How Does One Qualify for a Michigan Bridge Card?
The Michigan Department of Human Services reviews an applicant’s residency, expenses, assets and income to determine eligibility for the Michigan Bridge card. Eligibility for the Michigan Bridge card is based on the financial situation of all members in a household. Individuals who live together and purchase food together are considered members of the same household.
To qualify for the Michigan Bridge card applicants must a be citizen or legal immigrant of the United States. Applicants also must live in Michigan to receive assistance.
Applicants for a Michigan Bridge card must have low income levels. Income requirements vary based on the size of the household. Prospective applicants qualify based on their total income measured against their home’s total expenses. The Michigan Department of Human Services excludes certain types of income, such as funds from school loans, work-study programs and the Earned Income Tax Credit.
The food asset limit imposed by the program is $5,000. Assets are defined as cash or any property owned by the household. Examples of assets include: investments, some trusts, property or real estate except the first home, cash, vehicle (a household is allowed one exempt vehicle) and checking and savings accounts.
Prospective applicants must also work at least 30 hours a week to be eligible for the Bridge card. To apply for the Michigan Bridge card, potential applicants should visit the Michigan Department of Human Services website.
