South Michigan News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has instructed its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) vendor to resume issuing full SNAP payments for November. This move comes after a period when payments were disrupted following a request from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

According to MDHHS, SNAP recipients who typically receive their benefits on the ninth day of the month should expect their full allotment within 48 hours. Those scheduled for other dates will get their benefits as usual. Recipients with payment dates on the third, fifth, and seventh have already received their funds.

Elizabeth Hertel, director of MDHHS, stated, “We are glad to be able to provide assistance to Michigan families to help them put food on the table. The uncertainty, confusion, and frustration caused by the USDA’s request to block SNAP payments for the more than one million Michigan residents who rely on food assistance has been unfair, and in Michigan, we will continue to do everything we can to help those affected.”

SNAP recipients are advised to contact their local MDHHS office with questions or check MI Bridges for updates.

In response to ongoing needs during the federal government shutdown, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced $4.5 million in state funding for the Food Bank Council of Michigan. This funding aims to support hunger relief efforts across all 83 counties in Michigan and includes provisions for food delivery services for residents unable to travel.

Governor Whitmer also led a coalition of governors urging the Trump Administration not to disrupt SNAP services during the shutdown.

Other measures taken by state agencies include maintaining programs such as Double Up Food Bucks—which matches SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables—supporting Hunters Feeding Families that distributes venison and other game meat, and ensuring free breakfast and lunch remain available for all 1.4 million public school students in Michigan.

Residents seeking additional resources can dial 2-1-1 or visit www.mi211.org for confidential referrals or find local food banks through the Food Bank Council of Michigan website. The Double Up Food Bucks program hotline is available at 866-586-2796 during business hours; expanded access continues through December 31 so families can increase savings on Double Up cards at participating locations listed at DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/find-a-location.

Data from fiscal year 2024 shows that an average SNAP household in Michigan received $335.03 per month—about $173 per person monthly or $5.68 daily per person. Households with lower incomes receive higher benefit amounts due to greater need.

Currently, there are over 492,000 children benefiting from SNAP in Michigan along with more than 38,000 veterans participating in the program. Of all households receiving SNAP: 36% include older adults; 43% have children; 51% have a member with a disability; and 78% include someone with earned income.

More than 9,700 retailers across Michigan accept SNAP benefits; these retailers redeemed over $3.6 billion in benefits last year.

Eligibility requirements stipulate that applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold acceptable non-citizen status and reside in Michigan. Financial eligibility is determined by considering household income as well as expenses such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, child support obligations, dependent care costs—and medical expenses for seniors or people with disabilities.