Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Michigan Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides supplemental income for purchasing food for low-income households. An eligible person or family receives Bridge card or an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is used like any other debit card at the grocery store. The card uses money from a SNAP account set up for the eligible person or family to pay for food items.

Quick Facts

Are College Students Eligible for SNAP?

Students attending an institution of higher education, like a college, university, trade school, or technical more than half-time are eligible for SNAP IF they meet an exemption AND meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements. You can ask your school what qualifies as “half-time.”

First, what are student exemptions?

COVID-19 Temporary Update

As of January 16, 2021, a student is exempt if they meet one of the qualifications: 1) They are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work study during the regular school year. You school determines if you are eligible for work study OR 2.) They have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 0 in the current academic year (based on the FASFA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

• Are under age 18 or are age 49 or older.
• Have a documented physical or mental disability.
• Work at least 20 hours a week in paid employment.
• Are eligible to participate in a state or federally financed work study program.
• Participate in an on-the-job training program.
• Care for a child under the age of 6.
• Care for a child age 6 (or 11 and lack the necessary child care.)
• Are a single parent enrolled full-time in college and taking care of a child under 12.
• Receive Family Independence Program (FIP) cash assistance benefits.
• Are enrolled in a Perkins Postsecondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program.
• Are assigned to, placed in, or self-placed in a college or other institution of higher education through:
  • A SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program;
  • Certain other E&T programs for low-income households, which are operated by a state or local government and have an equivalent component to SNAP E&T;
  • A program under Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA);
  • A Trade Adjustment Assistance Program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974.

  Second, What Are Income Requirements?

  This chart shows the gross monthly eligibility standard based on family size considering 130% of the Federal Poverty Line, or FPL. The FPL is set by the federal government each year is calculated centered on family size and income. FPL determines eligibility for many federal and state public programs.

  Household Size	Gross Monthly Income (130% of FPL)	Net Monthly Income (100% of FPL)
  1	$1,396	$1,074
  2	$1,888	$1,452
  3	$2,379	$1,830
  4	$2,871	$2,209
  5	$3,363	$2,587
  6	$3,855	$2,965
  7	$4,347	$3,344
  8	$4,839	$3,722
  Each Additional Member	+ $492	+ $379

  How Do I Apply?

  You don’t need to go to an office! You can apply online, and receive your EBT card in the mail.

  The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through MI Bridges at newmibridges.michigan.gov.

  If you are eligible, you will be able to access your SNAP benefits no later than 30 days from the date the office received your application. If you have very little or no income for the month and you need help right away, you may qualify for SNAP benefits within seven days.

  Where/How to Use

  SNAP benefits can only be used to buy food, and plants and seeds to grow food for your household to eat.

  You can use your EBT card to purchase food at any grocery store, farmers’ market, or online website that accepts SNAP like Aldi, Amazon, and Walmart.

  This page was last updated on October 12, 2021.

  Quick Facts

  Location Michigan Administering Program Name Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

  Outreach Organizations

  • Food Bank of Eastern Michigan assists individuals applying for SNAP. Food Bank of Eastern Michigan SNAP Specialist Hotline Numbers:
    Genesee County: (810) 931-3234
    Northern Region: (810) 730-0456
    Thumb Region: (810) 922-1781
    Central Region: (810) 931-1365
  • Greater Lansing Food Bank (GLFB) assists individuals applying for SNAP. Fill out this and someone from GLFB will reach out to you within two business days.