Michigan Food Assistance Program
Michigan
What is Michigan Food Assistance Program?
The goal of the Food Assistance Program (FAP) is to raise the food purchasing power of low-income persons. Limited food purchasing power contributes to hunger and malnutrition. FAP is one of the federal safety net programs. Benefits are 100 percent federally funded and administrative costs are shared equally between the state and the federal government.
FAP benefits are not considered income or assets for FIP, SDA Medicaid (MA), or any other federal, state or local programs. Therefore, any other assistance for which a FAP household qualifies is not reduced because of the household's receipt of FAP benefits. FAP benefits can be used to buy eligible food items at any Food and Nutrition Service-authorized retail food store or approved meal provider. Eligible items include: 1) Any food or beverage product intended for human consumption except alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and hot foods or foods ready for immediate consumption, and 2) Seeds and plants for use in gardens to produce food for the personal consumption of the eligible household.
Administration
Michigan Food Assistance Program is administered by Michigan.
Program Requirements
Qualification Requirements Last Updated on 2025-03-01
To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Michigan and meet one of the following requirements:
- You have a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or
- You have a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,251 who share their household with one of the following:
- A person or persons age 60 and over or
- A person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself).
In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
| Household Size* | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $19,578 |
| 2 | $26,572 |
| 3 | $33,566 |
| 4 | $40,560 |
| 5 | $47,554 |
| 6 | $54,548 |
| 7 | $61,542 |
| 8 | $68,536 |
Application Details
What is the application process for Michigan Food Assistance Program?
You must complete and submit an application to determine if you are able to receive help with food assistance through the Department of Human Services (DHS). When you submit an application, you may need to provide information about all of the members in your household. The most efficient way to determine eligibility is to apply online using the Michigan Bridges online application portal.
To view, print or complete a paper application, download the DHS Information Booklet.
Application(s) may be hand delivered, mailed or faxed to the local DHS office. DHS can assist you if you need help filling out the application or need someone to read the application to you. You may also pick up an application during regular business hours without an appointment.
If you are unable to come into the office to complete an application because of a disability, you may contact your local DHS Office to request that someone come to your home to help you complete one.
When an application is made in-person, whenever possible, a DHS specialist will meet with you on the same day the application is turned in. Because the specialist may also be seeing people who have appointments before new applicants, you may have to wait before being interviewed.