- Homeless household shelter deduction of $159.73.
- Excess shelter deduction for households with a shelter cost that exceed more than half of the household’s income. This deduction is uncapped for households with an elderly or disabled member. However, for all other households, this deduction is capped at $597 per month.
Once you have subtracted all eligible deductions from your household gross income, this will give you your monthly net income.
Michigan SNAP Standard Deduction
The food stamps standard deduction varies based on your household size and location.
Please use the chart provided below to find the standard deduction amount for your household.
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SNAP Standard Deductions for Fiscal Year 2022 |
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Effective October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022 |
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Household Size |
Standard Deduction |
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| 48 States & D.C. | Alaska | Guam | Hawaii | Virgin Islands | |
| 1-2 | $177 | $303 | $356 | $250 | $156 |
| 3 | $177 | $303 | $356 | $250 | $156 |
| 4 | $184 | $303 | $367 | $250 | $184 |
| 5 | $215 | $303 | $430 | $250 | $215 |
| 6+ | $246 | $308 | $493 | $283 | $246 |
How to Calculate Net Income
Use the example provided below to help you calculate your household’s net monthly income based on a 4-person household with a $2,050 gross income.
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How to Calculate SNAP Net Income in Michigan |
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| Net Income Calculation: | Example for a 4-person household: |
| Subtract 20% earned income deduction… | $2,050 gross income
$1,500 earned income x 20% = $300. $2,050 – $300 = $1,750 |
| Subtract standard deduction… | $1,750 – $184 standard deduction for a 4-person household = $1,566 |
| Subtract dependent care deduction… | $1,569 – $362 dependent care = $1,204 |
| Subtract child support deduction… | $0 |
| Subtract medical costs over $35 for elderly and disabled… | $0 |
| Excess shelter deduction… | See below |
| Determine half of adjusted income… | $1,204 adjusted income/2 = $602 |
| Determine if shelter costs are more than half of adjusted income… | $700 total shelter – $602 (half of income) = $98 excess shelter cost |
| Subtract excess amount, but not more than the limit, from adjusted income… | $1,204 – $98 = $1,106 net monthly income |
| Apply the net income test… | Since $1,106 is less than $2,209 allowed for a 4-person household, this household has met the income test. |
What Counts As Income?
For your SNAP application, cash from all sources will count towards your income limit including:
- Earned income (before payroll taxes are deducted)
- Unearned income, such as cash assistance, Social Security, unemployment insurance, and child support are all counted towards your income for food stamps purposes.
Michigan SNAP Net Income Limit for 2022
Once you have calculated your household’s net income, use the chart below to determine if your household meets the Michigan food stamp income limits for 2022.
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SNAP Income Eligibility Standards for Fiscal Year 2022 |
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Effective October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022 |
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| Household Size | Monthly Net Income (100% of Federal Poverty Level) |
| 1 | $1,074 |
| 2 | $1,452 |
| 3 | $1,830 |
| 4 | $2,209 |
| 5 | $2,587 |
| 6 | $2,965 |
| 7 | $3,344 |
| 8 | $3,722 |
| Each Additional Household Member: | +$379 |
For more information on the Michigan Food Stamps income requirements, check out out complete article on the Michigan Food Stamp Income Limit for 2022.
Test 3 – Assets Test
The final test to determine if you’re eligible for food stamp benefits is the assets test. This test determines if your total household assets fall below the acceptable limit.
Households with a member who is elderly (age 60 or older) or disabled, must have assets or countable resources of $3,750 or less.
Households without an elderly or disabled member, must have assets of $2,500 or less.
What counts as an Asset?
For your application, resources that could be available to the household to purchase food are counted towards your asset limit.
This includes:
- Bank accounts
- Stocks
- Bonds
- Real estate other than your home
- Income you earn from assets (like interest earned on savings and dividends you receive).
What does not count as an asset?
Certain items do not count as an asset. These are typically resources that are not accessible, such as the household’s home, personal property, and retirement savings*.
*Please note that withdrawals from these accounts may count as either income or resources depending on how often they occur.
Additionally, most automobiles do not count as an asset. However, there are special rules around vehicles. To learn more about this, continue reading below.
Do vehicles count as an asset for Food Stamps?
Vehicles count as a resource for SNAP purposes. However, most vehicles do not count towards the food stamps resources limit.
Please note that this rule varies based on the state you live in. Michigan is responsible for determining how vehicles may count toward household resources.
Vehicles are NOT counted if they are:
- Used for Income – taxi, truck, delivery vehicle, Uber, etc.
- Annually producing income consistent with their fair market value
- Needed for long distance travel for work (other than daily commute)
- Used as the primary residence or home
- Needed to transport a physically disabled household member
- Needed to carry most of the household’s fuel or water
- If the sale of the vehicle would result in less than $1,500
Vehicles counted as resource have a fair market value that exceeds $4,650.
Licensed vehicles are also subject to an equity test, which is the fair market value less any amount owed on the vehicle.
The following vehicles are excluded from the equity test:
- One vehicle per adult household member; and
- Any other vehicle used by a household member under 18 to drive to work, school, job training, or to look for work.
For vehicles with both a fair market value over $4,650 and an equity value, the greater of the two amounts is counted as a resource.
Additionally, the equity value of unlicensed vehicles generally counts as a resource, with some exceptions.
How much Food Stamps will I get in Michigan Food Stamps?
The amount of food stamps you will receive comes down to a few major factors – your household income, household size, expenses and resources.
Household expenses include your rent or mortgage, gas, electric, water, sewer, phone, and medical expenses.
In addition, any child support or child care payments are counted as expenses.
Household resources include cash, bank account savings, and stocks.
Additionally, your monthly household income includes money earned from work, as well as payments from Social Security, Unemployment, and SSI.
All of these factors play a role in how much you will get in Michigan food benefits each month.
In January 2022, the average monthly SNAP EBT payment per household was approximately $246.
Use the table below to find out the maximum amount of Michigan food stamp benefits you could receive each month.
| Maximum Michigan SNAP Benefit Amount by Household Size for 2022 | |
| Effective October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022 | |
| Household Size: | Maximum SNAP Benefit Allotment: |
| 1 | $250 |
| 2 | $459 |
| 3 | $658 |
| 4 | $835 |
| 5 | $992 |
| 6 | $1,190 |
| 7 | $1,316 |
| 8 | $1,504 |
| Each Additional Household Member: | +$188 |
To find out exactly how much you can expect to receive in Michigan food stamp benefits each month, check out our Michigan Food Stamps Calculator.
How to Apply for Food Stamps in Michigan
There are four ways you can apply for food stamps in Michigan – online, in-person, and by phone or mail.
For help completing your Michigan SNAP Application for food stamp benefits, follow the instructions provided below.
MI Food Stamps Application Guide
Here are the four ways you can apply for Michigan food stamp benefits:
Option 1 – Online via MI Bridges
The first option is to apply online using the Michigan online portal, MI Bridges. You can access the Michigan website by visiting newmibridges.michigan.gov.
If this is your first time using the Michigan ePASS online portal, you will first have to create a MI Bridges online account.
Creating an MI Bridges account is quick, easy, and should only take a few minutes.
Once you have created your account, you can apply for food stamp benefits online by submitting your MI Food Stamps Application.
If you are having issues using the MI Bridges online platform, please contact their Help Desk by calling 1-844-799-9876.
Customer service agents are available Monday through Friday from 8am – 5pm.
Option 2 – In Person at Michigan DHHS Office
The next way to apply for food stamps in Michigan is in-person at your local county Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) office.
Click here for a full list of Michigan DHHS Office locations.
Option 3 – By Phone
If you do not have access to a computer or transportation, you can also submit your MI SNAP Application by phone.
To apply for Michigan food stamps by phone, please call 866-719-0141. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, please call Relay Services by dialing 7-1-1 on your phone.
You will be walked through the steps on how to apply for benefits by phone.
Option 4 – By Mail
The last option for completing your Michigan SNAP Application is by mail. In order to complete your application by mail, you must download the Michigan SNAP Application online.
To apply for Michigan food stamps by mail, click here to download the Michigan Food Stamps Application.
Once completed, you can upload your Michigan SNAP Application online or mail the completed application to the Family Assistance Department of Human Services.
Click here to upload your Michigan SNAP Application online.
To submit your Michigan Food Stamps Application by mail, send it to your local MI DHHS office.
Be sure to include copies of any requested verification documentation with your Michigan Food Stamps Application.
What you Need to Apply for Michigan Food Stamps
Before apply for food stamp benefits in Michigan, it’s important that you gather all the necessary documents needed to complete your application.
Here is a list of information you will need to complete your Michigan SNAP Application:
- Social Security Number (SSN) or proof that you’ve applied for one
- Identity and Date of Birth (DOB) such as a Driver’s License or State ID
- Income information such as pay stubs, tax records, or child support notices
- Resource or asset information such bank accounts (checking, savings accounts), vehicles, homes, land or life insurance
- Housing expenses such as rent and utilities
- Any child care or dependent care costs
- Child support you pay for children not living with you
- Medical expenses (including prescriptions) for those with disabilities or 60+ years old
- Health Insurance information
Once you have gathered this information, you can now begin your Michigan Food Stamps Application.
Please note, the DHHS may verify the information you provide by contacting other people or agencies.
In addition, your local DHHS may ask you to provide other documents.
If you need help getting any documents, be sure to tell your SNAP food stamps caseworker.
What Happens After you Apply for Michigan Food Stamp Benefits
After you apply for food stamps in Michigan, you must complete an interview with your assigned caseworker at your local county Michigan DHHS office.
Your interview may be over the phone or face-to-face. You will receive a letter in the mail with more information regarding your food stamps interview.
If you are elderly or physically unable to travel for a face-to-face interview, you can apply for a waiver, which is granted on a case by case basis based on hardship.
If your waiver request is granted, the face-to-face interview will be replaced with a phone interview.
During the interview, you will be required to provide verification of your income and expenses.
How long will it take to receive Michigan Food Stamp benefits?
If your Michigan SNAP Application is approved, you will start receiving benefits within 30 days from the date you submitted your application.
In addition, once you are approved for Michigan food stamp benefits, you will receive a Michigan Bridge EBT Card in the mail.
An EBT Card, also known as an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card is similar to a bank debit card.
You will use the Michigan EBT Card to access your monthly food stamp benefits. Benefits can be used at local grocery stores and select online retailers.
Your monthly benefit will be loaded onto your Michigan Bridge Card on an assigned date between the 3rd and the 21st of each month.
Your Michigan EBT Deposit Date is based on the last digit of your MI Bridges ID Number.
Michigan Emergency Food Help
If you are facing a life-threatening situation and need immediate help with food, there is assistance available to you.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides low income and elderly Michigan residents with immediate access to nutritious meals at no cost.
Families with resources worth $100 or less, and monthly income less than $150 will qualify for Emergency Food Assistance in Michigan.
In Michigan, food is distributed by local Community Action Agencies.
To apply for Emergency SNAP benefits in Michigan, visit a Michigan Community Action Agency near you.
In addition, there is immediate help available at participating Michigan food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens and other feeding sites.
To learn more and find out how to get help, find a Michigan food bank near you.
Michigan Food Stamps Customer Service Information
For additional help completing your Michigan Food Stamps Application, contact your local county assistance office (DHHS).
In addition, you can contact the Michigan SNAP Family Service Center by calling their customer service phone number at 866-311-4287.
Michigan Food Stamps Customer Service representatives are available to help you Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you are hearing impaired or deaf, please contact Relay Services by calling 711.
Michigan Food Stamp Eligibility Questions
We hope this article on the Michigan Food Stamp Eligibility Guidelines for 2022 was helpful to you!
If you need additional help determining your eligibility for food stamps in Michigan, please let us know in the comments section below.
If you found this article helpful, we encourage you to please share it with someone using the “Share this” button below.
In the meantime, be sure to check out our other articles on Michigan Food Stamps and EBT:
Michigan Food Stamps Income Limit – 2022
MI Food Stamps Calculator for 2022
