Where to Start: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

A Bridge Card is Michigan's name for the SNAP benefit card (food information). To explore, you contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), not a separate food program office. You have three ways to start: online through MiBridges, by phone, or in person at your local MDHHS office.

The online route through MiBridges is fastest if you have a computer and your documents ready. The phone line is 1-855-275-6424, and staff can walk you through what you need before you visit. If you prefer to explore in person, find your local office by entering your zip code at michigan.gov/mdhhs.

Whichever method you choose, have your Social Security number, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency (utility bill or lease) within arm's reach before you start. The process moves faster when you have these documents ready.

Key Takeaways

  • explore through MiBridges online, by calling 1-855-275-6424, or at your local MDHHS office—all three routes lead to the same program.
  • Gather your Social Security number, recent pay stubs or income proof, and a utility bill or lease showing your current address before you explore.
  • The online process through MiBridges typically processes faster than phone or in-person, often within two to three weeks.
  • After you submit, MDHHS will contact you by phone or mail to ask follow-up questions or request additional documents.
  • Once approved, your Bridge Card arrives by mail within seven to ten business days and works when ready at any store that accepts SNAP.

explore Online Through MiBridges

Go to mibridges.michigan.gov and select "explore for Benefits." You will create a login account with an email and password, then answer questions about your household size, income, and expenses. The system asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and the names and ages of anyone living with you.

When the form asks about income, enter what you earned in the last 30 days. If you are self-employed or your income varies, use an average from the past three months. The system will also ask whether you pay rent, utilities, or childcare—answer honestly, because these expenses can increase the amount you receive.

Upload or photograph your documents directly in MiBridges: a recent pay stub, a utility bill, and your lease or mortgage statement. Make sure the documents are clear and show your name and current address. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot—you will need it if MDHHS contacts you with questions.

explore by Phone or In Person

If you call 1-855-275-6424, a caseworker will ask the same questions as the online form: household size, income, expenses, and residency. Have your documents nearby so you can read information directly from them. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. At the end, the caseworker will tell you what documents to mail or bring in, and when to expect a decision.

To explore in person, visit your local MDHHS office with your documents in hand. Bring originals or clear copies of your pay stub, utility bill, and lease. You may wait 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. A caseworker will review your documents on the spot and tell you whether anything is missing. If everything is complete, they will submit your process that day.

In-person applications sometimes process slightly faster because the caseworker can verify your documents when ready and ask clarifying questions face-to-face. However, online applications are often faster overall because you avoid office wait times.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

MDHHS has up to 30 days to make a decision, but most applications are processed within two to three weeks. During that time, a caseworker may call or mail you asking for more information—for example, proof that you live at your address, or clarification about your income. Respond as quickly as you can, because delays in sending documents can push your decision date back.

If you are approved, your Bridge Card will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days. The card works when ready at any grocery store, farmers market, or other retailer that accepts SNAP. Your benefits are loaded onto the card automatically each month on a set date (usually the first through the tenth, depending on your case number).

If you are denied, the letter will explain why. Common reasons include income above the limit for your household size, or missing documents. You can reapply at any time, and if you gather the missing documents, your next process may be approved.

Documents You Will Need

Proof of income is the document MDHHS checks first. A recent pay stub (from the last 30 days) works best. If you do not have a pay stub, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and hourly wage or salary. Self-employed people should bring tax returns from the past two years or a profit-and-loss statement.

Proof of residency must show your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days is ideal. A lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill also works. If you are homeless or staying with someone temporarily, ask your caseworker what documents they can accept instead.

You will also need your Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of anyone in your household. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a birth certificate or passport. MDHHS can sometimes proceed without a card if you provide other identification, but having the number ready speeds things up.

Common Mistakes That Slow Down Your process

The most frequent delay is submitting documents that are too old or unclear. A pay stub must be from the last 30 days; if you submit one from two months ago, MDHHS will ask for a newer one. Utility bills must be dated within 60 days. If your documents are photocopied or photographed, make sure the text is readable—blurry images get rejected and sent back.

Another common mistake is not listing all household members. If you live with a spouse, adult children, or anyone else who shares food and money with you, they must be listed on your process. Leaving someone out can result in a lower benefit amount or a denial, because MDHHS calculates benefits based on household size.

Do not round or estimate your income. If you earned $1,847 last month, write $1,847, not $1,800 or $1,900. Caseworkers verify income against tax records and employer reports, so inaccurate numbers trigger additional questions and delays.

What to Do If You Do Not Hear Back

If 30 days have passed and you have not received a decision or a call asking for more documents, contact your local MDHHS office or call 1-855-275-6424 again. Have your confirmation number or process date ready. A caseworker can look up your case and tell you exactly where it stands—whether it is waiting for documents, under review, or approved.

If documents were requested and you sent them, ask the caseworker to confirm they received them. Sometimes mail gets lost or misfiled. If the caseworker says they never got your documents, ask whether you can email them, fax them, or bring them in person to speed things up.

If your process was denied and you believe the decision was wrong, you have the right to request a hearing. The denial letter will explain how to ask for one. You have 40 days from the date on the letter to request a hearing, so do not wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen (such as a lawful permanent resident or refugee). Bring your passport, green card, or naturalization papers when you explore. If you are unsure whether you may have access to, ask the caseworker during your process—they can tell you based on your immigration status.

How much will I receive each month?

The amount depends on your household size and income. A single person with no income may receive around $250 per month, while a family of four with low income might receive $600 to $800. MDHHS will tell you the exact amount when you are approved. The amount can change if your income or household size changes.

What if I am working but still have low income?

You can still explore. MDHHS counts your gross income (before taxes), so even part-time or seasonal work may not disqualify you. Bring all your pay stubs from the past month, and list any other income (child support, unemployment, disability). The caseworker will calculate whether you are within the income limit.

Can I explore if I am homeless?

Yes. You do not need a permanent address to explore for a Bridge Card. If you are staying in a shelter, use the shelter's address. If you are sleeping outside or moving between places, tell the caseworker your situation—they can accept alternative documents or a mailing address where you can receive your card.

How long does it take to get my card after I am approved?

Your Bridge Card arrives by mail within seven to ten business days after approval. You can use it as soon as it arrives. If you need food before the card arrives, ask your caseworker about emergency benefits—some situations may have access to for a temporary card or expedited processing.