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Michigan Food Assistance Program  — Michigan SNAP

Michigan SNAP

MichiganAt a glance
Fiscal yearOctober 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027
Maximum monthly benefit$306 for one person, $808 for a family of three1
Gross income limit200% of the federal poverty level: $2,660 per month for one person, $4,553 for a family of three
Resource limitNo limit for most households; $3,000 for groups with a disqualifying violation, or $4,750 when a member is age 60 or older or has a disability2
Where to applyMichigan Department of Health and Human Services

Estimate your monthly benefit with our Michigan SNAP calculator.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), beginning November 1, 2026, all counties implement Time Limited Food Assistance work requirements for able-bodied adults ages 18—64 without dependents, except in Alcona, Cheboygan, Mackinac, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Presque Isle and Schoolcraft counties and the cities of Detroit, Eastpointe, Flint, Jackson and Saginaw.3

Michigan’s Food Assistance Program (FAP) is a joint initiative between the USDA and the State of Michigan’s MDHHS that helps low-income families, older adults, and people with disabilities afford a nutritionally adequate diet.

Michigan requires all able-bodied SNAP recipients ages 18—64 without dependents to meet special work requirements or be subject to a three-month limit on SNAP benefits within a 36-month period.

Shop eligible groceries with SNAP EBT. Look for items labeled ‘SNAP EBT Eligible’ and add your EBT card to get 50% off grocery delivery.

FAQ

Who is eligible for SNAP in Michigan?

In order to qualify for SNAP, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  1. Live in Michigan
  2. Be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident
  3. Show proof of identity
  4. Meet income limits and other financial eligibility rules

Those receiving SSI may get their food benefits through Michigan Combined Application Project (MiCAP) instead.

What is the income limit for SNAP in Michigan?

Most families in Michigan with gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or about $4,553 per month for a family of three, may qualify for food stamps. Most households in Michigan have no asset limit.

SNAP monthly income limits by household size, Michiganders
Household Size100%Net Income200%Gross Income
1$1,330$2,660
2$1,803$3,607
3$2,277$4,553
4$2,750$5,500
5$3,223$6,447
6$3,697$7,393
7$4,170$8,340
8$4,643$9,287
Effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Gross income limit applies to most households, except when at least one member is age 60 or older or receives disability income; in these cases, only the net income test applies.
Michiganders, are you eligible for SNAP?
Find out if you may qualify and get an estimated amount of benefits you could receive.

College students in Michigan who are enrolled at least half-time are now eligible for SNAP if they meet income and other program requirements.

What is the asset limit for SNAP in Michigan?

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) states that, effective March 1, 2024, most Food Assistance Program groups do not have an asset limit.2

A group has a limit of $3,000 if a member is disqualified for an Intentional Program Violation, an employment and training disqualification (head of household only) or a fleeing felon disqualification. The limit is $4,750 when a group member is age 60 or older or has a disability.2

How much is SNAP in Michigan?

For the period through September 30, 2027, a family of three may receive up to $808 per month with no income or about $508 per month if the family has a net monthly income of $1,000.

Maximum monthly SNAP benefits by household size
Household SizeSNAP Benefits
1$306
2$562
3$808
4$1,023
5$1,217
6$1,463
7$1,616
8$1,841
The actual SNAP benefit amounts are based on a household’s net income with a general rule that an increase of $100 in net income results in a reduction of $30 in benefits. Use our SNAP calculator to estimate the amount of benefits you can expect to receive.

What can I deduct from my income for SNAP in Michigan?

SNAP subtracts deductions from gross income to arrive at net income. The monthly benefit equals the maximum allotment minus 30% of net income. A household of one or two people that qualifies receives at least $24 per month.4

DeductionAmount for fiscal year 2027
Standard deduction$217 for one to three people, $229 for four, $268 for five and $308 for six or more
Earned income deduction20% of earned income
Dependent careActual cost of care needed for work, training or school
Child supportCourt-ordered or legally obligated payments2
Medical expensesOut-of-pocket costs above $35 per month, for a household member age 60 or older or with a disability
Excess shelterShelter costs above half of the income remaining after other deductions, limited to $769 per month unless a member is age 60 or older or has a disability
Homeless shelter$205.66 standard deduction for eligible households

Shelter costs include rent or mortgage payments and utilities such as heat, electric, water and telephone.2 A household that pays heating or cooling costs may use the standard utility allowance in place of actual bills.1

How much food stamps for a family of 3 in Michigan?

A household of 3 with $2,000 in monthly earned income and $1,000 in monthly rent, and that pays heating costs, receives $624 per month in SNAP benefits. The benefit is the maximum allotment for 3 people, $808, minus 30% of the net income that remains after the deductions in the table below.

StepAmount
Gross monthly income$2,000
Earned income deduction (20%)−$400
Standard deduction (household of 3)−$217
Income after those deductions$1,383
Shelter costs: $1,000 rent plus $682 standard utility allowance$1,682
Half of income after those deductions$691.50
Excess shelter deduction ($990.50, limited to the $769 cap)−$769
Net income$614
30% of net income$184
Monthly benefit (maximum allotment minus $184)$624

The figures are estimates. MDHHS determines the actual benefit after verifying income and expenses. The standard utility allowance is the fiscal year 2026 amount published by the Food and Nutrition Service.1

Who must meet the SNAP work rules in Michigan?

MDHHS applies Time Limited Food Assistance work requirements to able-bodied adults ages 18 to 64 without dependents, including adults whose children are age 14 or older.

A recipient who receives a full month of benefits, does not meet the requirement and has no deferral or good cause reason receives a countable month. An individual may receive three countable months in a 36-month period.5

How can SNAP recipients meet the work rules in Michigan?

MDHHS lists the following ways to meet the monthly requirement:5

  • Working at least 80 hours per month (20 hours per week on average), or earning the equivalent of 20 hours per week at the federal minimum wage
  • Self-initiated community service, which is unpaid work for a nonprofit organization with hours equal to the monthly benefit divided by the state minimum wage
  • Taking part for 80 hours per month in a Michigan Works! Agency employment and training program, where available

MDHHS advises recipients who cannot meet the requirement, such as for a disability or the care of a child under age 14, to contact the local office at (844) 464-3447.5

Which Michigan areas are exempt from the SNAP work rules?

MDHHS exempts the following counties: Alcona, Cheboygan, Mackinac, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Presque Isle and Schoolcraft. The cities of Detroit, Eastpointe, Flint, Jackson and Saginaw are also exempt. Alger, Arenac, Iosco, Iron, Luce, Montmorency, Oceana and Roscommon counties and the city of Bay City became subject to the work requirements on November 1, 2026. Kent County (excluding Grand Rapids), Oakland County (excluding Oak Park and Pontiac) and Livingston County have been subject to the federal work requirements since October 1, 2025.5

How do I apply for SNAP in Michigan?

Requests for benefits can be made in person at the local MDHHS county office or online through MI Bridges. An interview with a MDHHS specialist will then be arranged to determine your eligibility, usually within 5 days.

Once you’re determined eligible, you will receive an EBT card, known as “Michigan Bridge Card”, that is preloaded with approved food benefits.

The same Michigan Bridge Card may also hold cash assistance benefits, if you qualify, but each benefit type has different rules on where and how it can be used.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
MDHHS Assistance Line
(844) 464-3447

What documents do I need for food stamps in Michigan?

When you apply for SNAP, you may be asked to provide the following documents:

  • A valid photo ID
  • A valid Social Security Number
  • Proof of residency (where you live)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
  • Proof of earned and unearned income
  • Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

How long does it take to get food stamps in Michigan?

No later than 30 working days from the date the office received your application. MDHHS will either approve or deny your application within 30 days unless you qualify for expedited services.

If you are eligible for expedited FAP benefits, you may get your first benefits within seven (7) days. This is called an expedited issuance.

Data and figures on this page come from the sources and notes below:

Footnotes

  1. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP Fiscal Year 2027 Maximum Allotments and Deductions, and SNAP Standard Utility Allowances by State. ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  2. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Food Assistance Eligibility. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  3. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Work Requirements for Food Assistance. ↩

  4. Legal Information Institute, 7 CFR 273.9, Income and deductions. ↩

  5. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Work Requirements for Food Assistance. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

SingleMotherGuide.com is an independent state-by-state reference guide and is not affiliated with any government agency. Program amounts and income limits are compiled from official federal and state sources, which are cited on the page, and are reviewed periodically and updated as those sources change.

The information is provided for general guidance and is not legal or financial advice. The administering agency makes the final determination of eligibility and benefit amounts. To report an error, please contact us.

Figures on this page are compiled from the public sources cited above and may change; refer to the cited sources for the most current information.

Last updated
Updated by
Ada Hu
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