Application Guidelines

• Michigan residents are eligible for SNAP benefits if the household income does not meet a certain level. The level is determined after case workers review such things as the gross income of all adults in the household, which, because a household isn't always made up of relatives, is called a "food stamp group." Expenses such as child support payments are deducted from the household gross income. According to the Michigan food stamp website, it's possible to get food stamps if the household income is too low or its expenses are too high.
  
  

Emergency Benefits

• The normal food stamp application review can take as many as 30 days, but in an emergency situation, the process can take as few as seven days. An applicant for emergency food stamps must have less than $100 in cash or savings and a monthly income of $150 or less, or an income that does not cover housing costs. Seasonal workers between jobs are also eligible for emergency benefits.
  
  

Function

• SNAP benefits are issued through a "Bridge Card." The card is used just like a debit card. It can be used in states other than Michigan.
  
  

Allotment Amounts

• SNAP allotment depends on the applicant's income, expenses and household size. The maximum allotment amount for one person is $200 per month according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Maximum amounts increase by approximately $150 to $160 for each additional family member.