Copyright WDIV ClickOnDetroit
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will receive partial benefits in November due to limited federal funding caused by the federal government shutdown. It was announced on Wednesday (Nov. 5) that starting Saturday, Nov. 8, SNAP recipients who normally receive benefits on the third, fifth, or seventh of the month will get approximately 50% of their usual allotment. All other recipients will receive partial benefits on their regular scheduled dates. The partial benefits will be funded by SNAP contingency funds, covering about half of the $9.2 billion in monthly SNAP costs nationwide. Previously, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) had directed MDHHS to hold November SNAP issuance until further notice. New SNAP applications submitted in October and November will still be processed, but it remains unclear whether applicants will receive benefits this month, as MDHHS awaits further USDA guidance. Pending court proceedings may also affect November SNAP payments. To help address food insecurity amid the shutdown, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced $4.5 million in state funding to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. The funding supports food distribution across all 83 counties and delivery services for those unable to visit food banks. Additional state efforts include continuing the Double Up Food Bucks program, which helps families buy fresh fruits and vegetables; supporting Hunters Feeding Families, which provides venison and fresh game; and providing free breakfast and lunch to all 1.4 million public school students. SNAP recipients with questions can contact their local MDHHS office or check MI Bridges for updates. Additional resources include: Dialing 2-1-1 or visiting mi211.org for confidential assistance and referrals to food programs Visiting the Food Bank Council of Michigan website for food bank locations and hunger relief information Calling the Double Up Food Bucks hotline at 866-586-2796, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program matches SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables and is expanding access through Dec. 31. In fiscal year 2024, the average SNAP household in Michigan received $335.03 per month, about $5.68 per person per day. SNAP supports nearly half a million children, thousands of veterans, older adults, and households with disabilities. Over 9,700 retailers statewide accept SNAP benefits. To qualify for SNAP in Michigan, applicants must be U.S. citizens or have acceptable non-citizen status and live in Michigan. Eligibility depends on household income, expenses, and assets, including rent, utilities, child support, and medical costs for seniors or individuals with disabilities.
