Citizenship Requirement 
A person must be a U.S. citizen or have an acceptable alien status to receive FAP. The alien status of each noncitizen requesting benefits must be evaluated.

Asset Limit 
Effective October 1, 2011 there is an asset limit for FAP groups. Certain assets such as checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposits are considered when determining eligibility for FAP.

Countable Income 
Most types of earned and unearned income are counted. Countable income is considered when determining the amount of FAP your family is eligible to receive. Some examples of countable income are:

• Wages.
• Self-employment earnings.
• Rental income.
• Child support.
• Social Security benefits.
• Veterans benefits.

Allowable Expenses 
Some household expenses are also taken into account when determining the FAP benefit amount. The obligation and amount of certain expenses must be verified. Examples of some of these expenses include:

• Shelter (rent, mortgage, heat, electric, water, telephone etc.).
• Court-ordered or legally obligated child support payments.
• Dependent care expenses for a child or is person with a disability.
• Medical (medical and dental care, hospitalization or nursing care, medical supplies, health insurance premiums etc.) for certain members who have a disability or are at least 60 years old.

Eligibility for Food Assistance 
Your family must meet certain eligibility requirements to receive FAP that are not outlined here.

To determine if you have potential income eligibility for FAP, a pre-screening tool Michigan Assistance and Referral Service (MARS) is available. You will be asked for information about your family and household that will help determine if you might qualify. To start the pre-screening process, you may go to MARS.

A Department of Human Service specialist can accurately determine your family's eligibility for FAP. An Assistance Application  is available online or at the DHS County Office  in your area. 

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