You need help filling out the application
DHS must provide help with the application, including interpretation, if you ask.
You are discouraged from applying or told you won’t be eligible
Apply on paper. DHS must allow persons to apply for Food Stamps the same day they come to the DHS office.
You are told that you need to verify your address and income
A permanent address is NOT required. You do not even have to be a Michigan resident (as long as you aren’t receiving Food Stamps in another state). If your application alone shows that you are eligible for expedited Food Stamps, DHS must give you Food Stamps within 7 days even if you don’t have all the papers and proof of income that DHS wants. You will, however, have to provide DHS with all of this information in order to receive Food Stamps after your first issuance.
You are unable to go to the DHS office for an interview
You must be allowed to send an authorized representative or DHS must interview you over the telephone or at your home.
Your application is delayed
Applications must be processed within 7 days for expedited Food Stamps and 30 days for regular Food Stamps. If your application is delayed beyond these timelines, follow up with you caseworker or your caseworker’s supervisor. If necessary, request a hearing and seek legal assistance.
You are told that your assets or income are too high
Food Stamp income and asset rules have changed. Many people who previously were not eligible for Food Stamps may now be eligible. Calculate a budget for yourself, taking into account all of the deductions that apply to your household. (Click here to go to our online Food Stamp Calculator.) If you believe you are eligible, reapply for Food Stamps or request a hearing.
You spend money on medical and childcare expenses
Be sure your Food Stamp budget takes into account all of the deductions that apply to your household. You may also qualify for Medicaid, MIChild or other health care programs, as well as Child Day Care assistance from the state.
You don’t have a reliable ride to work
A lack of reliable transportation is “good cause” for quitting, refusing or reducing work.
You lost your Food Stamps because you started working
Calculate a budget, making sure to take into consideration all of the deductions that apply to your household. (Click here to go to our online Food Stamp Calculator.) If your budget shows that you should be eligible for Food Stamps, you can contact your caseworker, reapply for Food Stamps, request a hearing, and/or contact your local Legal Services office.
You have received notice that your Food Stamps will be reduced or stopped, but it hasn’t happened yet
Request a hearing. If the request is made within 11 days before the effective date of change, your Food Stamps will continue until your hearing. Seek legal advice.
Your Food Stamps have already been reduced or stopped
In general, if your Food Stamps have been reduced or stopped within the past 90 days (3 months) and you don’t think they should have been, request a hearing and seek legal advice. If more than 90 days have passed, reapply for Food Stamps.
Your Food Stamps stopped because you are a time-limited Food Stamp recipient and you used up your 3 months of eligibility
First, find out if the 3-month rule applies to you. Some people are deferred from this rule and should not have the time limit applied to them. If you aren’t deferred from the 3-month rule, find out if you have used up your 3 months:
-If you have received 3 months of Food Stamps without filling the work requirement during the current 36-month period, begin participating in a work activity to become eligible for Food Stamps again.
-If you have not received 3 months of Food Stamps within the current 36-month period you should be able to receive additional months of benefits.
If you lost your Food Stamps within the past 90 days and you don’t think the decision was correct, you can request a hearing and seek legal advice.
You have been accused of fraud or an Intentional Program Violation (IPV)
Seek legal advice immediately! Do not sign any forms or agreements or attend any meetings about the IPV until you have legal representation.
You have been denied Food Stamps
Calculate a budget. If you don’t think you should have been denied Food Stamps, you can request a hearing and seek legal advice, or reapply if your circumstances have changed since you were denied. (Click here to go to our online Food Stamp Calculator.)
Information Not Legal Advice. This web site has been prepared for general information purposes only. The information on this web site is not legal advice. Legal advice is dependent upon the specific circumstances of each situation.