MI Bridges and Michigan Food Stamps 2026-27: Login, Limits

Food assistance isn't a grant and applying is free. Anyone charging to "unlock" MI Bridges or speed up approval isn't working for MDHHS.

Using MI Bridges: Login, Help Desk, Documents and Renewals

MI Bridges is one portal for several MDHHS programs, so most "mi bridges" problems are really account problems. Everything below comes from the MI Bridges help center (opens in a new tab).

The MI Bridges Help Desk is 1-844-799-9876 (TTY 1-833-285-5910), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The help center says staff use a language line covering more than 300 languages. Call it for portal trouble, or if you're getting benefits but can't see them in your account.

What the head of household can see. For an active case, MI Bridges shows benefit amounts, renewal dates and the date benefits land on the Bridge Card. That's the quickest way to answer "when is my renewal due" without waiting on hold.

Other programs in the same account, per the MI Bridges home page: health care coverage (Medicaid), cash assistance, WIC, Child Development and Care (help paying for child care), State Emergency Relief, and Summer EBT. Our Michigan energy assistance guide covers State Emergency Relief and heating help in detail.

Help in person. MDHHS registers community organizations as MI Bridges partners. A Navigation Partner can sit with you to apply, find resources and manage your case, and an Access Partner provides computers or tablets; use "Find Community Partner" on the MI Bridges home page. MI Bridges also offers phone application help from the Food Bank Council of Michigan: send your contact details through the portal and the council says someone will call within 2 business days. For case questions, MDHHS's work requirements page lists 1-844-464-3447 for local offices, and the MDHHS county office directory (opens in a new tab) lists every county's address.

Stick to the official address. MDHHS's Bridge Card fraud flyer says MI Bridges will never ask for your information by text, email or phone call. A site that isn't on michigan.gov, or a "MI Bridges app" other than the state's portal, isn't MDHHS.

Michigan Food Assistance Income Limits for October 2026 to September 2027

According to MDHHS's RFT 250 SNAP income limits table (opens in a new tab), effective October 1, 2026, here are Michigan's figures:

Sources: MDHHS RFT 250 (income limits) and RFT 260 (issuance table, October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027).

Why the 200% column matters. USDA's broad-based categorical eligibility chart (opens in a new tab) (updated June 29, 2026) lists Michigan with "no limit on assets" and a 200% gross income limit, conferred through language on the application and approval notice. MDHHS's table says the 130% and 100% columns don't apply to categorically eligible groups. In plain terms, a family of four earning $4,000 a month, too much under the regular rule, isn't automatically out in Michigan. The 30% benefit formula still applies, so high housing or child care costs are what turn that income into an actual benefit.

Senior, disabled and disabled veteran groups. RFT 250 says the 130% column applies only to groups with no senior, disabled or disabled veteran (S/D/V) member. Those groups skip the regular gross test, and MDHHS counts medical costs for members who are 60 or older or disabled.

Adults on SSI with no other income who buy and prepare food separately can use the Michigan Combined Application Project (MiCAP): MDHHS says your SSI interview doubles as your food interview, you report changes to Social Security instead of MDHHS, and the MiCAP line is 877-522-8050.

A Michigan worked example

Specifically, take a Detroit family of three with $2,500 a month in wages, $950 in rent, and a heating bill they pay themselves. MDHHS's RFT 255 standards (opens in a new tab) give a $217 standard deduction and a $706 heat and utility standard. Subtract 20% of wages ($500) and $217, and adjusted income is $1,783. Shelter costs of $1,656 minus half of adjusted income ($891.50) leave a $764.50 shelter deduction, just under the $769 cap. Net income is about $1,018.50; 30% of that is roughly $306, and $808 minus $306 is about $502 a month. Our national SNAP benefits guide explains each deduction.

The Home Heating Credit can raise FAP for some households. MDHHS calls it "use-it-or-lose-it": a Home Heating Credit of more than $20 can increase food assistance for groups with a senior, disabled or disabled veteran member. Tell your caseworker, or say so on your application, if you got one this month or in the past 12 months.

Michigan's asset rules

MDHHS's eligibility page (opens in a new tab) says that since March 1, 2024, most FAP groups have no asset limit. A limit of $3,000 (or $4,500 with a member 60 or older or disabled, per that page) applies only to groups with:

If none of those apply, savings won't block your application.

How to Apply for Food Assistance in Michigan

If you're also behind on rent or utilities, Grantsights' free eligibility checker is a quick way to see the other official routes. It won't file an MDHHS application or turn up a grocery grant. It asks who you are; pick "Individual," then "Personal financial help" or "Student," and it lists the USA.gov benefit finder, rental help, help with bills, food help and studentaid.gov, plus the 211 line.

A common mistake: leaving out heating, rent or child care costs. In the example above, the shelter deduction was worth more than $200 a month in benefits. Report every housing cost you actually pay.

After approval, MDHHS's food assistance page (opens in a new tab) asks you to keep income, job, household and address changes up to date in MI Bridges. RFT 250 also lists a simplified reporting income limit equal to the 130% figure for each group size; if you're a simplified reporter and your income goes over it, report the change.

Michigan Work Requirements and the 2025 Law

MDHHS's work requirements page (opens in a new tab) says USDA ended Michigan's time-limited food assistance (TLFA) waiver on February 28, 2026, and the rule applied statewide from March 1, 2026, except in these areas:

Who it covers: able-bodied adults 18 to 64 without a child under 14 in the group. MDHHS's SNAP and Medicaid FAQ lists exemptions for people under 18 or over 64, people receiving disability benefits, groups with a child under 14, pregnancy, and physical or mental health limits, plus a deferral for some Native Americans.

Three ways to meet the 80 hours, per MDHHS:

1. Work at least 80 hours a month (paid, in-kind or volunteer), or earn at least 20 hours a week times the federal minimum wage.
2. Self-Initiated Community Service at a nonprofit, where required hours equal your monthly benefit divided by the state minimum wage.
3. Michigan Works! employment and training, 80 hours a month, where offered (not every county has it).

Miss a month without an exemption or good cause and it becomes a "countable month"; three countable months in 36 months ends benefits for that adult. Report work to your MDHHS office at 1-844-464-3447 or in MI Bridges.

Other 2025-law changes, as MDHHS has scheduled them in its federal changes FAQ (opens in a new tab):

The Bridge Card: Deposits, Balance, Skimming and Chip Cards

Michigan's EBT card is the Michigan Bridge Card. MDHHS's payment page (opens in a new tab) lists 1-888-678-8914, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with Spanish and Arabic service (Michigan Relay at 711), for choosing a PIN, lost or stolen cards, suspected misuse and balances. You can also check your balance on ebtEDGE.

Deposit dates come from the last digit of your Individual Identification number, per MDHHS form DHS-1143:

Skimmed benefits generally aren't replaced now. MDHHS says fraud replacement for food benefits covers only thefts from October 1, 2022 through December 20, 2024. That makes prevention the only real protection. MDHHS's fraud flyer says:

• The only approved apps are ebtEDGE for Android and Apple, plus the ebtEDGE cardholder portal.
• In ebtEDGE, use "Protect My Account" to block out-of-state and internet transactions; turn them back on only when you need them.
• The EBT vendor never texts or emails about "locked" cards and never asks for your PIN. Hang up and call 888-678-8914 if unsure.

Chip cards: MDHHS and USDA describe it differently. MDHHS's food assistance page says upgraded chip and tap-enabled Bridge Cards are "coming later in 2026" and asks you to confirm your mailing address in MI Bridges under Report Changes. USDA's EBT modernization map (opens in a new tab), updated October 28, 2026, already lists Michigan among states that have issued chip cards. Either way, if you've moved, update your address now so the new card reaches you.

Unused benefits expire. Food benefits not used for 274 days (nine months) are removed; MDHHS sends a notice 30 days ahead, and you have 90 days from that notice to request a fair hearing.

Online and restaurant purchases. MDHHS lists online grocery buying with the Bridge Card at retailers including Amazon, Walmart and Aldi. Its Restaurant Meal Program (opens in a new tab) lets groups where everyone is 60 or older, disabled or homeless (and eligible spouses) buy prepared meals at participating restaurants, with no application; MDHHS posts a restaurant map and list.

Double Up Food Bucks and SUN Bucks in Michigan

Double Up Food Bucks is run by Fair Food Network with State of Michigan and federal support. Its how it works page (opens in a new tab) says:

The honest catch: Double Up mostly runs through independent and regional grocers and farmers markets, so check the locator before you plan a trip. Grocery stores may hand out coupons, use a loyalty card or a Double Up card, and the credit is usually spent at the same store on your next visit.

SUN Bucks (Summer EBT): yes in 2026. USDA's 2026 Summer EBT map (opens in a new tab) lists Michigan as participating, and MDHHS's Summer EBT page (opens in a new tab) pays $120 per eligible school-aged child. Children 6 to 18 on FAP, cash assistance or certain Medicaid between July 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026, and children approved for free or reduced-price meals or in foster care, homeless, migrant or runaway status, were enrolled automatically. MDHHS warns that Michigan's universal free school meals don't by themselves qualify a child; household income must be at or under 185% of poverty. Benefits must be used within 122 days of issuance, and the 2025 cards are reused for later summers, so keep yours.

According to USAspending.gov FY2025 data, Michigan received $123,328,133 in Summer EBT obligations (Assistance Listing 10.646). Grantsights analysis of those records works out to $12.18 per Michigan resident, 11th of 51 and well above the $8.16 national figure. Our Summer EBT guide covers the program nationally.

Michigan's Error Rate, Cost Share and SNAP Dollars

Michigan's FY2025 payment error rate was 9.89% (8.66% overpayments, 1.23% underpayments), according to USDA's FY2025 payment error rates (opens in a new tab), up from 9.53% in FY2024 and below the national 10.62%. MDHHS stresses on its payment error rate page (opens in a new tab) that the rate isn't a fraud measure; most errors come from budgeting, missing verification or data entry.

Grantsights analysis of USAspending.gov FY2025 obligations puts a 10% share at roughly $286 million a year, based on $2,855,800,806 in Michigan benefit obligations. Getting under 8% would cut that to about $143 million; under 6% would erase it. Benefit totals move every year, so treat this as scale, not a forecast. MDHHS says its share will be set by the FY2026 rate; the law lets a state use either its FY2025 or FY2026 rate for fiscal year 2028.

None of this changes your benefit formula, but it explains why MDHHS keeps asking households to report changes promptly.

How much SNAP reaches Michigan. Federal SNAP benefit obligations for Michigan were $2,855,800,806 in FY2025, according to USAspending.gov award records. Grantsights analysis of those obligations and Census estimates puts that at $281.97 per resident, above the $254.36 average for the 50 states and D.C. and 16th of 51.

Source: USAspending.gov (opens in a new tab) FY2025 obligations, Assistance Listing 10.551, by recipient state; Census Bureau July 1, 2025 estimates; USDA FY2025 payment error rates.

USDA's state participation tables (opens in a new tab) (data as of October 9, 2026) show 1,316,428 Michiganders in 699,084 households got SNAP in July 2026, down 13.7% from 1,524,920 in July 2025, close to the 13.3% national drop. July 2026 benefits totaled $227,324,316, about $173 per person. The per-resident column isn't your benefit; neighbors facing the same income and costs get the same federal maximums. See our guides to food stamps in Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois.

What MDHHS's Food Assistance Pages Don't Tell You

1. The 200% limit isn't on the main eligibility page. It's in RFT 250 and USDA's BBCE chart. Many Michigan households over 130% of poverty never apply because they don't know this.
2. The asset figure for older and disabled groups looks dated. MDHHS's eligibility page says $4,500; USDA's FY2027 federal limit is $4,750. It only matters for the few groups that still face an asset test, but ask your worker which figure applies.
3. Chip-card timing conflicts. MDHHS says "later in 2026"; USDA's October 28, 2026 map says issued. Keep your address current and keep using ebtEDGE blocks until your new card arrives.
4. Two work-rule start dates appear. The same MDHHS page says changes began March 1 and that Michigan "must implement work requirements effective Monday, March 2." Either way, any month from March 2026 on can count.
5. The cost-share year on MDHHS's error-rate page differs from the law. MDHHS says costs start "beginning in FY 2027"; the 2025 law's benefit cost share starts in fiscal year 2028 (the admin change did start in FY2027).
6. Big grocery chains aren't in Double Up. The $50-a-day match is real, but only at participating stores and markets.
7. There's no Michigan food "grant." Ads promising a Michigan food stamp grant or a "MI Bridges bonus" are a red flag; benefits come only through an MDHHS case.

Avoid MI Bridges and Bridge Card Scams

MDHHS's fraud guidance is clear that MI Bridges never asks for information by text, email or phone, and the EBT vendor never texts about locked cards. USDA's SNAP scam alerts page (opens in a new tab) describes fake "card locked" texts and websites promising food stamp payments for your personal data, and the FTC's government grant scams page (opens in a new tab) says real government programs don't charge up-front fees.

Red flags for Michigan households:

• A text with a link to "reactivate" MI Bridges or your Bridge Card.
• Any app other than ebtEDGE asking for your card number.
• Someone offering to "fix" your MiLogin account for a fee or asking for your password.
• A caller asking for your PIN. If someone has your PIN and uses your card, MDHHS won't replace the benefits.

If you're targeted, block transactions in ebtEDGE, call 888-678-8914, report welfare fraud at 855-MI-FRAUD (643-7283), and file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (opens in a new tab).

Other Food and Money Help in Michigan

• WIC for pregnancy and children under 5; see our WIC program guide. You can apply through MI Bridges.
• Heating bills: State Emergency Relief, MEAP and the Home Heating Credit are covered in our Michigan energy assistance guide.
• Cash help: MDHHS's cash assistance page covers the Family Independence Program and State Disability Assistance; our TANF cash assistance guide explains how TANF cash programs work.
• Food pantries: dial 211 or use Michigan 211 (opens in a new tab).
• Older adults: our help for seniors guide.

FAQ: MI Bridges and Michigan Food Stamps

How do I log in to MI Bridges?

Use Michigan.gov/MIBridges and sign in through MiLogin. Reset a forgotten password with "Forgot My Password?" and a forgotten ID with "Lookup your User ID."

What is the MI Bridges phone number?

1-844-799-9876 (TTY 1-833-285-5910), weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for portal problems. Bridge Card questions go to 1-888-678-8914.

What is the income limit for food stamps in Michigan for 2026-27?

Up to 200% of poverty for most households: $2,660 a month for one person and $5,500 for four. The benefit formula still decides whether you get anything.

Is there an asset limit for food stamps in Michigan?

Not for most groups since March 1, 2024. Only groups with certain disqualified members face a $3,000 limit.

When do Michigan food stamps get deposited?

Between the 3rd and 21st, by the last digit of your Individual Identification number.

What number do I call for my Michigan Bridge Card?

1-888-678-8914, any time. Use ebtEDGE to block out-of-state and online use.

Do SNAP work requirements apply in my Michigan county?

Yes, unless you live in one of 15 waived counties or six waived cities, or you qualify for an exemption.

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Sources

1. MI Bridges (opens in a new tab) and MI Bridges help center (opens in a new tab) - login, Help Desk, documents, renewals, community partners
2. MDHHS: Food Assistance (opens in a new tab) - FAP overview, chip-card notice
3. MDHHS: Food Assistance Eligibility (opens in a new tab) - asset rules
4. MDHHS RFT 250 (opens in a new tab), RFT 255 (opens in a new tab) and RFT 260 (opens in a new tab) - income limits, deductions, issuance table effective October 1, 2026
5. MDHHS: Payment (Bridge Card) (opens in a new tab), DHS-1143 payment schedule and Bridge Card fraud flyer
6. MDHHS: Work Requirements for Food Assistance (opens in a new tab) and Federal Changes to Medicaid and Food Assistance (opens in a new tab)
7. MDHHS: SNAP Payment Error Rate (opens in a new tab), Summer EBT (opens in a new tab) and Restaurant Meal Program (opens in a new tab)
8. Double Up Food Bucks: How It Works (opens in a new tab)
9. USDA: Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (opens in a new tab), SNAP Payment Error Rates (opens in a new tab), SNAP Data Tables (opens in a new tab), EBT Modernization (opens in a new tab) and Summer EBT participating areas (opens in a new tab)
10. USDA: SNAP Scam Alerts (opens in a new tab) and FTC: Government Grant Scams (opens in a new tab)
11. USAspending.gov award search (opens in a new tab) - Michigan's FY2025 obligations for Assistance Listings 10.551, 10.561 and 10.646