Special SNAP Services in Michigan

Michigan provides special SNAP services for residents facing unique circumstances, such as emergencies or disasters. These programs offer expedited benefits, restaurant meals, and online purchasing options for eligible households.

Expedited Food Assistance Program (Emergency SNAP)

This program helps households in a severe food crisis receive benefits within seven days, avoiding the standard 30-day wait. It is designed for those with immediate food needs and very limited financial resources.

You may qualify if your household is homeless or if you are a migrant or seasonal farmworker with less than $100. Eligibility also extends to households with a gross monthly income of $150 or less and under $100 in savings, as noted in the food assistance overview.

Alternatively, you can qualify if your combined income and savings are less than your monthly rent or mortgage plus utility costs. To apply, submit a standard Food Assistance Program application and inform the worker of your emergency. No separate form is needed for expedited service.

Disaster Food Assistance (D-SNAP or Replacement Waivers)

Disaster Food Assistance offers temporary benefits to households affected by officially declared disasters. It also helps existing SNAP recipients replace food lost due to events like severe storms or power outages.

Eligibility is limited to households in designated disaster counties. Current SNAP recipients can get replacement benefits, while new applicants must meet special disaster-related income and resource rules set by the USDA.

When a disaster is declared, MDHHS announces application dates and locations. Current recipients report their food loss to MDHHS, while new applicants can apply at a D-SNAP site or by phone as instructed in disaster assistance notices.

Restaurant Meal Program (RMP)

The Restaurant Meal Program exists to ensure vulnerable groups can access hot, prepared food. It allows individuals who cannot safely prepare their own meals to use their benefits at approved restaurants.

Eligibility is for SNAP recipients who are elderly (age 60 or older), have a disability, or are experiencing homelessness. The recipient's spouse is also eligible. Every member of the household must meet one of these criteria.

No separate application is required. If your household is eligible, you can use your Bridge Card at participating establishments. A list of approved restaurants is available online.

SNAP Online Purchasing

To improve grocery access for people with transportation or health challenges, Michigan allows SNAP benefits to be used for online purchases. This program helps households buy food from major retailers without leaving home.

All SNAP recipients in Michigan are eligible to participate. The program is available through retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Earth Fare, and ALDI. More details are available on the MDHHS food assistance page.

No special enrollment is needed. Simply shop on a participating retailer’s website or app and select “EBT” at checkout. You will need to enter your Bridge Card number to complete the food purchase.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Michigan

Once you are approved for SNAP, knowing how to use your benefits is the next step. This includes understanding what you can buy and where you can shop.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and use your SNAP benefits. It functions much like a debit card, holding your monthly food assistance funds electronically. This system replaces older paper food stamps with a more secure and convenient plastic card.

To use it, you swipe the card at the checkout terminal of an authorized store. You will then enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete the purchase. The amount is deducted directly from your SNAP account balance, just like a debit transaction.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your EBT card is for purchasing groceries that you prepare and eat at home. The program covers most staple food items, helping you and your household access nutritious meals. These benefits are designed to supplement your food budget and improve food security.

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants that produce food

It is also important to know the restrictions. SNAP benefits cannot be used for non-food items or certain types of prepared foods. Being aware of these rules ensures your transactions are approved and your benefits are used as intended for eligible food purchases.

• Alcohol, beer, wine, or tobacco

• Hot foods prepared for immediate consumption

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Non-food products like cleaning supplies, pet food, or cosmetics

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

Your EBT card is accepted at most authorized retailers, including major grocery stores, supermarkets, and many corner stores. You can identify participating locations by looking for a sign in the window or at the checkout that indicates they accept EBT for payment.

Many farmers’ markets across Michigan also accept EBT, providing access to fresh, local foods. Your benefits can also be used for online grocery orders from participating retailers like Amazon and Walmart, allowing you to have food delivered directly to your home.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

With the Benny app, you can make your budget go further by earning cash back on everyday spending. You get money back on groceries from retailers like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. The app also provides rewards when you use services such as Uber and Lyft for transportation.

Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.