SNAP and food help for older adults in Michigan

Food Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) runs the Food Assistance Program.

Who qualifies

Michigan has special rules when someone in your group is a senior (60 or older), disabled, or a disabled veteran. MDHHS calls these "SDV" groups.

What this means for you

• Under 200% of poverty: if your household's gross income is at or below $2,660 a month for one person, MDHHS does not look at your savings at all.
• Over 200% of poverty: if someone in your group is 60 or older or disabled, you can still qualify. You skip the usual gross income test, but your net income must be under the limit and your countable assets must be $4,500 or less.
• Net income is what is left after the deductions the program allows. Ask MDHHS which of your costs count, and tell them about all your regular bills.

The income limits change each October 1.

Senior Project FRESH

Senior Project FRESH helps older adults buy fresh produce in summer. It is Michigan's version of the federal Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.

Who qualifies (2026 season)

• Age 60 or older, or 55 or older if you are a member of a federally recognized tribe in Michigan.
• Income at or below 185% of poverty: $29,526 a year for one person or $40,034 for two.

What you get

• At least $25 on an electronic card for the season.
• Use it from May 1 to October 31 at approved vendors.
• Unused money does not carry over to the next year.

How to apply

1. Sign up through the Healthy Together app or website.
2. If you need help, contact the local lead agency for your county. MDHHS lists them at Michigan.gov/MDHHS-SPF.
3. If money for your county runs out, you are put on a waiting list.

The 2026 season ends October 31, 2026. Watch for 2027 sign-up in the spring.

How to apply for the Food Assistance Program

1. Online: NewMiBridges.Michigan.gov. You can apply for food, health care and other help in one application.
2. On paper: use form MDHHS-1171, Assistance Application. Get it from your local MDHHS office or michigan.gov and return it there.
3. Answer letters quickly. MDHHS will tell you what proof it needs, such as proof of income. Send it by the date on the letter.

The same application (MI Bridges or MDHHS-1171) also works for Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Programs. In Michigan, these programs can pay your Medicare Part B premium if your income is up to about $1,816 a month for one person and your assets are under $9,950. Getting one gives you Extra Help with drug costs too.

After you apply

• Report changes as your notice tells you.
• Renew when MDHHS asks, so your benefits do not stop.
• Appeal: you have 90 days from the date of the notice to ask for a hearing. For food assistance you can ask out loud, as well as in writing; MDHHS then fills out the Request for Hearing (DHS-18) for you. To keep your benefits at the old level while you wait, your request must reach your local MDHHS office within 10 days of the notice date.

Things people miss

• Being over 200% of poverty does not rule you out if you are 60 or older.
• Senior Project FRESH money can run out. If your county's funds are used up, you go on a wait list, so sign up early in the season.
• Senior Project FRESH money does not roll over. Use it by October 31.
• One application, several programs. MI Bridges can check you for food, health care and help with Medicare costs at once.

Free help

• MDHHS Beneficiary Help Line: 1-800-642-3195.
• Area Agencies on Aging can help with home-delivered and group meals. Find yours through the Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov.
• MI Options: 1-800-803-7174, free counseling on Medicare and benefits.

See also all benefits in Michigan.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Michigan agencies

Check what you may qualify for