The state of Michigan has announced that additional food stamp benefits will be provided to eligible recipients in February 2023. This is part of an ongoing effort to support individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. The extra benefits will be automatically loaded onto Bridge Cards, and no action is needed from recipients. The amount of the additional benefits will vary depending on household size and other factors. For more information, individuals can visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website or contact their local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services office.
Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFA)
Due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA has approved multiple rounds of Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFA) to provide eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients additional food benefits. While these extra benefits have been widely distributed, Michigan residents may have specific questions about their eligibility and the timing of these supplemental allocations.
EFA Distribution Timeline in Michigan
- June 2023: Michigan residents should anticipate receiving their regular SNAP benefits and an additional emergency allotment this month. The emergency allotment will be equal to the maximum benefit amount for their household size, bringing the total benefits received in June to the maximum allowable level.
- July 2023: The EFA distribution schedule for July is yet to be determined. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will provide updates as soon as the information is available.
Eligibility for EFA Benefits
To be eligible for EFA benefits in Michigan, households must:
- Be currently enrolled in SNAP.
- Have experienced a decrease in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Meet the income and asset limits set by the SNAP program.
How to Apply for EFA Benefits
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are not currently enrolled in SNAP, you can apply for benefits through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) website or by contacting your local MDHHS office.
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,127 |
| 6 | $1,303 |
| 7 | $1,490 |
| 8 | $1,676 |
Contact Information
For more information about EFA benefits in Michigan, you can contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS):
- Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/
- Phone: 1-888-678-8914
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is a program that provides additional food assistance to families with children who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
In Michigan, eligible families will receive a P-EBT card with a balance of $365 per child. The cards can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. The P-EBT program will end on September 30, 2023.
Who is eligible for P-EBT?
- Children who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP)
- Children who attend a school that participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
- Children who are attending a virtual school or homeschooling and would have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals if they were attending school in person.
How do I apply for P-EBT?
You do not need to apply for P-EBT. If you are eligible, you will automatically receive a P-EBT card in the mail. The cards are being mailed out in batches, so you may not receive your card right away.
How can I use my P-EBT card?
You can use your P-EBT card to purchase food at authorized retailers. You can find a list of authorized retailers on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.
When you use your P-EBT card, the purchase amount will be deducted from your card balance. You can check your card balance online or by calling the number on the back of your card.
What can I buy with my P-EBT card?
You can use your P-EBT card to purchase any food item that is eligible for purchase with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This includes fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and bread.
| Number of Eligible Children | P-EBT Card Balance |
|---|---|
| 1 | $365 |
| 2 | $730 |
| 3 | $1,095 |
| 4 | $1,460 |
| 5 | $1,825 |
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is the state agency responsible for administering food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. The agency provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase healthy food and improve their nutritional status. The amount of food assistance a household receives is based on their income and household size.
Emergency Allotments
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has authorized emergency allotments for SNAP recipients. These additional benefits are meant to help households cope with increased food costs and economic hardship caused by the pandemic. The emergency allotments are available to all SNAP recipients, regardless of their income or household size.
Extra Food Stamps in Michigan
- The MDHHS has been issuing the maximum amount of emergency allotments allowed by the federal government.
- In February 2023, SNAP households in Michigan received an additional $95 per person in emergency allotments.
- This brings the total monthly SNAP benefit for a family of four to $939.
Table of SNAP Benefits in Michigan
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit (including emergency allotments) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $281 |
| 2 people | $516 |
| 3 people | $740 |
| 4 people | $939 |
| 5 people | $1,169 |
| 6 people | $1,298 |
| 7 people | $1,427 |
| 8 people | $1,556 |
Contact MDHHS
If you have questions about SNAP benefits or emergency allotments, you can contact the MDHHS at 888-678-8914.
Eligibility for Extra Food Stamps in Michigan
The state of Michigan offers a program called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, to provide food assistance to eligible individuals and families. To qualify for SNAP benefits in Michigan, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Michigan resident.
- Have a household income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
- Have limited resources, such as cash, bank accounts, and vehicles.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
- Meet certain work requirements, if applicable.
Application Process for Extra Food Stamps in Michigan
- Contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to request an application.
- Complete the application and provide necessary documents, such as proof of income, residency, and identity.
- Submit the application to a local DHHS office or mail it to the address provided.
- Attend an interview, if necessary.
- Receive notification of your eligibility and benefit amount.
You can also apply for SNAP benefits online through the Michigan DHHS website. For more information on eligibility and the application process, visit the Michigan DHHS website or call the Food Assistance Hotline at 1-888-678-8914.
Eligibility Criteria Requirements Michigan Residency Must be a resident of the state of Michigan. Income Limit Household income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. Resource Limit Limited resources, such as cash, bank accounts, and vehicles. U.S. Citizenship or Qualified Non-Citizen Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen. Work Requirements Must meet certain work requirements, if applicable.