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The Application and Application Rights
The Application and Application Rights
You must complete and submit an application to determine if you are able to receive help with assistance such as food, Medicaid, child care, temporary cash, an emergency, etc., through MDHHS. When you submit an application, you may need to provide information about all of the members in your household.
The best way to determine eligibility and apply is online using MI Bridges.
To view or print a paper application, go to Forms/Applications. Application(s) may be hand delivered, mailed or faxed to our local office.
DHS can assist you if you need help filling out the application or need someone to read the application to you. You may pick up an application during regular business hours without an appointment.
If you are unable to come into the office to complete an application because of a disability, you may contact your local MDHHS Office to request that someone come to your home to help you complete one.
Whenever possible, a MDHHS specialist will meet with you on the same day your application is turned in (not all programs require interviews). Because the specialist may also be seeing people who have appointments before new applicants, you might have to wait before being interviewed.
Application Rights
You have the right to file an assistance application at any time. While many applications are approved or denied before the listed deadlines, legally your application must be approved or denied by MDHHS within the following number of days:Program | Approval Time Limit |
Family Independence Program | 45 Days |
State Disability Assistance | 60 Days |
Adult Medical Program | 45 Days |
State Emergency Relief | 10 Days |
Food Assistance Program | 30 Days |
Expedited Food Assistance Program | 7 Days |
Medical Assistance | 45 Days (disability-related time limit is 90 days) |
Refugee Assistance Program (Cash Assistance) | 30 Days |
Refugee Assistance Program (Medical Aid) | 45 Days |
Repatriate Assistance Program | 45 Days |
Child Development and Care | 45 Days |