Are you looking how to apply for food stamps in Michigan? Food stamps assistance can provide valuable nutritional assistance if you are having a hard time making ends meet. Look into food stamps assistance for the benefit of your family.

The Michigan food stamp program, known as the Food Assistance Program (FAP) is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.http://www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,1607,7-124-5453_5527-21832--,00.html Food stamps are usually given to low income families who are struggling to buy nutritious foods for their family. Assistance is given in the form of food vouchers for fresh foods, vegetables, meats, dairy items and seeds or plants for you to plant your own garden. http://www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,1607,7-124-5453_5527-21832--,00.html

In order to apply for food stamps in Michigan, you should evaluate your current financial situation to see if you qualify. Even if you think you are over the gross household income requirements, you may have some pre-qualified factors that could allow you to qualify. The best bet, if you are struggling, is to submit your application because all you will lose is your time. If one member of your family is pregnant, the unborn child is counted as a member of your family for calculating household income.

Requirements for food stamps in Michigan include:

1. U.S. citizen or qualified aliens
2. Gross household income under:
   1. Family of 1: $1,174 Monthly
   2. Family of 2: $1,579 Monthly
   3. Family of 3: $1,984 Monthly
   4. Family of 4: $2,389 Monthlyhttp://www.fns.usda.gov/FSP/applicant_recipients/eligibility.htm
3. Less than $2,000 available assets (or $3,000 for individuals age 60 and over or disabled individuals)
4. Resident of Michiganhttp://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/applicant_recipients/fs_Res_Ben_Elig.htm

To make the process simpler, Michigan offers a pre-screening tool online at the Michigan Assistance and Referral Service (MARS) website that helps you review your eligibility. The form is not an application, only a tool to help you know if you should apply for food stamps assistance.

All applications for food stamps are made at the Department of Human Services (DHS). A DHS worker will take your financial and situational information and help you fill out an application form. You can also download an Assistance application from the Department of Humans Service’s website to help speed up the process and make sure you have all required application information.

Call your local DHS location to find out their application process. Some locations prefer appointments to keep wait times lower, while others only accept walk in applicants. Take copies of all your financial documents such as your water and power bills, rent bill, pay stubs, ongoing medical expenses and child care costs. These documents are usually required before any food stamps application is approved, so if you present them while you apply, your application may be finalized quicker.

When working through your application for food stamps, be sure to ask about other government assistance programs such as WIC, power bill assistance or housing vouchers that may apply to your situation. DHS officers can help you start the application process for other programs, or let you know where to go and what to do for further assistance.

After you apply for food stamps, you will be notified of your acceptance or denial for the program, typically by mail. If you are granted assistance, you will be given food vouchers based on your household financial situation. If you are denied, you can reapply if your situation changes. If you are accepted, take the time to understand all of your benefits and the restrictions on food vouchers. Understanding your benefits, time restrictions for use and policies can ensure you receive the maximum benefits from your food stamps.

These food vouchers can be used for:

1. Cereals and breads
2. Vegetables and Fruits
3. Fish, Poultry, Meat
4. Dairy Items
5. Seeds and Plants for a garden

You cannot use your food vouchers for:

1. Alcohol or Tobacco
2. Pet Food
3. Non-food items
4. Medicine
5. Vitamins
6. Prepared foods

Usually, the food stamp vouchers are customized based on the needs of your family. The benefits are loaded onto an electronic card that looks like a debit card that you can use discretely at your local supermarket. Be sure to know which items are acceptable and which items are not. Some grocery stores clearly mark food stamp approved items to make shopping easier. Any items in your cart that are not approved, will require a separate payment apart from your food stamp debit card.