us-mi/manual/mdhhs/bridges

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us-mi/manual/mdhhs/bridges — Axiom

(bam)(105)Michigan Bridges Administrative Manual: BAM 105 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES#

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BAM 105 1 of 20 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES BPB 2026-016 7-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

DEPARTMENT POLICY All Programs Clients have rights and responsibilities as specified in this item. The local office must do all of the following: • Determine eligibility. • Calculate the level of benefits. • Protect client rights. CLIENT RIGHTS

Right to Apply All Programs On the same day a person comes to the local office, a person has the right to file an application and get local office help to provide the minimum information for filing. An application or filing form, whether faxed, mailed or received from the internet must be registered with the receipt date, if it contains at least the following information: • Name of the applicant. • Birth date of the applicant (not required for the Food Assistance Program (FAP) or the Child Development and Care (CDC) program). • Address of the applicant (unless homeless). • Signature of the applicant/authorized representative. An application/filing form with the minimum information listed above must be registered in Bridges using the receipt date as the applica- tion date even if it does not contain enough information needed to determine eligibility; see Bridges Administrative Manual (BAM) 110, Application Filing and Registration. If an application/filing form does not contain the minimum informa- tion listed above, send it back to the client along with a DHS-330, Notice of Missing Information, informing the client of the missing information.

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Rules

mi_ssp_eligible

Derived

source: BEM 660, State SSI Payment

- name: mi_ssp_eligible
  kind: derived
  entity: Person
  dtype: Judgment
  period: Month
  source: BEM 660, State SSI Payment
  metadata:
    proof:
      atoms:
        - path: versions[0].formula
          kind: condition
          source:
            corpus_citation_path: us-mi/manual/mdhhs/bridges/bem/660
            excerpt: issues the State SSI Payment (SSP) to SSI recipients
        - path: versions[0].formula
          kind: condition
          source:
            corpus_citation_path: us-mi/manual/mdhhs/bridges/bem/660
            excerpt: Independent living. Household of another.
        - path: versions[0].formula
          kind: condition
          source:
            corpus_citation_path: us-mi/manual/mdhhs/bridges/bem/660
            excerpt: >-
              Payments are made for only those months the recipient received a regular first of the
              month federal benefit.
        - path: versions[0].formula
          kind: exception
          source:
            corpus_citation_path: us-mi/manual/mdhhs/bridges/bem/660
            excerpt: SSPs are not issued for retroactive or supplemental federal benefits.
        - path: versions[0].formula
          kind: exception
          source:
            corpus_citation_path: us-mi/manual/mdhhs/bridges/bem/660
            excerpt: SSPs are not issued for 1619 Recipients.
  versions:
    - effective_from: '2021-10-01'
      formula: |-
        person_is_ssi_recipient
        and (person_lives_independently or person_lives_in_household_of_another)
        and person_received_regular_first_of_month_federal_ssi_benefit
        and not person_received_only_retroactive_or_supplemental_federal_ssi_benefit
        and not person_is_1619_recipient

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BAM 105 5 of 20 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES BPB 2026-016 7-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, or by mail or phone at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, SW Room 509F, HHH Building Washington, D.C. 20201 1-800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD) FAP US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nondiscrimination Statement In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (such as Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling 833-620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to one of the following mail: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA

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BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

See BAM 220, Case Actions for processing reported changes. Other changes must be reported within 10 days after the client is aware of them. These include, but are not limited to, changes in: • Persons in the home. • Marital status. • Address and shelter cost changes that result from the move. For FAP, a change in the group's shelter expense amount without a change in residence, is not a reporting requirement. • Vehicles. (Not required for FAP.) • Assets. • Child support expenses paid. (Not required for FAP.) • Health or hospital coverage and premiums. (Not required for FAP. • Dependent care expenses. (Not required for FAP.) Exception: For FIP only, a parent or other FIP caretaker must notify the department of a child’s absence from the home within five days of the date it becomes clear to the caretaker that the child will be absent for 30 days or more and does not meet temporary absence requirements. For FAP only, see Estimated Medical Expenses, in BEM 554, FAP Allowable Expenses And Expense Budgeting for reporting requirements of medical expenses. Additionally, asset changes are only required for non-categorically eligible FAP groups. For Time-Limited Food Assistance (TLFA) only, the individual must report to the specialist any month the work requirement is not fulfilled. Explain reporting requirements to all clients at application, redeter- mination and when discussing changes in circumstances. Changes may be reported in person, by mail, Mi Bridges or by telephone. The DHS-2240, Change Report Form, may be used by clients to report changes. However, it is not mandatory that changes be reported on the DHS-2240. Changes must be reported timely even if the client does not have a DHS-2240. Give or send the client a DHS-2240: • At application (Bridges automatically sends at certification).

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BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

• DHS Pub. 521, Your Rights and Responsibilities in the Food Assistance Program. • DHS Pub. 716, Expedited Food Assistance Benefits. • DHS Pub. 765, Right to Apply. • Pub. AD475B, And Justice for All. • DHS Pub. 788, Home Heating Credit Notice. Note: While not mandatory, many of these posters are also available in other languages. Local offices are expected to display these versions as well as the mandatory English version. Assisting the Client All Programs The local office must assist clients who ask for help in completing forms, gathering verifications, and/or understanding written correspondence sent from the department. Particular sensitivity must be shown to clients who are illiterate, disabled or not fluent in English. Note: If such assistance requires interpreter services and the local office is unable to identify an interpreter service provider, please escalate the request to your county's business service center and they will provide guidance on how to assist the client. The poster, DHS Publication 765, Applying for Assistance, must be displayed in the local office lobby. The front page of the application form covers the same information. These documents tell clients that MDHHS must help persons fill out the application when requested. Interpretation The department will provide appropriate interpreters to persons with limited English proficiency (LEP) to afford such persons an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from MDHHS programs and services. The department and its contracted service providers will take reasonable steps to provide services and information in appropriate languages to ensure that LEP individuals are effectively informed, notified of their rights and responsibilities and can effectively participate in and benefit from MDHHS programs, services and activities.

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BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

The provisions described in this policy apply to all MDHHS programs, contract service providers, and sub-recipients who provide direct services to MDHHS clients. Language interpreters will be available for use by clients and applicants in each phase of the service delivery process (for example, telephone inquiries, intake interviews, service delivery, complaints, etc.) Use of Interpreters The following procedures are to be followed by employees, contracted service providers, and sub-recipients to ensure accessibility of programs and services to clients or applicants with LEP: • Assess the need for an interpreter and client's preferred language or method of communication from the application, client statement, family members or other representative. • Interpreters will be provided within two days of a request or as otherwise required. Delaying services may not always be practical or appropriate; therefore, provision will be made when advance notice for an auxiliary aid or interpreter is not given. Client files must be documented to indicate if an interpreter is needed. If so documented, the department or provider will arrange to have the interpreter available for all scheduled appointments. When the department refers a LEP client to a service provider, the department will notify the service provider that an interpreter is needed. • Record the need for special language accommodations and the applicant’s primary spoken and written language on the Household Information screen in Bridges. A client who needs a bilingual interpreter must be informed that he may choose one of the following: • Arrangements for an interpreter by MDHHS, including payment of any costs. • Use of their own adult interpreter. Note: While MDHHS should honor client preference, MDHHS staff can and should use discretion and evaluate the appropriateness of using the family member or other client selection. MDHHS staff should consider the individual's competency for interpretation, potential conflict of interest, confidentiality, and any potential signs

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BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Review the effect on eligibility whenever the client reports a change in circumstances. Actions must be completed within the time period specified in BAM 220. At application and redetermination, thoroughly review all eligibility factors in the case. At application, redetermination, semi-annual contact and mid-cert contact, check all available automated systems matches to see if income has started, stopped, or changed (for example: consolidated inquiry (CI), SOLQ, etc.). Note: Equifax Verification Services (formerly known as The Work Number) is not an automated system match which must be checked at application, redetermination, semi-annual or mid- certification contact. The client has primary responsibility for obtaining verification. However, if, for example, verification of income is not available because the employer uses Equifax Verification Services and won’t provide the employment information, it is appropriate to use Equifax Verification Services. FAP Only If the income information reported by Equifax differs from what the individual reported, verification must be requested or a documented discussion with the individual must be completed. Do not deny or terminate assistance because an employer or other source refuses to verify income; see BAM 130 and BEM 702. Do not check automated systems matches for the program Children Under 19 (U19). Refer to appropriate BEM items for information. CDC Only It is required that the One-Stop Management Information System, (OSMIS), be checked for approved hours of participation at application and redetermination. Application and redeterminations must be completed within the standards of promptness; see BAM 115 and BAM 210. Bridges records and documents each eligibility determination for which there is a certified approval or denial on the Bridges certification screen. Upon certification, Bridges automatically sends a notice of case action, informing the client of the decision.

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BAM 110 6 of 28 APPLICATION FILING AND REGISTRATION BPB 2025-003 1-1-2025

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Electronically Filed Applications All Programs Electronically filed applications include all applications filed online in MI Bridges, faxed, or emailed. FIP, SDA, RCA, CDC, FAP If the application is filed electronically after close of business (such as weekends, holidays, or after 5 p.m. EST on business days), the date of application is the following business day. Medicaid Only For applications filed electronically, the date of the application is the submission date regardless of the time received. Date of Application for Member Add FIP and RCA The date of application or online change request for a member add depends on whether the member being added is a mandatory, optional, or disqualified member. Mandatory Group Members - The date of application or online change request is the date the person updates or completes the application form to request assistance; see Date of Application in this item. Conduct a telephone or in-person interview with the adult member add. Update, document and answer all questions on the application form to provide the information necessary to determine eligibility. The specialist must ask when the person joined the group and document the date on the application. Have the adult mandatory group member sign the DHS-1173, Cash Assistance Rights and Responsibilities, and DHS-1538, Work and Self-Sufficiency Rules. Do not approve eligibility until the DHS-1173 and DHS-1538 are signed. For dependent child member adds, obtain the information needed to determine eligibility and document the case record. The client need not sign the updated application. • Optional Group Members - The date of application or online change request is the date the person updates or completes the application form to request assistance; see Date of Application in this item. If the optional adult group member requests FIP, the DHS-1173 and DHS-1538 must be signed and returned before eligibility can be approved.

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BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

• Disqualified Group Members - The date of application or online change request is the date the person meets the eligibility factor or agrees to cooperate, provided they subsequently cooperate with the requirement that caused the disqualification; see Date of Application in this item. A disqualified person remains a member of the applicant group during the disqualification period. Do not approve eligibility of the disqualified adult group member until the DHS-1173 and DHS-1538 are signed and returned.

Exception: An individual disqualified for non-citizen status does not require a signed DHS-1538. SDA Only The date of application or online change request for a member add depends on whether the member being added is a mandatory or disqualified member. • Mandatory Group Members - The date of application or online change request is the date the person updates or completes the application form to request assistance; see Date of Application in this item. Conduct an interview with the adult member add and update and complete the application to provide the information necessary to determine eligibility. Ask when the person joined the group and document the date on the application. Have the adult mandatory group member sign the MDHHS-1171 or DHS-1173. Do not approve eligibility until the MDHHS-1171 or the DHS-1173 are signed. • Disqualified Group Members - The date of application or online change request is the date the individual meets the eligi- bility factor or agrees to cooperate, provided the individual sub- sequently cooperates with the requirement that caused the disqualification; see Date of Application in this item. A disquali- fied individual remains a member of the applicant group during the disqualification period. Do not certify eligibility of the dis- qualified adult group member until the MDHHS-1171 or DHS- 1173 are signed. CDC Only See BAM 220 Case Actions for CDC member adds.

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BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Exception: When the AR is an SATC or Adult Foster Care (AFC) Home, the facility is responsible for such an overissuance. Medicaid Only Application may be made on behalf of a client by their spouse, parent, legal guardian, adult child, stepchild, core relative or any other person provided the person is at least age 18 or married. If this person is not a spouse, parent, legal guardian, adult child, stepchild, or core relative, the person must have authorization to act on behalf of the client, by the client, client’s spouse, parent(s) or legal guardian. The application form must be signed by the client or the individual acting as their authorized representative. When an assistance application is received in the local office without the applicant’s signature or without a signed document authorizing someone to act on the applicant’s behalf you must do the following: • Register the application as a request if it contains a signature. • Send a DHS-330, Notice of Missing Information, to the individual explaining the need for a valid signature. The signature page of the application may be copied and sent to the agency or individual who filled out the application with the notice. • Allow 10 days for a response. You cannot deny an application due to incompleteness until 10 calendar days from the date of your initial request in writing to the applicant to complete the application form or supply missing information, or until the initial scheduled interview. • Record the date the application or filing form with the minimum information is received. The application must be registered and disposed of on Bridges, using the receipt date as the application date. An application received from an agency is acceptable if it is signed by an individual and is accompanied by written documentation from the individual authorizing the agency to act as the authorized repre- sentative.

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BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Note: If unrelated adults living in the same home apply for assistance, neither has the authority to act on the other’s behalf without written permission from the applicant. Authorized Representative Medicaid Only An authorized representative must be one of the following: • An adult child or stepchild. • A core relative. • Designated in writing by the individual. • Court appointed. A representative of an institution (such as jail or prison) where the individual is in custody. Persons Providing Medical Care Medicaid Only Persons who provide medical care to the client, or their agents, should not act for the client when there is a relative, guardian or friend who is willing and able to act. If a court has appointed a guardian for a client’s estate (such as income and assets), the guardian is usually expected to act for the client. Exception: An application may be made for newborns surrendered under the Safe Delivery Law, (MCL 712.1-712.20) by the provider hospital, child-placing agency, court appointed lawyer- guardian ad litem or prospective adoptive parent. A department employee may apply on behalf of a member of the employee's family or a child committed to, or placed with, the department by court order. Note: An authorization to represent is a form of a power of attorney. When a person who gave the authorization dies, the power of attorney ends. After death, the person does not exist as a legal entity, so no one can represent the person. However, if a person dies while the application is pending, the application should be processed. An estate may be created to handle the remaining business and financial issues that were outstanding at the time of death. Only a probate court can create a decedent’s estate. The court will also appoint someone to act as a representative of the estate.

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BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Exception: Individuals who live in a county participating in the Transparent County Line Project may apply and have their application processed by any county that is also participating in this project; see Transparent County Line Project in this item. TRANSPARENT COUNTY LINE PROJECT FIP, SDA, RCA, CDC, and FAP Transparent County Line project was developed to allow individuals who live in certain northern counties to apply for and obtain services from the MDHHS office that is most convenient for their circumstances, with certain limitations. In order for an individual to utilize the transparent county line project, all of the following must be true: • The county the individual resides in must be identified as part of the county line project; see EXHIBIT I in this item. • The county the individual choses to apply in or obtain services from must be identified as part of the county line project, See EXHIBIT I in this item. • The county of residence must share a border with the county the individual choses to apply in or from which the individual choses obtain services. If an individual submits an application to a local office other than their county of residence, and the situation meets the criteria listed above, have a conversation with the individual regarding whether or not they want to receive services from a county other than their county of residence. An individual may choose to participate in the county line project for any reason. Exception: Some legal and/or fiscal issues may require that services provided for Children’s Protective Services, Children’s Foster Care, Juvenile Justice, and Adult Protective Services cases must occur in the individual’s county of residence. If an individual is active for any of these services, they must have their case maintained in their county of residence.

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BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

• Send the DHS-1173, Cash Assistance Rights and Responsibilities, to all adult mandatory group members in the home that have not signed the MDHHS-1171. Do not approve eligibility until the DHS-1173 is signed and returned by all other adult mandatory group members. Note: If the application is a MI Bridges online application, the head of household has electronically signed the MDHHS-1171. All other adult mandatory group members in the home have not signed the MDHHS-1171. • Send the DHS-1538, Work and Self-Sufficiency Rules, to all adult mandatory group members in the home. Do not approve eligibility until the DHS-1538 is signed and returned by all adult mandatory group members. Note: If the application is a MI Bridges online application, the head of household has electronically signed the DHS-1538. Do not send the head of household on a MI Bridges application a new DHS-1538 unless requested. All other adult mandatory group members in the home have not signed the DHS-1538. • If a MDHHS-1171, DHS-1173 or DHS-1538 is returned to the MDHHS office with a signature that is questionable, require the client to re-sign the MDHHS-1171, DHS-1173 or DHS-1538 in the local office and witness the signature on the required form. SDA and RCA Only The client's spouse and other adult mandatory group members in the home must sign the application in the presence of a specialist if physically able.

SDA Only: If the SDA application is a MI Bridges online appli- cation, the head of household has electronically signed the application. Other adult mandatory group members have not signed the application. Require all other adult mandatory group members in the home to sign the DHS-1173 in the specialist's presence if physically able. Do not approve eligibility until the DHS-1173 is signed by all other adult mandatory group members.

RCA Only: If the RCA application is a MI Bridges online appli- cation, the head of household has electronically signed the application and the DHS-1538. Other adult mandatory group members have not signed the application and the DHS-1538.

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• Update the application and data collection to add or change information to transfer among MA only categories. The client does not have to resign the application. • For other transfers, update the application and have it re- signed; see When The MDHHS-1171 Is Not Needed in this item. Register the new program using the date the application form was re-signed as the application date. Eligibility for a new program or MA category is limited to the renewal or end date already in Bridges. Exception: When an ex parte review of a client’s current Medicaid eligibility case file shows the recipient indicated or demonstrated a disability (see Glossary), continue Medicaid until information needed to proceed with a disability determination has been requested and reviewed. Continue Medicaid coverage until the review of possible eligibility under other Medicaid categories has been completed; see BAM 210, Redetermination/Ex-Parte Review, and BAM 220, Case Actions. MA Only A recipient losing Medicaid under a category for which a DCH-1426 is not needed may need to complete a DCH-1426 in order to transfer to another MA category if a DCH- 1426 has not been approved for another program within the past 12 months. Always give the recipient a reasonable opportunity to complete the DCH- 1426 and to provide the verification of eligibility under other categories before termination of MA; see BAM 220. Exception: Transitional MA eligibility is 12 months from the date of Low-Income Family (LIF) ineligibility; see BEM 111, Transitional MA. At Redetermination/ Renewal FIP, SDA, CDC, SSI-Related MA and FAP Only A new application, MI Bridges redetermination or MDHHS-1010, Redetermination and program specific supplement form(s), must be completed at each redetermination of eligibility. Exception: When policy requires a benefit period shorter than 12 months, the MDHHS-1171 and specific program supplement

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Exception: A person might be eligible for one, two or all three retro months, even if not currently eligible. The DHS-3243, Retroactive Medicaid Application, is used to apply for retro MA. Only one DHS-3243 is needed to apply for one, two or all three retro MA months; see Retro Ma Applications in BAM 110. Do not request a DHS-3243 if the individual is eligible under Children under 19 (U19), Pregnant Women (PW), or MIChild (MCD) Retro MA Eligibility Requirements. Eligibility must be made for each of the three retro months; see Standard retro MA eligibility requirements in this item. When the need for retroactive coverage, including specific months, is indicated on the DCH-1426, DHHS 1171, Healthcare coverage supplement, or MI Bridges, a separate DHS-3243 is not required. Children Under 19 (U19), Pregnant Women (PW), MIChild (MCD) Determine eligibility for the application month first. An individual who is eligible for Children under 19 (U19), Pregnant Women (PW), or MIChild (MCD) for the application month is eligible for retro MA when all of the following conditions are met. This applies even if the retro MA question on the application is not answered or is answered no. 1. The client is eligible for Children under 19 (U19), Pregnant Women (PW), or MIChild (MCD) for the application month. 2. For a pregnant woman, the woman was pregnant or under age 19 for the retro MA month. 3. The person was a Michigan resident. Retro MA cannot be approved for a month if you know the person was not a Michigan resident for the retro MA month. However, assume a person was a Michigan resident unless you have information to the contrary, such as information on the application indicating the person lived in another state. 4. The person is not ineligible because of BEM 265, Institutional Status. Retro MA cannot be approved for a retro MA month if you know the person would be ineligible because of institutional status. However, assume a person was not institutionalized unless you have information to the contrary.

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Assigning a Benefit Period Bridges assigns the longest benefit period possible based on the group's circumstances. Certain groups are given a specific mini- mum or maximum benefit period. Unless a specific period is required, benefit periods are assigned to accommodate the group's circumstances. The prorated month counts as the first calendar month of the benefit period. Use the following guidelines and the group's circumstances to establish the group's benefit period. Benefit Period to Coordinate with Other Programs Apply the following policy only to FAP groups that do not have countable earned income. For FAP groups with countable earnings, see 12-Month Benefit Period in this item. If the FAP program was opened prior to the other program and the client applied for both programs at the same time, either of the following may be done: • Redetermine eligibility for the other program when the FAP benefits are due to expire (this may result in an 11-month redetermination for the other program). • Redetermine FAP so the end date is extended to the last day of the other program’s redetermination month, provided this does not exceed 12 months. Exception: It may not be possible to coordinate FAP benefit periods for groups that qualify for 24-month benefit periods or groups that require a shorter benefit period. 24-Month Benefit Period Bridges assigns a 24-month benefit period for groups in which all group members are senior and/or disabled and the group does not have any income, or its only source of income is SSI and/or RSDI benefits. Note: The annual mass update in RSDI and SSI benefit amounts does not affect this certification. If a group reports a change in circumstances that affects its benefit period, such as a non-disabled/non-senior person joining the household, Bridges does all the following:

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• Shortens the benefit period according to policy in BAM 220. • Schedules a redetermination. • Sets a new (12 months or less) benefit period consistent with the group's circumstances. Conduct a mid-certification contact with the FAP group once each year. The RD-093, Redetermination Report - Worker Listing, serves as notification that contact is due; see BAM 210. 12-Month Benefit Period Bridges assigns a maximum 12 months for FAP groups that do not qualify for a 24-month benefit period or that do not require a shorter benefit period. For example: • Groups with a mandatory TLFA participant working less than 20 hours per week (80 hours a month). • Migrant/seasonal farmworker groups. Note: FAP groups that are simplified reporters must have a 12- month benefit period. Conduct a mid-certification contact with the FAP group once each year. A notice will be sent when a contact is due on the RD-093, Redetermination Report - Worker Listing; see BAM 210. Three-Month Benefit Period If a group’s circumstances are not stable and do not fit any other benefit period, a three-month benefit period may be assigned. Benefit periods for these groups should be determined on a case- by-case basis. Always assign the longest benefit period possible. Three months is the minimum benefit period which can be assigned. Example: Kathy and 13-year-old child apply for FAP. Kathy is a migrant/seasonal farmworker who just started working and has a shelter expense. Their employer indicates they will be working 30 hours per week. Assign a three-month benefit period or a 12-month benefit period based on the case circumstances. If based on their case circumstances, it is determined a three-month benefit period is warranted, indicate this on the Unstable Circumstances Details Screen. Document the rationale for choosing the benefit period given. Example: Kathy is a migrant/seasonal farmworker who has no income and no obligation for rent and utilities due to living with friends. A 3-month benefit period may be given.

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BAM 116 1 of 4 SSI/FAP JOINT APPLICATION PROCESSING BPB 2025-022 10-1-2025

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

DEPARTMENT POLICY This item applies to Food Assistance Program (FAP) benefits only. FAP groups consisting entirely of Social Security Income (SSI) applicants or recipients may choose to apply for FAP benefits at the Social Security Administration (SSA) office. This includes individuals who apply for SSI and FAP benefits before being released from medical institutions. Whenever an SSI individual contacts the SSA office for any business, SSA will advise the individual of the right to apply for FAP benefits at the SSA office. SSI individuals retain the option of applying for FAP benefits at an Michigan Department Health Human Services (MDHHS) office. The MDHHS-1171, Assistance Application, and the 1171-FAP, Supplement-FAP are used for SSI individuals choosing to apply for FAP at the SSA office. SSA screens the MDHHS-1171 for potential entitlement to expedited service and informs the applicant that they may receive benefits sooner if they apply at an MDHHS office. SSI individuals may also complete the redetermination process at the SSA office. All FAP redetermination policies in Bridges Administrative Manual (BAM) 210, Redetermination/Ex Parte Review, apply except the in-person interview must be waived if requested by an SSI group and the group is unable to appoint an authorized representative. SSA will handle the application in the same manner as an initial application but will indicate in red at the top of the MDHHS-1171 that it is a redetermination. Individual Rights and Responsibilities SSI groups are entitled to the same rights and have the same responsibilities as any other FAP group. SSA Responsibilities When an SSI group chooses to apply for FAP through SSA, they will take the following actions: • Assist the individual in completing the FAP application. • Prescreen each application for entitlement to expedited service and mark “Expedited Processing” on the first page of all applications which seem to require it.

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BAM 117 3 of 7 FAP EXPEDITED SERVICE BPB 2025-022 10-1-2025

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

• A telephone interview is conducted, and the application is incomplete. The standard of promptness begins on the day the signed, completed application is received by the local office. • Entitlement to expedited service is not identified during the screening process but is discovered by the specialist during normal processing. The application must then be processed according to expedited service standards. The standard of promptness begins on the date of discovery. The discovery date must be documented in the case record. INTERVIEWS FAP groups entitled to expedited service must participate in an interview. See BAM 115, Application Processing, Interviews, for specific interview policy. If the application is filed in person, including MI Bridges on the lobby kiosk, the interview must be held, and the application processed on the same day unless the individual requests a postponement. If the FAP group applied by mail, fax, Mi Bridges, etc., they must be contacted within one working day of the application. All efforts must be made to complete the interview and process the application the same day. If they cannot be contacted within one day to be interviewed, this fact must be documented in the case record. The interview must be conducted no later than one working day after contact is made. Provide any necessary help in completing the application during the interview. If a telephone interview is conducted, and the application is incomplete, complete it and mail a copy to the individual for review and signature. MINIMUM VERIFICATION In all cases, the applicant's identity must be verified; see Bridges Eligibility Manual (BEM) 221, Identity. The data match with the Social Security Administration (SSA) is sufficient to verify identity for FAP. Reasonable effort must be made to verify: • Residency. • Income or lack of income. • Assets (only for non-categorically eligible groups), and • All other eligibility factors.

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BAM 118 4 of 6 CDC EXPEDITED SERVICE BPB 2022-005 4-1-2022

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

• Entitlement to expedited service is not identified during the screening process but is discovered by the specialist during normal processing. The application must then be processed according to expedited service standards. The standard of promptness begins on the date of discovery. The discovery date must be documented in the case record. INTERVIEWS CDC groups entitled to expedited service must participate in an interview. See BAM 115, Interviews, for specific interview policy. If the application is filed in person, the interview must be held the same day unless the client requests a postponement. If the client qualifies for an out-of-office or telephone interview, it must be attempted no later than the first working day following the application submission. Document all attempts to reach the client. If the CDC group applied by mail, fax, through MI Bridges, etc., and could not be contacted within one day to be interviewed, this fact must be documented in the case record. The interview must be conducted no later than one working day after contact is made. Provide any necessary help in completing the application during the interview. If a telephone interview is conducted, and the application is incomplete, complete it and mail a copy to the client for review and signature. MINIMUM VERIFICATION In all cases, the applicant’s identity must be verified; see BEM 221. Reasonable effort must be made to verify: • The Social Security number (SSN) of the CDC grantee. • The valid need reason for all P/SPs. • All other eligibility factors. Note: CDC benefits cannot be delayed beyond the expedited standard of promptness solely because these eligibility factors (other than identity) have not been verified. Certify approval for initial pay periods based on any verifications received and the client’s statement for those verifications that cannot be immediately acquired. Follow policy in BAM 130, Verification and Collateral Contacts, for verification due dates, extensions and department responsibilities when a client requests assistance with gathering verifications.

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BAM 120 7 of 12 MSA/MDHHS COORDINATION BPB 2026-007 4-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

verification. Use the DHS-3503, Verification Checklist, or other mutually agreeable written means, to notify the local health department of the missing information or verification. Do not delay a determination of eligibility because an application does not specify a family’s choice of a health or dental plan. • Allow the local health department at least 10 days to provide the information or verification. • Contact the local health department if the requested information is not received by the due date. Extend the time limit if there has been a delay in getting the information or verification (BAM 130). Do not deny the application as long as the local health department is working to obtain the information or verification. • If the local health department says that verification cannot be obtained despite a reasonable effort, use the best available information. See Obtaining Verification in BAM 130 for details and exceptions. • If the local health department indicates that the client has not cooperated in efforts to obtain verification, review the local health department’s documentation relating to the refusal (copies of correspondence, record of telephone contacts). Determine if the client has refused to cooperate. Deny the application, if appropriate. If denial is not appropriate (client was not informed of what was needed or client was not given sufficient time), ask the local health department to request the verification again. MDHHS Application Processing When an application is submitted through a participating local health department: • Register the application if it contains at least the applicant’s name, the applicant’s birth date, the applicant’s address, and the applicant’s/authorized representative’s signature; see BAM 105, Right to Apply. The application date is the date the application is received at MDHHS with the minimum information.

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BAM 120 9 of 12 MSA/MDHHS COORDINATION BPB 2026-007 4-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Eligibility Quality Assurance Section/Reimbursement Attn: Venetta Tucker 400 S. Pine St., 5th floor Lansing, MI 48913 MSA ESTATE RECOVERY UNIT Recoveries for Medicaid claims correctly paid are as follows: • For individuals who received medical assistance at age 55 or older, recovery is made from the individual’s estate for all services covered by the Michigan Medicaid program with dates of service on or after July 1, 2010, except Medicaid cost sharing. To be subject to estate recovery, a person over 55 must have begun receiving long-term care services after September 30, 2007. If a beneficiary over the age of 55 began receiving long-term care services prior to September 30, 2007 and there was a break in coverage and a new eligibility period began any time after September 30, 2007, the Medicaid recipient will be deemed to have begun receiving long-term care after September 30, 2007 and therefore be subject to recovery. • Recovery will only be pursued if it is cost-effective to do so as determined by the department at its sole discretion. Limitations on Recoveries The state complies with the requirements of section 1917(b)(2) of the Social Security Act: Recovery of medical assistance will be made only after the death of the individual’s surviving spouse, and only when the individual has no surviving child who is either under age 21, blind, or disabled. The department is responsible for approving and denying all undue hardship waivers and statutory exemptions. The department will establish and use internal policies regarding what documentation is required to establish that an undue hardship waiver or statutory exemption may exist. Undue Hardship Recovery may be waived if a person inheriting property from the estate can prove that recovery would result in an undue hardship. An application for an undue hardship must be requested by the applicant and returned with proper documentation in order for a

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BAM 130 2 of 10 VERIFICATION AND COLLATERAL CONTACTS BPB 2026-003 2-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

A document is a written form of verification. It may include a photocopy, facsimile or email copy if the source is identifiable. Permanent documents must be obtained only once, unless they are found to be missing from the case record. Examples: birth certifi- cate, passports, divorce papers, death notice. Copies of these documents should remain in the case record. Nonpermanent documents must be current. Examples: driver's license, pay stub, rent receipt, utility bill, DHS-49-F, Medical-Social Questionnaire. Family Independence Program (FIP), State Disability Assistance (SDA), and Medicaid (MA) Documents used to verify citizenship and identity may be originals or copies of the original document. Facsimiles or emails are not acceptable documents for citizenship or identity. Medicaid Verification of identity is not required. MAGI MEDICAID MDHHS must use information currently available in STATE OF MICHIGAN systems to renew eligibility. Do not request information from the beneficiary if the information is already available to MDHHS. This includes completing a renewal form. Current means the following: • Income documents must correspond to the period used to determine eligibility or benefit amount; see BEM 500, Income Overview, 501, Income From Employment, 502, Income From Self-Employment, 503, Income, Unearned, and 504, Income From Rental/Room And Board. • Medical documents must correspond to the period set by the Disability Determination Service (DDS) or to the date(s) stated on the document if DDS approval is not required. • Other nonpermanent documents are generally considered current if dated within 60 days before your eligibility determination. Older documents may be used if available information indicates the document remains current and there have been no changes in circumstances.

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BAM 130 3 of 10 VERIFICATION AND COLLATERAL CONTACTS BPB 2026-003 2-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

A collateral contact is a direct contact with a person, organization or agency to verify information from the client. It might be necessary when documentation is not available or when available evidence needs clarification. The client must name suitable collateral contacts when requested. Assist the client to designate them. The local office is responsible for obtaining the verification. If the contact requires the client's signed release, use the DHS-27, Release of Information, (DHS-20, Verification of Resources, for inquiries to financial institutions), and specify on it what information is requested. If the information requested could include health information send a DHS-1555 or a DCH-1183, Authorization to Release Protected Health Information, for the individual’s signature. When talking with collateral contacts, disclose only the information necessary to obtain the needed information. Do not disclose spe- cific programs for which the household has applied. Do not release any information supplied by the household or imply that the house- hold is suspected of any wrongdoing. Home calls are not required but may be used to verify factors; see Interviews section in Bridges Administrative Manual (BAM) 115, Application Processing. Obtaining Verification All Programs Tell the client what verification is required, how to obtain it, and the due date; see Timeliness of Verifications in this item. Use the DHS-3503, Verification Checklist (VCL), to request verification. Exception: For Food Assistance Program (FAP) only, if there is a system-generated due date on the verification form such as a MDHHS-3688, Shelter Verification, a verification checklist is not required to be sent with the verification form. Use the DHS-3503C, Verification Checklist for Citizenship/Identity, to request documentation of citizenship or identity for FIP, SDA or MA determinations. The client must obtain required verification, but the local office must assist if they need and request help.

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BAM 130 5 of 10 VERIFICATION AND COLLATERAL CONTACTS BPB 2026-003 2-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Citizenship Verification for Medicaid When an applicant for Medicaid claims to be a U.S. citizen or to have qualified immigrant status, and all other eligibility factors are met, certify benefits. Once the case has been open and coverage entered in Bridges, verification of citizenship must be completed. Attempt to verify citizenship through a data match such as the Social Security Administration or a MDHHS vital records match. MAGI- related applicants will have citizenship and identity verified if the application comes to Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) via the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) or MAGI rules engine. If there is a discrepancy with the information or it is not available then contact with the beneficiary is necessary; see BEM 221, Identity and 225, Citizenship/Non-Citizen Status. Allow the beneficiary 90 days to provide the required verifications. If no documentation is provided at the end of the 90 days, the benefi- ciary should be disenrolled from Medicaid within 30 days. Beneficiaries must be notified of the pending closure and the reason for the closure. If documentation is received prior to the closure date the coverage must continue. Medicaid The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) program eligibility policy section will evaluate beneficiaries who are unable to provide documentation of citizenship on a case by case basis. MDHHS will attempt to verify citizenship after all other possibilities have been exhausted by MDHHS and the beneficiary. These attempts include but are not limited to data matches, state to state written and/or verbal inquiries, interviews with friends and relatives and the use of computerized records. If you are unable to verify citizenship for a beneficiary send a written request to: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Medicaid Policy and Health System Innovation Eligibility Policy Section P.O. Box 30479

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BAM 130 7 of 10 VERIFICATION AND COLLATERAL CONTACTS BPB 2026-003 2-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Sources must be used in the order listed from most reliable to least reliable, not the easiest to obtain. Timeliness of Verifications FIP, SDA, RCA, Child Development and Care (CDC), FAP Allow the client 10 calendar days (or other time limit specified in policy) to provide the verification that is requested. Exception: For CDC, if the client cannot provide the verification despite a reasonable effort, extend the time limit at least once. Exception: For CDC, at redetermination, if a signed redetermination form is received prior to the end of the redetermination month, and verifications are missing or incomplete, send a VCL. Verifications are due by the end of the redetermination month, or within 10 days after they are requested, which ever allows more time. Verifications are considered to be timely if received by the date they are due. For electronically transmitted verifications (fax, email or Mi Bridges document upload), the date of the transmission is the receipt date. Verifications that are submitted after the close of regu- lar business hours through the drop box or by delivery of a MDHHS representative are considered to be received the next business day. Send a negative action notice when: • The client indicates refusal to provide a verification, or • The time period given has elapsed and the client has not made a reasonable effort to provide it. Note: For FIP, SDA and RCA, if the client contacts the department prior to the due date requesting an extension or assistance in obtaining verifications, the specialist may grant an extension to the VCL due date. Note: For FAP only, if the client contacts the department prior to the due date requesting an extension or assistance in obtaining verifications, assist the client with the verifications but do not grant an extension. Explain to the client they will not be given an extension and their case will be denied once the VCL due date is passed. Also, explain their eligibility will be determined based on their compliance date if they return required verifications. Re-

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BAM 130 8 of 10 VERIFICATION AND COLLATERAL CONTACTS BPB 2026-003 2-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

register the application if the client complies within 60 days of the application date; see Subsequent Processing in BAM 115. Only adequate notice is required for an application denial. Timely notice is required to reduce or terminate benefits. Exception: At redetermination, FAP clients have until the last day of the redetermination month or 10 days, whichever is later, to provide verification; see BAM 210, Redetermination/Ex Parte Review. Medicaid Allow the client 10 calendar days (or other time limit specified in policy) to provide the verification requested. Refer to policy in this item for citizenship verifications. If the client cannot provide the veri- fication despite a reasonable effort, extend the time limit up to two times. At renewal if an individual is required to return a pre-populated renewal form, allow 30 calendar days for the form to be returned. At application, renewal, ex parte review, or other change, explain to the client/authorized representative the availability of your assistance in obtaining needed information. Extension may be granted when the following exists: • The customer/authorized representative need to make the request. An extension should not automatically be given. • The need for the extension and the reasonable efforts taken to obtain the verifications are documented. • Every effort by the department was made to assist the client in obtaining verifications. Verifications are considered to be timely if received by the date they are due. For electronically transmitted verifications (fax, email or MI Bridges document upload), the date of the transmission is the receipt date. Verifications that are submitted after the close of regular business hours through the drop box or by delivery of a MDHHS representative are considered to be received the next business day. Send a case action notice when:

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BAM 200 3 of 7 FOOD ASSISTANCE SIMPLIFIED REPORTING BPB 2026-006 3-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

at the time of issuance. The DHS-1605, Notice of Case Action, sent at application and redetermination includes the specific income limit for the group based on the group size. This information should be emphasized during the interview with the group to ensure their understanding of the SR requirements. ASSIGNING BENEFIT PERIODS

Applications and Redeterminations Groups meeting the SR category at application and redetermination are assigned a 12-month benefit period and are required to have a semi-annual contact. For applications and redeterminations, SR begins the first month of eligibility. Example 1: On March 19th, a group with earned income applies for FAP. The specialist processes the case on April 2. Benefits are approved beginning March 19. Bridges assigns a 12-month benefit period of March 19 through February 28. The MDHHS-1046, Semi- Annual Contact Report, is sent out the beginning of the fifth month (July) of the benefit period. It is due back from the group on the first day of the sixth month (August). Complete the budget to affect no later than the seventh month’s benefits (September). At redetermination, the group’s reporting requirements are re- evaluated based on their current circumstances. The specialist completes a redetermination in February. The new 12-month benefit period is March 1 through February 28; see BAM 210, Redetermination/Ex Parte Review. Example 2: On September 8th, the specialist processes a September redetermination which currently has a 24-month benefit period. At this time, it is discovered the group is receiving a pension and is no longer eligible for a 24-month benefit period. The group is now SR and required to have a 12-month benefit period. They will receive an MDHHS-1046 at the beginning of February (fifth month). Changes for 24- month Benefit Periods Bridges shortens the 24-month benefit period for ongoing groups who have more than 12 months left in their benefit period and either:

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BAM 200 4 of 7 FOOD ASSISTANCE SIMPLIFIED REPORTING BPB 2026-006 3-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

• Report having earned income. • Report unearned income (other than RSDI and/or SSI). • Report an individual joining the group who is not SDV. Whenever any of the above occur, Bridges does the following: • Sets the end date to 12 full months from the processing date. • Issues a DHS-1605 explaining simplified reporting, household income limit, and the new shortened benefit period end date. • Issues a DHS-1045, Simplified Six-Month Review. For groups whose 24-month benefit period has 12 months or less remaining at the time the change is first reported, Bridges assigns the group to the SR category but does not shorten the benefit period. The current end date must be retained even though the end date is 12 months or less. If the group remains SR eligible at redetermination, Bridges assigns a new 12-month benefit period. Example: On August 7, 2022, Risa reports that their husband returned to the group and receives unemployment income. They are change reporters and have a 24-month benefit period with an end date of May 31, 2023. On August 17, 2022, the specialist processes the change, and the group becomes SR. Bridges issues a DHS-1605 which provides the simplified reporting requirements, and a DHS-1045. The end date remains May 31, 2023, since the group has less than 12 months remaining in their benefit period. Changes for 12- month Benefit Periods Once assigned to the SR category, groups retain their 12-month benefit period regardless of changes, until the next benefit period is established. If the group reports a change which would make the group a change reporter, they will remain a SR until the next semi-annual contact or redetermination. Their report status will change to a change reporter in: • Month six for changes reported in months one through six of the benefit period. • Month 12 for changes reported in months 7-12.

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BAM 200 6 of 7 FOOD ASSISTANCE SIMPLIFIED REPORTING BPB 2026-006 3-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Verification Services and won’t provide the employment information, it is appropriate to use Equifax Verification Services. If the income information reported by Equifax differs from what the individual reported, verification must be requested or a documented discussion with the individual must be completed. Do not deny or terminate assistance because an employer or other source refuses to verify income; see BAM 130, Verification and Collateral Contacts. SPECIAL INCOME CONSIDERATION Income considered unpredictable such as on-call hours remain budgeted until, based on reporting requirements, the individual determines a change should be reported, or the next redetermination/semi-annual contact, whichever occurs first. Contractual income that is ending prior to the benefit period end date will be considered verified upon initial report. Because the income is averaged over the period it is intended to cover, the end date has already been verified. Post a follow-up to remove the income for the subsequent month. If the group reports their gross income exceeds the Simplified Reporting Income Limit column in RFT 250, but they remain eligible, they will be advised they are not required to report any other changes in income until their next redetermination/semi- annual contact. LOSS OF EMPLOYMENT Specialists must investigate the loss of employment at redetermina- tion/semi-annual contact to determine if a voluntary quit has occurred. If the individual does not meet the work requirement or good cause does not exist, a minimum one-month disqualification must be served; see BEM 233B, Failure to Meet Employment Requirements: FAP. OVERPAYMENT AND SR The only client error overpayments related to simplified reporting that can occur for FAP groups in SR are when the group fails to report that income exceeds the group’s SR income limit, or the

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BAM 210 11 of 25 REDETERMINATION/EX PARTE REVIEW BPB 2026-016 7-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

MID- CERTIFICATION / SEMI-ANNUAL CONTACT FAP Only Bridges sends a MDHHS-2240-A, Mid-Certification Contact Notice, for groups assigned a 24-month benefit period during the 11th month of their benefit period and a MDHHS-1046, Semi-Annual Contact Report, the beginning of the fifth month for cases assigned a 12-month benefit period. Note: Manually send from Bridges and track the MDHHS-1046 if it is discovered that a case was not correctly assigned as a simplified reporter by the last day of the fourth month of the benefit period. Groups assigned a 24-month benefit period must submit a complete MDHHS-2240-A, Mid-Certification Contact Notice. A complete MDHHS-1046, Semi-Annual Contact Report, must be submitted by groups with countable earnings and a 12-month benefit period; see BAM 115, Benefit Periods. The MDHHS-1046 and MDHHS-2240A may be completed by the group, the group’s authorized filing representative or by the specialist (during a telephone call, home call or interview with the client). However, the form must be signed by the client or authorized filing representative. A report is considered complete when signed and all of the sections on the MDHHS-1046 or the MDHHS 2240-A are answered completely or the no changes box on the first page is selected and required verifications are returned by the group or group’s authorized representative. If an expense has changed and the group does not return proof of the expense, if required, but all of the sections on the report are answered completely, remove the expense in Bridges before certifying.. 24-Month Benefit Period The mid-certification contact notice must be recorded, data collec- tion updated and eligibility results certified in Bridges by the last day of the 12th month after a completed MDHHS-2240-A and all required verifications are received. Note: Run eligibility even if the group indicates no changes so Bridges will recognize the MDHHS-2240-A has been processed.

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BAM 220 8 of 27 CASE ACTIONS BPB 2026-023 8-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

• If the date of the match is 60 days or more from the processing date, the following matches are held and addressed at the next mid-certification or redetermination (whichever comes first). State New Hires Match. (BAM 807) National Directory of New Hires Match. (BAM 813)

All Other Reported Changes FIP, RCA, SDA, CDC and MA Act on a change reported by means other than a data match within 15 workdays after becoming aware of the change. FAP Only Act on a change reported by means other than a data match within 10 days of becoming aware of the change if one or more of the following is true: • Additional verification is not required to make the change. • The change has been verified by another program. • The information is required for the group's reporting status. If none of the above bullets are true, the change(s) will be held and addressed at the next semi-annual, mid-certification, or redetermination (whichever comes first). Unless a change is reported that conflicts with information used at the time of application, semi-annual, mid-certification or redetermination, indicating the household may have failed to report eligibility information. Then, verification would be requested for all reporting groups. Benefit Increases: Changes which result in an increase in the household’s benefits must be effective no later than the first allot- ment issued 10 days after the date the change was reported, pro- vided any necessary verification was returned by the due date. A supplemental issuance may be necessary in some cases. If neces- sary verification is not returned by the due date, take appropriate action based on what type of verification was requested. If verifica- tion is returned late, the increase must affect the month after verifi- cation is returned. Example: Rich reports and provides proof of a dependent care expense on March 23rd. Act on the change by April 2nd. May’s

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BAM 220 9 of 27 CASE ACTIONS BPB 2026-023 8-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

benefits will be the first month affected because the 10th day after the change is reported falls in the next eligibility month. Affect the April issuance if the action can be completed by March 31st. Example: Rich is a change reporter and reports a dependent care increase on March 21st but did not supply verification. Verification of his new dependent care expense is requested late, on March 23rd. Rich provides the verification on April 2nd. This change will be effective for April’s benefits and a supplement will be needed. Example: Using the previous example, Rich does not supply the dependent care verification until April 6th. Act on the change by April 16th to affect May’s benefits. No supplement is issued for April, due to Rich’s failure to return the verification within 10 days. If verification is required or deemed necessary and the client fails to return the verification within 10 days after the change was reported, but does provide the verification at a later date, act on the change within 10 days after the verification is provided. Benefit Decreases: If the reported change will decrease the bene- fits or make the household ineligible, action must be taken, and a notice issued to the client within 10 days of the reported change. Example: Debra calls on March 22nd and reports a group member left the home which will reduce the group's benefits. Act on the change and issue the benefit decrease notice by April 1st. The change will be effective for May’s benefits. Example: Mary calls on March 19th to report a decrease in her dependent care expense. The specialist send's a VCL requesting verification of the new expense. Even though Mary must be allowed 10 days to return verification of the decreased dependent care expense, act on this change and issue the negative action notice by March 29th. If the verification is not returned within 10 days, begin a second negative action to remove the expense completely. EFFECTIVE DATE OF CHANGE All Programs Bridges evaluates the following dates entered in data collection to determine positive action dates, negative action dates and effective dates: • Circumstance start/change date.

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BAM 220 11 of 27 CASE ACTIONS BPB 2026-023 8-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Note: For a new or changed authorization to take effect on the positive action date, begin it the first day of the CDC pay period that contains the positive action date. Negative Actions: If timely notice is required, the negative action date must be the first workday at least 11 days after the notice was sent, or the date the change is expected to occur if that is later. If adequate or no notice is required, the negative action date is imme- diate (the day action is taken on the change), but not before the change is expected to occur. The following negative changes entered on Bridges take effect as follows: • Family contribution increases tied to a provider change are a negative action and take affect the first CDC pay period that starts on or after the negative action date. Note: An income eligible child assigned to a 3 star/Enhancing Quality or higher provider will have their FC amount waived. During the 12-month continuous eligibility period a change to a provider with 2 star/Reflecting on Quality or lower rating/quality level (or a change in the currently assigned provider’s star rating/quality level) will result in the FC amount no longer being waived. For additional family contribution and star rating/quality level details; see BEM 706, CDC Payments. • CDC case closures and member removals (for example removing an eligible child) take effect on the negative action date. FAP Only For non-income changes, complete the FAP eligibility determination and required case actions in time to affect the benefit month that occurs 10 days after the change is reported. See BEM 212, Food Assistance Program Group Composition, and BEM 550, FAP Income Budgeting, for policy regarding effective dates for member adds. The benefit month cannot be earlier than the month of the change. Example: A $30 shelter increase reported on May 15th would increase the household’s June allotment. If the same increase were reported on May 28, the household’s allotment would have to be increased by July. (The 10th day following May 28 would be June 7.) However, the first month we can affect is June, provided the action on the shelter change is completed by May 31st.

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When a client reports a new person in the home, determine if any actions must be taken and document the case. Complete a telephone interview and inform the head of household that they must report if assets exceed $1 million and if income exceeds the eligibility limit by family size on the CDC Income Eligibility Scale; see RFT 270. When adding an adult group member, document the request in case comments and enter the following information in Bridges: • Relationship. • Citizenship/non-citizen status. • Absent parent status (if applicable). • Need reason (if applicable). • All income. • Any other information necessary to determine eligibility. If the adult being added during the 12-month eligibility period does not have a valid need reason, and they are the parent of one or more CDC eligible children, CDC should remain open for the children until the next redetermination. At the next redetermination, both P/SPs must have a valid need reason. When adding a child, inform the client that a new MDHHS- 4025, Child Development and Care (CDC) Provider Verification, is required to add a provider assignment for the child and send the client the form. Document the request for CDC in case comments and enter the following additional information in Bridges: • Citizenship/non-citizen status. • Absent parent information, if applicable. • Age exception if the child is 13 through 18 years old. • Confirm the child meets the immunization requirement. • The child’s income. • Foster care status (if applicable). • Joint custody status (if applicable). If CDC is active and requested for an additional child, and the parent/substitute parents (P/SPs) currently in the home were part of the most recent eligibility determination, changes in income, need reason and hours will not impact CDC eligibility and verifications should not be requested for CDC. The new child’s authorizations should be based on the most recent CDC eligibility determination.

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If CDC is active and requested for an additional child, and that child has a P/SP in the home who was not part of the most recent eligibility determination, the new P/SP must verify all required eligibility factors to make an eligibility decision for the added child. If the reported changes will result in a negative action, other than those on the CDC EDG Closure Reasons list, document the case and address at the next Redetermination. If reported changes result in a positive action, make the changes, document and certify. Note: Currently authorized children should not be negatively impacted, except for valid closure reasons. See CDC EDG Closure Reasons in this item. Example: CDC is open for Child A, and Child A's mother (only P/SP) and her Living Together Partner (LTP) are in the home. The mother and her LTP wish to add a new child-in-common (Child B) to the CDC program. The LTP is a P/SP to Child B, a required program group member, and was not a part of the most recent CDC eligibility decision. Therefore, the LTP must verify all required eligibility factors at member add to authorize CDC for Child B. If the LTP does not have a valid need reason, Child B is not eligible for CDC, and the CDC redetermination would not be extended. CDC Redetermination Extension: When a child(ren) is added to an active CDC program, the redetermination is to be extended, allowing for a full 12 months of continuous eligibility for the newly added child(ren), which will also extend CDC for any other child(ren) already active in the program. CDC can be extended twice before completing a redetermination. A redetermination must be completed prior to granting three or more extensions. If a request for a third extension is received prior to the redetermination, a policy exception must be requested. Policy exception requests should be sent to Policy-CDC@michigan.gov. Upon adding a child to an existing CDC program, the Extend CDC screen will need to be completed by checking the Extend CDC box. This will extend the CDC redetermination date for all active children. For children who turn age 13 after the CDC redetermination has been extended, Bridges will auto remove them from the CDC program once they turn age 14.

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Note: Before adding a provider assignment to a newly added child, obtain a new MDHHS-4025. Example 1: In October 2025, a newborn is added to an existing CDC program with three children already approved. The newborn is added to the case four months after the last Redetermination date (June 2025). CDC will be extended for all existing children on the case. CDC is now approved for all the children through October 2026. The 1010 for the case will now go out in September 2026. Example 2: CDC was originally approved in November 2024. In June 2025, a newborn is added to an existing CDC program with two other children, ages 10 and 12. The 12-year-old does not require constant care. The 12-year-old’s birthday is in October 2025. CDC will continue to be approved for the eldest child until the following Redetermination. CDC will now be approved through June 2026 for all the children. If an additional extension is not requested prior to the June 2026 redetermination, the eldest child will be removed at redetermination due to being over age 12 and not requiring constant care. If CDC is extended, and a child is 13 at the time CDC is extended, CDC will automatically end for that child with the pay period prior to the child turning 14 years old or at the next Redetermination, whichever comes first. Example 3: A family is approved for CDC for two children and was approved in January 2025. In May 2025, the family accepts a Foster Care child and requests this child is added to their active CDC program. CDC will now be approved through May 2026. In August 2025 the foster child is removed from the home and placed with another family. CDC for the family’s other two children will continue to be approved through May 2026. Example 4: A family was approved for CDC in January 2025 with two children. In March 2025 a newborn is requested to be added to CDC (1st extension). All three children will now have their

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or demonstrated a disability (see glossary) as part of the ex parte review (see glossary). • If the ex parte review reveals the recipient has already been determined disabled for purposes of qualifying for a disability- based Medicaid eligibility category, by the SSA or the department, and the determination is still valid, continue the recipient’s Medicaid eligibility under the disability-based Medicaid category for which the recipient is otherwise eligible. • If, during the ex parte review it is determined a recipient has indicated or demonstrated a disability, request from the recipient additional information needed to proceed with a disability determination. Pending the determination, continue the recipient’s Medicaid. If the recipient fails to provide the information requested after being given a reasonable opportunity to do so, and eligibility under all other categories has been ruled out, send timely notice of Medicaid case closure indicating the person is not eligible for disability based Medicaid as well as FIP related categories. If, following the disability determination process, the recipient is determined to not be disabled for purposes of qualifying for disability-based Medicaid categories and eligibility under all other categories has been ruled out, send timely notice of Medicaid case closure indicating the person is not eligible for disability-based Medicaid as well as FIP-related categories. If, following the disability determination process, the recipient is determined disabled for purposes of qualifying for disability-based Medicaid categories, continue the recipient’s Medicaid under the disability-based Medicaid category for which the recipient is otherwise eligible. Medicaid coverage will continue until the client no longer meets the eligibility requirements for any other Medicaid TOA. CASE CLOSURE All Programs (Except SER) When a recipient is no longer eligible or requests case closure, do all of the following:

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DEPARTMENT POLICY All Programs The paper case record consists of a folder, arranged in packets and identified by a client name, recipient ID or case number, established for a particular client group. The case record contains all forms, documents and other evidence relevant to the group's current and past eligibility. The electronic case file (ECF) consists of scanned documents, arranged by category and identified by a client name, recipient ID or case number, established for a particular client group. The ECF contains all forms, documents and other evidence relevant to the group's current and past eligibility. Policy in this item explains what must be in the case record (both paper and electronic) and provides guidelines for organizing it. All local offices must follow a uniform system of records with the minimum content and organization described in this item. This ensures that material is recorded and filed in a manner readily available and understandable to all Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) staff who use it. Documents (including MDHHS forms), notices and other written correspondence regarding the group's eligibility, benefit status or benefit level that are produced in Bridges can be retained in Bridges and do not need to be copied into the case record. Electronic documents are routed to Bridges for viewing and storing based on levels. Document levels are divided by case level, individual level, or provider level. Individual level documents will be viewable in all cases associated to the individual. Documents provided by the client or produced in Bridges that con- tain pertinent information in determining eligibility must be in the case record. Examples include: • Birth registry verification. • Consolidated inquiry information (CI). • Child support information. • Unemployment benefit information (UCB). • Pay stubs.

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• The most recent assistance application such as MDHHS-1171, any program specific supplement form(s), Filing Form, completed DHS-2063B, Food Assistance Benefits Redetermination Filing Record, if returned. These forms must remain in this packet as long as the case is open. If the case closes and reopens, move these forms to the obsolete packet. • Copies of all materials used at the most recent case opening (except vital statistics-related materials). Group these by type (such as: asset-related). Other than income verification, keep these in this packet as long as the case is open. If the case closes and reopens, move any material no longer relevant to the obsolete packet. The application form used in the most recent redetermination. File it in the obsolete packet when it is no longer current. Documentation of client contacts from home calls or office visits relating to current eligibility. Move docu- ments no longer related to current eligibility to the obsolete packet. • Copies of all materials used in the most recent eligibility determination (such as: member add, redetermination) except documents filed in the vital statistics packet. Group these by type. • Copies of all documentation of budgetary needs unless stored in Bridges. Move these to the obsolete packet when no longer current. • Current income documentation. Move documentation to the obsolete packet when no longer current. • Copies of all documentation regarding audits or correspondence with The Quality Assurance Division. • All documentation pertaining to direct supportive services. • Place FIP/SDA worksheets showing an ongoing recoupment amount in the obsolete packet when recoupment is complete; see incorrect issuance packet in this section. • Place FIP/SDA worksheets showing an:

Overpayment amount in the overissuance packet/tab.

Underpayment amount in the eligibility packet. Underissuance:

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FIP case where there was a claim of disability and the client is no longer active or pending for that program, the medical packet can go to obsolete/closed file area. Examples would include a FAP or Child Development and Care (CDC) only case. However if this client re-applies for any program where a medical determination is necessary, the existing medical packet would need to be placed back into the active case record and the new medical information would be added to the packet in chronological order. Legal Packet Paper, ECF Use this packet for all document, forms, correspondence, client signed agreements, etc., regarding legal matters, bankruptcy and administrative hearings, including items related to current eligibility or benefits. Never obsolete materials in this packet. Note: All hearing decision and orders, court actions, notices of intentional program violation, intentional program violation repayment agreement and all other documents that result in an IPV must never be obsoleted. The Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules (MOAHR), courts and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) must have documentation on all past IPVs to impose a sequential disqualification. Employment Packet Paper Use this packet for all information pertaining to the following: • Direct support service purchases that have a lifetime maximum. Bridges will track all purchases made in Bridges, however all life time purchases made prior to Bridges will need to be maintained in this packet. • Work participation program information that is not maintained in Bridges and information printed from Bridges and entered into evidence at a work participation program related hearing. • Work participation program penalty tracking information. Administrative law judges (ALJs) will require verification of all prior penalties before giving the next higher penalty.

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Access by Government Officials FIP, SDA, RCA, and CDC Only FIP, SDA, RCA, and/or CDC information may be released to the following if necessary to perform their official duties: • Official of a federal or state agency (including law enforcement). • Official of a city, county, or district (including law enforcement). • Member or committee of the Congress or State Legislature. Release information requested by an official's representative if the representative is so authorized by the official and the information is directly related to the official's duties. The official must provide a written statement establishing those facts. Place the written statement in the case record. The request may be initiated in person or via correspondence but must be in writing. Send the requestor a DHS-63, Request for Information Regarding Person Receiving Assistance, to complete and return. A request in any other form must clearly identify the official and the purpose for which the information is to be released. It must also contain sufficient information to identify the client(s). If the validity of a request is questionable, contact the official/agency to confirm that the information is needed to perform official duties. Inform the requestor that they must safeguard this confidential information and must not use it for purposes outside the official's functions or in unlawful ways; see General Public Access to Case Records in this item. The official or representative may read the entire client case record if necessary to perform official duties, but only in the local office during normal business hours. Client case records must not be removed from MDHHS premises. Exception #1: A release regarding an individual's testing for HIV or AIDS is very limited; see HIV and AIDS Confidentiality in this item.

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• If not excused, read in court the pertinent portions of the statement contained in Exhibit I in this item for the appropriate program(s). Then, if the court orders it, produce the record and/or discuss it. Reminder: Have available a copy of Exhibits II through V to give to the court if requested. If subpoenaed by an attorney other than the client's attorney to appear or to submit a case record, at a place other than a court (for example, copy center or law office), proceed as follows: • Send a copy of the subpoena to MDHHS- Subpoena@michigan.gov. Legal Affairs staff will provide additional instructions. • Call the attorney to explain that you are willing to appear but cannot produce or discuss the case record without the client's signed consent or a court order. • If the attorney insists, appear at the designated place, read the Exhibit I statement, and withhold the record and discussion of it in the absence of the client's signed consent or a court order. • If the attorney notifies MDHHS of a scheduled court hearing, appear at the hearing and read the Exhibit I statement. Then comply with any order the court issues. The above procedures do not apply to actions initiated by MDHHS (for example, to prosecute for IPV, establish paternity or secure support). Provide the case record to the department's legal representative. If the opposing attorney subpoenas the record, contact the MDHHS legal representative for instructions. If there are questions about a subpoena, contact the Legal Affairs Administration in central office through administrative channels. Court-Ordered HIV/AIDS Information All Programs In response to a court order, disclosure about a person who was tested for or infected by HIV, or tested or diagnosed as having AIDS is mandatory. The court is responsible for determining that other ways of obtaining the information are unavailable or

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EXHIBIT II - MICHIGAN SOCIAL WELFARE ACT MCL 400.35 & MCL 400.64 MCL 400.35 Records; confidentiality; rules for use. Sec. 35. Notwithstanding section 2(6), records relating to categorical assistance, including medical assistance, shall be confidential and shall not be open to inspection except as prescribed in section 64. The state department of social services may promulgate and enforce rules for the use of the records as may be necessary for purposes related to federal, state, or local public assistance, pursuant to Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, as amended. MCL 400.64 Applications and records considered public records; inspection; public access; restriction; uttering, publishing, or using names, addresses, or other information; confidentiality; alphabetical index file; inquiry as to name or amount of assistance; making available certain information to public utility or municipality; disclosure of information; violation; penalty; notice of assistance to deserted or abandoned child; documents, reports, or records from another agency or organization. Sec. 64. (1) Notwithstanding sections 2(6), 35, 45(6), and 46(6), applications and records concerning an applicant for or recipient of assistance under the terms of this act, except medical assistance, are public records and are open to inspection by persons authorized by the federal or state government, the state department, or the officials of the county, city, or district involved, in connection with their official acts and by the general public as to the names of recipients and the amounts of assistance granted. General public access is restricted to persons who present a signed application containing the name, the address, and the occupation of the persons signing the application. A person shall not utter or publish the names, addresses, or other information regarding applicants or recipients except in cases where fraud is charged, or wrongful grant of assistance is alleged. A person shall not use the names, addresses, or other information regarding applicants or recipients for political or commercial purposes.

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(2) Records relating to persons applying for, receiving or formerly receiving medical services under the categorical assistance programs of this act are confidential and shall be used only for purposes directly and specifically related to the administration of the medical program. (3) In each county, the department shall maintain an alphabetical index file in its office of cases receiving assistance through the department. When a citizen makes a personal visit to an office during regular office hours and makes inquiry as to the name or amount of assistance being received by a person, the requester shall be given the information requested in the manner prescribed by the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246. (4) Subject to restrictions prescribed by federal regulations governing temporary assistance for needy families or other federal programs, rules of the state department, or otherwise, for preventing the disclosure of confidential information to any person not authorized by law to receive the confidential information, the state department shall make available to a public utility regulated by the Michigan public service commission or a municipality information concerning applicants for, and recipients of, public assistance, the disclosure of which is necessary and the use of which is strictly limited to the purpose of a public utility's administering a program created by statute or by order of the Michigan public service commission and intended to assist applicants for, or recipients of, public assistance in defraying their energy costs. (5) The state department may disclose information regarding applicants for, and recipients of, assistance under this act in connection with the administration of assistance under this act, including the implementation and administration of section 60a, to the extent that the disclosure in regard to applicants for and recipients of federally funded assistance is in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations regarding disclosure of confidential information concerning applicants for or recipients of federally funded assistance. (6) Except as prescribed in section 61(2) and 61(3), a person who violates this section is, upon conviction, guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or by a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both. If an employee of the state violates this section, the employee is also subject to dismissal from

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state employment subject to rules as established by the civil service commission. (7) The county department shall give prompt notice to appropriate law enforcement officials of the furnishing of temporary assistance for needy families in each case where a child has been deserted or abandoned by a parent and assistance is being furnished to the child. (8) Documents, reports, or records authored by or obtained from another agency or organization shall not be released or open for inspection under subsection (1) unless required by other state or federal law, in response to an order issued by a judge, magistrate, or other authorized judicial officer. EXHIBIT III - 42 CFR, SECTION 431.300-.307 Subpart F—Safeguarding Information on Applicants and Recipients 431.300 Basis and purpose. (a) Section 1902(a)(7) of the Act requires that a State plan must provide safeguards that restrict the use or disclosure of information concerning applicants and recipients to purposes directly connected with the administration of the plan. This subpart specifies State plan requirements, the types of information to be safeguarded, the conditions for release of safeguarded information, and restrictions on the distribution of other information. (b) Section 1137 of the Act, which requires agencies to exchange information in order to verify the income and eligibility of applicants and recipients (see 435.940ff), requires State agencies to have adequate safeguards to assure that: (1) Information exchanged by the State agencies is made available only to the extent necessary to assist in the valid administrative needs of the program receiving the information, and information received under section 6103(l) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 is exchanged only with agencies authorized to receive that information under that section of the Code; and

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(3) Social and economic conditions or circumstances; (4) Agency evaluation of personal information; (5) Medical data, including diagnosis and past history of disease or disability; and (6) Any information received for verifying income eligibility and amount of medical assistance payments (see 435.940ff). Income information received from SSA, or the Internal Revenue Service must be safeguarded according to the requirements of the agency that furnished the data. (7) Any information received in connection with the identification of legally liable third-party resources under 433.138 of this chapter. 431.306 Release of information. (a) The agency must have criteria specifying the conditions for release and use of information about applicants and recipients. (b) Access to information concerning applicants or recipients must be restricted to persons or agency representatives who are subject to standards of confidentiality that are comparable to those of the agency. (c) The agency must not publish names of applicants or recipients. (d) The agency must obtain permission from a family or individual, whenever possible, before responding to a request for information from an outside source, unless the information is to be used to verify income, eligibility and the amount of medical assistance payment under section 1137 of this Act and 435.940 through 435.965 of this chapter. If, because of an emergency situation, time does not permit obtaining consent before release, the agency must notify the family or individual immediately after supplying the information. (e) The agency’s policies must apply to all requests for information from outside sources, including governmental bodies, the courts, or law enforcement officials. (f) If a court issues a subpoena for a case record or for any agency representative to testify concerning an applicant or recipient, the agency must inform the court of the applicable statutory provisions, policies, and regulations restricting disclosure of information.

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EXHIBIT IV - FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2008, AS AMENDED (e)(8) Safeguards which prohibit the use or disclosure of information obtained from applicant households, except that - (A) the safeguards shall permit - (i) the disclosure of such information to person directly connected with the administration or enforcement of the provisions of this Act, regulations issued pursuant to this Act, Federal assistance programs, or federally assisted State programs; and (ii) the subsequent use of the information by persons described in clause (i) only for such administration or enforcement; (B) the safeguards shall not prevent the use or disclosure of such information to the Comptroller General of the United States for audit and examination authorized by any other provision of law; (C) notwithstanding any other provision of law, all information obtained under this Act from an applicant household shall be made available, upon request, to local, State or Federal law enforcement officials for the purpose of investigating an alleged violation of this Act or any regulation issued under this Act;- (D) the safeguards shall not prevent the use by, or disclosure of such information, to agencies of the Federal Government (including the United States Postal Service for purposes of collecting the amount of an overissuance of benefits, as determined under section 13(b) of this Act, from Federal pay (including salaries and pensions) as authorized pursuant to section 5514 of title 5 of the United States Code or a Federal income tax refund as authorized by section 3720A of title 31, United States Code; (E) not withstanding any other provision of law, the address, social security number, and if available, on request, to any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer if the officer furnishes the State agency with the name of the member and notifies the agency that-

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benefits, through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program, to the extent the information is necessary to identify the individual for verification purposes. (iv) Persons directly connected with the administration of the Child Support Program under Part D, Title IV of the Social Security Act in order to assist in the administration of that program, and employees of the Secretary of Health and Human Services as necessary to assist in establishing or verifying, eligibility or benefits under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act; (v) Employees of the Comptroller General's Office of the United States for audit examination authorized by any other provision of law; and (vi) Local, State, or Federal law enforcement officials, upon their written request, for the purpose of investigating an alleged violation of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 as amended, or regulation. The written request shall include the identity of the individual requesting the information and his authority to do so, violation being investigated, and the identity of the person on whom the information is requested. (2) Recipients of information released under paragraph (c)(1) of this section must adequately protect the information against unauthorized disclosure to persons or for purposes not specified in this section. In addition, information received through the IEVS must be protected from unauthorized disclosure as required by regulations established by the information provider. Information released to the State agency pursuant to section 6103(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 shall be subject to the safeguards established by the Secretary of the Treasury in section 6103(1) of the Internal Revenue Code and implemented by the Internal Revenue Service in its publication, Tax Information and Security Guidelines. (3) If there is a written request by a responsible member of the household, its currently authorized representative, or a person acting on its behalf to review material and information contained in its case file, the material and information contained in the case file shall be made available for inspection during normal business hours. However, the State agency may withhold confidential information, such as the names of individuals who have disclosed

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reviewed cases. Thus, cases that are completed even with an error may have less of an impact on the error rate than a dropped review. Therefore, local office help to avoid dropping a review is crucial to the state’s overall error rate. DHS-1599, Review Results Findings Summary, Overview Upon completing the review, the Compliance Division (CD) will electronically provide a DHS-1599, Review Results Findings, sum- mary to the local office with copies to business service center and central office staff. The findings/summary includes: • Detailed case information indicating that the case is correct or in error. • Information for local office follow-up when the information is not pertinent to the sample month. • Report of a dropped review. • In cases of recipient non-cooperation, a request for case closure and the period of ineligibility; see Bridges Administrative Manual (BEM) 105, Rights and Responsibilities. The reviewer may write an “Addendum” that is a subsequent review results finding informing the local office that the results of the review have changed. Changes are reported as a result of new collateral information received by the reviewer or, a federal second party review by the US Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. Error Prevention Review Process After the Compliance Division has transmitted its review results to FNS, the error case will be reviewed by the Payment Accuracy Manager and the Error Prevention Strategy Committee (EPSC). A quarterly teleconference meeting is facilitated by the Payment Accuracy Manager. This meeting will include various mandatory participants as determined by the Economic Stability Administration (ESA). The goals of the EPSC are to: • Identify issues that suggest a need to revise or clarify policy. • Identify training needs. • Identify the need for systems modifications.

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Frequency of Reviews and Selection of Cases for Review Each month a statewide random sample of households is selected from two categories: federally funded active FIP/TANF cases and federally funded closed FIP/TANF cases. Requests for MDHHS Case Records & MWA Files When a case is selected for review, the Compliance Division (CD) contacts the local office designee to request the case record. MDHHS offices have five business days to complete the DHS-572, OQA TANF Case Review Checklist, and provide the checklist and the MDHHS client case record to CD. The Workforce Development Agency (WDA) has eight business days to obtain the Michigan Works! Agency (MWA) file and provide it to CD. TANF/FIP Case Review Upon receipt of the records and files, CD completes the work par- ticipation desk review. When they have completed their review, the Central Office FIP/TANF Family Program Policy Unit completes a review of the FIP/TANF group’s eligibility based on information pro- vided in Bridges. WDA also reviews the work eligible individual’s current work participation activities within the One Stop Manage- ment Information System (OSMIS). TANF Work Participation Review Committee (WPRC) The TANF Work Participation Review Committee (WPRC) is facili- tated by the Compliance Division and is a partnership between CD, TANF/FIP Family Program Policy, Economic Stability Administration (ESA), WDA, MDHHS local office representative/PATH Coordinator, and MWAs. To assure accuracy and completeness, case review results and action items for all sampled cases are discussed during weekly TANF Work Participation Review Committee meetings/teleconference calls. The goals of the WPRC are: • Assure that federal work participation determinations were accurately made. • Identify and obtain additional documentation that might not have been provided or available at the time of the review.

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BAM 401E 1 of 34 ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER ISSUANCE SYSTEM BPB 2026-019 8-1-2026

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OVERVIEW FIP, SDA, RCA and SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) allows clients who receive cash assistance (FIP, SDA etc.), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to receive their benefits using debit card technology. Benefits are deposited electronically into a cash and/or SNAP account. Clients access their benefits by using their personal identification number (PIN), along with their Bridge card. EXCESSIVE CARD REPLACEMENT RULE Issuance of four or more Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards has been shown to be a potential indicator of fraud and abuse of SNAP benefits. It may also be an indicator of the potential need for a referral to protective services in situations where benefits are suspected of being misused. In the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) ongoing efforts to combat fraud and abuse, and to comply with Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) policy, the following procedure will be implemented: • The EBT vendor, Fidelity Information Services (FIS) will send a card withholding letter to all households when they are at their 4th replacement card within a 12 month period, notifying them that they have reached the number of issued cards threshold, and at their 5th and each subsequent card replacement request their card will not be issued until they have gone into the local office to speak directly to the district manager or county director. • Upon the client’s request for a 5th card, a second card withholding letter will be sent by FIS notifying the client that they have exceeded the number of card requests allowed, and that they must contact their local office to schedule an appointment to speak directly to the district manager or county director in order to get another card. FIS will inform clients calling to request replacements of this requirement. • The district manager or county director will meet with the client in question and review their situation and explanation. Based on this contact, the county director or district manager will

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BAM 401E 2 of 34 ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER ISSUANCE SYSTEM BPB 2026-019 8-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

make appropriate referrals and issue a new EBT card under their authority. The situation, referrals, and approval shall be recorded on the DHS-1054, Authorization to Approve Issuance of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card, form. Copies of the authorization document shall be stored in the local office and the case record for seven years either as a hard or scanned copy. Copies will also be forwarded to the appropriate business service center (BSC) director. • Clients that have a disability indicator in Bridges will not receive excessive card replacement letters and will not be subject to the excessive card replacement policy. These clients, however, will be subject to applicable card replacement fees. To meet FNA guidelines, EBT replacement cards must be available for pick up or placed in the mail within two business days following notice by the household to the state agency that the card has been lost or stolen. A copy of the authorization form may be used to locally issue an EBT card as appropriate. PROGRAM INTEGRITY The first line of defense in reducing inappropriate use of Bridge Cards is education. MDHHS provides client and retailer training. The trainings include guidelines for appropriate use of Bridge Cards as well as fraud and abuse information. Michigan offers a toll-free phone line (1-888-678-8914) that is available 24 hours a day, Seven days a week. The phone number is located on the back of the Bridge Card. Clients are also provided with written materials when they become eligible for assistance. DHS Pub-322, How to Use Your Michigan Bridge Card, includes the following information about appropriate use: • Misuse of Food Benefits is a violation of state and federal laws. • Do not sell, trade or give away SNAP benefits, PIN or Michigan Bridge Card. • Do not allow a retailer to buy SNAP benefits in exchange for cash. • Do not use someone else’s SNAP benefits or Bridge Card for households.

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BAM 401E 3 of 34 ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER ISSUANCE SYSTEM BPB 2026-019 8-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

• It is prohibited to use cash assistance to purchase lottery tickets, alcohol, or tobacco. Cash assistance grants cannot be used for gambling, illegal activities, massage parlors, spas, tattoo shops, bail-bond agencies, adult entertainment, or cruise ships. • Clients who purchase any beverages, in any type of container with a deposit, who dump the contents out and return the containers for the deposit, may be disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits. • People who break SNAP rules may be disqualified from the program, fined, put in prison, or all three; and must repay the SNAP benefits. EBT authorized retailers are also provided with training and are required to understand and comply with all federal and state guidelines for EBT acceptance. Retailers interested in accepting the Bridge Card for SNAP benefits purchases must be authorized by FNA. BRIDGE CARD ISSUANCE

Head of Household FIS issues Bridge cards to the program head of household (HOH), unless there is a third-party payee/protective payee for the cash program. The Bridge card is then issued to both the HOH and the third-party payee/protective payee. Bridge cards are automatically mailed by FIS for: • Head of Household changes. • New case openings when a Bridge card has not previously been issued for the same recipient identification number. Note: If a Bridge card has previously been issued for the HOH’s recipient identification number and the client no longer has the card, they must contact FIS to request a replacement card, or a local office over-the-counter card can be issued. Clients will receive the Bridge cards and card mailer with basic information two to five days after the case opening. The DHS-Pub- 322, How to Use Your Michigan Bridge Card, pamphlet will be sent to clients with initial Bridge cards. In the event an initial over-the

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BAM 401E 4 of 34 ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER ISSUANCE SYSTEM BPB 2026-019 8-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

counter-card (OTC) is issued to the recipient in the local office, a hard copy of the DHS-Pub-322 must be provided to the card holder. Bridge cards will be mailed to the local office for clients who are using the county/district office as their mailing address. See Bridge Cards Received by the Local office in this item. Note: SNAP clients must have their Bridge card and access to their benefits to meet the standard of promptness. SNAP benefits are not available to the client until the day after the benefits are authorized. Head of Household Changes If the HOH on a case changes, remaining benefits in the account do not transfer to the new HOH's Bridge card. The previous HOH retains access to the remaining benefits in their account. Any subsequent benefits issued on a case will be added to the new HOH’s Bridge card. If the HOH change is due to death or incarceration (prison) see; Deceased or Incarcerated Household Changes in this item. Deceased or Incarcerated Household Changes If an individual is either deceased or incarcerated (prison) and has ever had access to a Bridge card their access, as well as the authorized representative's access, will be terminated once updated accordingly in Bridges. If the HOH is deceased or incarcerated (prison) and there are other members of the household who are entitled to the benefits, a new HOH will need to be determined from one of the remaining adult group members; see Designation of Head of Household in Bridges Administrative Manual (BAM)115 Application Processing. A DHS-3503, Verification Checklist, will be issued by Bridges to allow the household 10 days to provide their choice of a new HOH. If verification is not received, the EDG will close for failure to verify. Exception: For SNAP only, if a new HOH is not chosen, the EDG will not close. The specialist must choose a new HOH from the remaining group members.

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BAM 401E 5 of 34 ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER ISSUANCE SYSTEM BPB 2026-019 8-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Once designation of a new HOH is received, enter the new HOH into Bridges. Transfer of Funds If the HOH is deceased or incarcerated (prison), available benefits may be transferred to another group member who is the new HOH. Benefit transfers must be approved by policy. To request the transfer of the benefits, send an email to the appropriate policy email box; see Policy Interpretations in Bridges Eligibility Manual (BEM) 100, Introduction. Include the following information: • Case Name. • Case Number. • Name and Recipient ID of old HOH. • Name and Recipient ID of new HOH. • The reason for the transfer. Note: When issuing an over-the-counter Bridge Card to a new HOH that will receive a benefit transfer due to death or incarceration (prison) of the previous HOH, policy approval must accompany the benefit transfer request. Adjustment Processing It may be necessary for the EBT vendor to review and adjust EBT transactions. The EBT vendor and/or retailer/TPP can initiate an adjustment to resolve error and out-of-balance related to system problems. Client Initiated Adjustment Process The EBT vendor, on behalf of a client complaint, can initiate an adjustment to resolve a transaction error. The adjustment will reference an original settled transaction, which is partially or completely erroneous. The EBT vendor shall have the capability to process the adjustment and have this reflected in the client’s account. Adjustments made by the EBT vendor will cause money to be moved either to or from the client’s EBT account and will impact the daily settlement. Notification of pending debit adjustments must be provided to the department so that notification can be provided to the client. The department will issue the MDHHS-6062, Notice of Electronic Transfer Benefit (EBT) Client Adjustment Determination, within one business day of notification of the decision from the EBT vendor,

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BAM 401E 6 of 34 ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER ISSUANCE SYSTEM BPB 2026-019 8-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

informing the client of the decision and of their hearing rights. Clients have 90 calendar days in which to request a hearing if they do not agree with the determination. Retailer Adjustment Process The EBT vendor, in communication with the retailer, can initiate an adjustment to resolve or correct a transaction for benefits utilized by the client. The EBT vendor shall have the capability to process the adjustment and have this reflected in the client's account. Adjustments made by the EBT vendor will cause money to be moved either to or from the client's EBT account and will impact the daily settlement. The department will issue the MDHHS-6063, Notice of Electronic benefit Transfer (EBT) Retailer Benefit Adjustment Determination, within one business day of notification of the decision from the EBT vendor, informing the client of the decision and of their hearing rights. Clients have 15 days to request a hearing in order to prevent the payment from being taken from the EBT account prior to the final decision. Clients who do not file a hearing request within 15 days may still request a hearing within 90 days of notification but the benefits will be removed from the EBT account. Authorized Representative The authorized representative (AR) is chosen by the client and can only access the SNAP account. Entering the AR’s name in Bridges will automatically generate a Bridge card. The AR’s Bridge card is mailed to the client’s address. It contains the HOH’s and AR’s names. The AR is identified with “ARFS” following the name on the card. It is the client’s responsibility to give the Bridge card and the PIN to the AR. Note: Bridge cards are not issued to the HOH’s spouse unless the spouse is designated as the AR. Clients who no longer want their AR to have access to their SNAP benefits may contact FIS and request them to deactivate or status the AR’s card, thus ending the AR’s access to benefits immediately. Once a card is deactivated it cannot be reactivated, even if the same person is requested again as the AR.

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BAM 401E 7 of 34 ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER ISSUANCE SYSTEM BPB 2026-019 8-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Changing the AR in Bridges will deactivate the AR’s card, however, not immediately. Advise a client who contacts MDHHS first, to also contact FIS to deactivate the AR’s card. If a client wants to change the AR and the person is not listed in the current MDHHS-1171, Assistance Application, then a DHS-247, Request for Food Assistance Authorized Representative, must be completed: see BAM 110, Authorized Representative. If the AR performs fraudulent activity involving a client’s account, lost or stolen benefits are not replaced. If the fraudulent activity was done with the client’s knowledge, it may result in criminal charges against the client and/or the client’s benefits may be reduced. Third-Party Payee/ Protective Payee Third-party payees/protective payees on cash assistance cases are issued a Bridge card and can only access the client’s cash benefit account. The Bridge card is mailed to the third-party payee/protec- tive payee’s address on Bridges and will contain only the third-party payee/protective payee’s name. When there is a third-party payee/protective payee, the client cannot access the cash account. Clients with a third-party payee/protective payee still have access to the SNAP account. If a group has both an AR and a third-party payee/protective payee, it may be the same person or different people. If it is the same person, that person will receive two Bridge cards, one to access the SNAP account and the other to access the cash benefits; see BAM 420, Third-Party Payee. Cash Third-Party Payee/Protective Payee Changes The following explains who can access the cash account when there is a change to the third-party payee/protective payee: • If the third-party payee/protective payee changes, the new third-party payee/protective payee will be able to access any existing benefits in the cash account with their new Bridge card. • If the third-party payee/protective payee is deleted in Bridges, the third-party payee/protective payee will no longer have access to any benefits. Access will revert to the HOH who will have access to all the benefits in the cash account.

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BAM 401E 9 of 34 ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER ISSUANCE SYSTEM BPB 2026-019 8-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

GROUP HOMES

Authorized Retailers Group homes approved as FNA-certified retailers are supplied with the necessary POS equipment for processing EBT transactions in the group homes. New group homes requesting to be FNA-certified must contact FNA to become an authorized retailer. Provide group homes with the address and phone number for the FNA Field Office based on their county. Retailers interested in accepting the Bridge Card for food benefits purchases must be authorized by FNA. To become an authorized retailer, apply online at www.fns.usda.gov/snap or call the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at 877-823-4369. Retailers not authorized by FNA are eligible to participate by accepting the Bridge Card for cash benefits only and must contact retailer operations to receive a survey form and a list of certified third-party providers with which they may contract to provide EBT cash benefit services. If you would like this information mailed to you, or if you have questions regarding your contract, call Retailer Operations at 1-888-529-1693. Group homes acting as FNA-certified retailers permit clients to exchange their benefit dollars for food by swiping their Bridge card through the home’s POS device. The Bridge card transaction is processed between the first and the 15th of the month to reduce the client’s monthly SNAP benefit by half. The group home’s account is increased by the amount deducted from the client’s account. A second transaction is done between the 16th and the last day of the month for the remaining balance, again debiting the client’s account and crediting the group home’s account. Authorized Representatives Those homes that are not approved as authorized retailers may be an authorized representative for the clients in their homes. In these situations, an employee (such as the food buyer) of the group home is identified as the AR for the residents in the home. This person is authorized by the client and the facility to act as an AR, accessing only the client’s SNAP benefits at a FNA retailer location with a

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BAM 401E 10 of 34 ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER ISSUANCE SYSTEM BPB 2026-019 8-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

POS terminal; see Authorized Representatives in BAM 110, Application Filing And Registration. Benefit Access Clients and/or their FSARs access benefits with their Bridge card and PIN at automated teller machines and at POS devices at retailers displaying the Quest ® logo or sign. If the case closes, the cash or SNAP benefits remaining on the Bridge card are still available to the client. They may continue to access these benefits in the account until they are depleted or expunged. If the cash account balance contains enough to pay the transaction plus any applicable client fees; see Fees in this item, the account is debited for that amount. An approval message is sent back to the automated teller machine/POS device where either the purchase is completed, or cash is dispensed. If the cash account does not have sufficient funds to cover the transaction, a denial message is sent back to the access device. Clients can then contact the Interactive Voice Response Unit for information regarding their account. See Customer Service, Interactive Voice Response Unit in this item. Cash Benefits and Availability Dates FIP and SDA clients receive ongoing benefits, early payments (EPs) and supplemental benefits less than $1,000 in their EBT cash account. The ongoing semi-monthly cash assistance EBT deposits are available on the warrant date shown in the issuance deadline schedule in Reference Manuals RFS 305, Bridges Cash And FAP Transaction Deadlines And Issuance Schedules. Supplements and EPs are available the day after authorized. Cash may be obtained only from a client’s cash account. Exception: Benefits on closed cases, EPs over $1000, supplements over $1000 and all replacement benefits are issued as warrants. Benefits can be accessed: • At any automated teller machine that accepts Quest® clients. • At a check cashier displaying the Quest® sign/logo. • By making a purchase at retailers who accept the Bridge card.

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BAM 401E 11 of 34 ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER ISSUANCE SYSTEM BPB 2026-019 8-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

• Through a cash-only POS transaction at a retailer that allows the option. • As cash back when making a purchase through a POS device located in a retail or merchant establishment that accepts the Quest® logo. Note: The amount of cash back allowed depends on the retailer's policy. The client should ask the retailer before shopping. Fees Clients are allowed cash withdrawals from an automated teller machine (ATM) without transaction fees. However, depending on the ATM selected, there may be an ATM fee charged. It is the client's responsibility to pay for these fees. Such fees will be debited from their cash account balance at the time of the transaction. Note: Clients are not assessed a fee for accessing cash benefits with their Bridge card at a POS terminal. Surcharges Unlike fees, an automated teller machine/network surcharge is the charge for using a particular bank’s automated teller machine. Cli- ents are given the option of paying the surcharge before their withdrawal. A question appears on the screen telling the client the cost of using that automated teller machine. If clients do not want to pay the surcharge, they may decline by pressing cancel, and their Bridge card is returned. They can then access another automated teller machine somewhere else with either a lesser surcharge or no surcharge at all. SNAP BENEFITS AND AVAILABILITY DATES All SNAP benefits are deposited into the client’s EBT SNAP account. New openings (including expedited issuances and supplements) are available to clients the day after the client information and benefits are authorized in Bridges. Ongoing SNAP benefits are available on the dates listed in RFS 305, and available on the same day of the month each month. The date depends on the last digit of the client’s recipient ID number.

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BAM 401E 15 of 34 ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER ISSUANCE SYSTEM BPB 2026-019 8-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

See BAM 505, Returned/Cancelled Benefits, for replacing expunged cash benefits. Exception: Unaccessed cash benefits which are entirely state funded, for example, SDA benefits and FIP benefits on certain cases will not be expunged. Instead, these benefits will be escheated; see BAM 505, Returned/Cancelled Benefits, replacing Escheated Benefits. BRIDGE CARD REPLACEMENT If the Bridge card is lost, stolen or damaged, the client, third-party payee/protective payee and/or the AR must immediately notify FIS by calling the Interactive Voice Response Unit. Any benefit loss that occurs prior to this notification is the client’s responsibility and will not be replaced. Clients contact the Interactive Voice Response Unit, by calling 1- 888-678-8914 from a touchtone phone. The Interactive Voice Response Unit number is listed on the back of the Bridge card, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Clients must speak to a Customer Service Representative to report lost/stolen/malfunctioning cards who will initiate processes to replace a card. Once a Bridge card is reported as lost or stolen, FIS immediately deactivates the current card and will reissue a new one at the client’s request. Replacement cards are mailed in an inactive status and will not retain the original PIN. Cards will arrive within two to five calendar days. The HOH or AR’s card(s) are mailed to the HOH’s address, and third-party payee/protective payee cards are mailed to the third-party payee/protective payee’s address. If cash and/or SNAP benefits are accessed after the client contacts FIS but before they deactivate the old card, the benefit replacement is the responsibility of FIS and not MDHHS. MDHHS only replaces SNAP benefits when food is destroyed in a domestic misfortune or disaster; see; Domestic Misfortune or Disaster in BAM 502, Food Benefit Replacement. Replacement Fee Clients may receive only one free Bridge card replacement during their lifetime. The client’s authorized representatives or third-

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BAM 401E 17 of 34 ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER ISSUANCE SYSTEM BPB 2026-019 8-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Bridge Cards Received in Mail by Local Office Michigan EBT Bridge Cards are mailed to the local office for those recipients whose address in Bridges is the local office. If the HOH has an authorized representative, that card is also sent to the local office. Secured Bridge Card File Each local office must establish and maintain a Secured Bridge Card File for all EBT cards received in the mail. A secured file means a locked strongbox or cabinet with limited access during business hours. Card Issuance Clerk Each local office must designate a card issuance clerk to control EBT cards received in the mail using the DHS-61, Daily Record and Disposition of Checks/Warrants/EBT Cards. Bridge Card Disposition EBT Cards received in the mail must be released to recipient as soon as possible. Disposition action must be taken for all cards within 30 calendar days after the card is received. Note: Specialists and the card issuance clerk should make an effort to make sure HOH/Protective Payee/FSAR has been notified before the card is destroyed. In extenuating circumstances (client disability, major illness, etc.) where the client is unable to pick up the card from the local office, the card may be mailed. If the address on Bridges is the local office, the client must be contacted to obtain a valid mailing address. In these instances, the DHS-3955-A-EBT, Bridge Card Issuance Log Attachment, and a prepaid postage return envelope must be included in the mailing with the card. The client should be instructed to enter entire card number, sign, date, and return the DHS-3955-A-EBT, Bridge Card Issuance Log Attachment to the local office. Photocopies of the mailing envelope and the contents should be made and retained by the local office. When the signed DHS-3955-A-EBT, Bridge Card Issuance Log Attachment is

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BAM 401E 24 of 34 ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER ISSUANCE SYSTEM BPB 2026-019 8-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Local Office Bridge Card Issuance Initial or replacement Bridge cards can be issued by the local office upon receipt of ES/FIS/Supervisor authorization to issue an over- the-counter Bridge card. Card issuance process should not be initiated until card recipient is present. Valid photo identification must be presented by the HOH/Protective Payee/FSAR to receive the card. In the absence of valid photo identification, collateral contact, and signature on the DHS-3955-A- EBT, Bridge Card Issuance Log Attachment by a specialist or supervisor/manager is acceptable. Proper sources of identification are found in BEM 221, Identity. Note: The local office will not issue a replacement Bridge Card to an AR that has the status reason of "statused by primary". This status reason indicates the client no longer wants the AR to have access to their benefits. Card Issuance Clerk: 1. Receive authorization to issue over-the-counter Bridge card from ES/FIS/Supervisor. A print of the authorization must be retained with the card issuance documentation. Note: When issuing an over-the-counter Bridge card to a new HOH that will receive a benefit transfer due to the death or incarceration (prison) of the previous HOH, the policy approval email must accompany the request. The following card issuance process should not be initiated until the card recipient is present. Exception: In extenuating circumstances (client disability, major illness, etc.) where the client is unable to pick up the card from the local office, the card may be mailed. If the address on Bridges is the local office, the client must be contacted to obtain a valid mailing address. In these instances, the DHS-3955-A-EBT, Bridge Card Issuance Log Attachment and a prepaid postage return envelope must be included in the mailing with the card. The client should be instructed to sign, date, and return the DHS-3955-A-EBT, Bridge Card Issuance Log Attachment to the local office. Photocopies of the mailing envelope and the contents should be made and retained by the local office. When the signed

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BAM 402 6 of 20 MA BENEFITS BPB 2021-026 10-1-2021

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

HEALTHY KIDS DENTAL MA MDHHS has contracted with two Dental Health Plans (DHPs) to administer the healthy Kids Dental benefit statewide. The DHPs administer the Medicaid dental benefit to all Medicaid beneficiaries under age 21. The dental services provided through the DHPs include at a minimim, the same dental services provided through fee-for-service (FFS) Medicaid. DHPs, at their discretion may cover additional dental services not covered through FFS Medicaid. Healthy Kids Dental is not limited to persons receiving MA under Children Under 19 (U19). It is for all MA beneficiaries under age 21. Beneficiaries must see a dentist that participates with the beneficiairy's chosen DHP dental network. Beneficiaries may contact their DHP's customer servcie with questions. Enrollment All HKD beneficiaries will initially be automatically enrolled on an alternate basis in one of two DHPs. MDHHS will mail confirmation letters to all beneficiaries who have been automatically enrolled in a DHP. The letter will include the beneficiary’s assigned DHP and information on their right to choose a different DHP. Beneficiaries will be able to contact the Michigan enrollment broker, Michigan Enrolls, for help with their DHP selection. Michigan Enrolls is independent from the DHPs and will provide beneficiaries with choice counseling information, including dental provider participation in each DHP’s network. Beneficiaries will be able to call or send a form to Michigan Enrolls to change their DHP. Any change of DHP made by a beneficiary will be made on a prospective basis. If the beneficiary contacts Michigan Enrolls prior to the last business day of the month, the new DHP enrollment should be effective on the first day of the following month. For example, a beneficiary who calls Michigan Enrolls on October 5, 2018, and selects a different DHP will be changed to the new DHP effective November 1, 2018.

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BAM 435 2 of 5 PROVIDER MANAGEMENT BPB 2026-014 5-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Program, form to the PMU for a provider to be enrolled as a LIHEAP provider and to receive payment on behalf of a client. Revisions or corrections to a provider's enrollment must be submitted in writing, by the provider, on a DHS-355 or their business letterhead and sent directly to the PMU. Non-Energy Service Providers To enroll or make changes to the enrollment of non-energy utility providers of water, sewer, burial, home repair, and shelter, (includes home ownership), submit a completed DHS-2351-X, Provider Enrollment/Change Request, to PMU. Medical Service and Medical Photocopying Service To enroll or make changes to the enrollment of a Medical Service or Medical Photocopying Service provider, submit a completed DHS-2351-X, Provider Enrollment/Change Request, to PMU. Adult Foster Care, Homes for the Aged, and County Infirmaries Adult Foster Care (AFC), Homes for the Aged (HFA), and County Infirmaries (CI) receiving payment for care must be enrolled by PMU; see BAM 430. Submit a completed DHS-2351-X, Provider Enrollment/Change Request to PMU. Special Living Arrangement (SLA) provider payment cannot be authorized unless the provider is enrolled with the appropriate eligibility type. SLA provider payment authorizations cannot be authorized beyond the eligibility type end date if an end date has been entered. After all enrollments, PMU will respond to the emailed request with the provider ID and service begin date. Child Development and Care (CDC) Providers See BEM 704 and BEM 706 for further enrollment and payment information. Licensed CDC providers are maintained by PMU and must registered in SIGMA VSS to receive payment. License exempt CDC providers are enrolled and maintained by Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). License exempt related and unrelated providers do not require an SVC due to payment issuing to the parent. When assigning this provider type, disregard the Bridges pop up requiring an SVC by clicking OK.

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BAM 500 4 of 8 WARRANTS LOST, STOLEN, NOT RECEIVED, OR DESTROYED BPB 2024-018 7-1-2024

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

• If the warrant is issued to the same payee for the same amount, the specialist can process the replacement. • If the warrant is issued to a different payee but is for the same amount, only central office can process the replacement. Note: For SER, if the warrant is issued for a different amount, the specialist can reprocess the warrant (for example, reregister the SER using the original SER date). 1354 PROCESS Often, a stop payment is requested after the original warrant was cashed and paid by Treasury. MDHHS and Treasury are responsible to recover the funds before a replacement warrant is issued. To replace a payment that has been cashed complete a 1354, Affidavit Claiming Forged Endorsement on a State Treasurer’s Warrant Process. • Payment Processing sends a copy of the warrant and a cover memo to the local fiscal office. • The local fiscal office will complete the 1354, Affidavit Claiming Forged Endorsement on a State Treasurer’s Warrant, attach the cover memo, a photocopy of the warrant and forward to the specialist for completion. • The specialist schedules a local office appointment with the payee to explain the 1354 process and to have the payee view the warrant copy signature. • If the payee fails to keep the appointment, or refuses to sign the affidavit, return the 1354 with the memo to the local fiscal office with an explanatory note. The local fiscal office returns the 1354 to the Payment Processing Unit. • If the payee admits endorsing the warrant, obtain a signed statement to that effect. Return the 1354 with the memo to the local fiscal office. The local fiscal office returns the 1354 to the Payment Processing Unit. • If the payee claims the signature on the warrant copy is forged, both the payee and a notary public must sign each copy of the 1354 in ink. Only original signatures are acceptable.

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BAM 600 4 of 50 HEARINGS BPB 2026-014 5-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

A DHS-1216-AP, Request for Attorney General Representation, must be completed if a client will be represented by an attorney at the hearing. Submit the DHS-1216-AP form to the Bureau of Legal Affairs (BLA) at MDHHS-AGrepresentation-AP@michigan.gov at the earliest of: • The date that the DHS-3050, Hearing Summary, is sent to MOAHR, or • Within 24-hours of learning an attorney will be representing the client, where the DHS-3050 has already been sent to MOAHR. The Bureau of Legal Affairs (BLA) will review the request for appropriateness and completeness, and if approved, BLA will forward the DHS-1216-AP to the Office of the Attorney General for assignment. The Attorney General’s Office requires a two-week notice prior to the date of the hearing. If there is less than two weeks’ notice, make a request for adjournment to M0AHR for the purpose of arranging legal representation; see Request for Adjournment in this item. Make a request for representation even if a hearing date is not received. Adjournment is putting off a scheduled administrative hearing until a later date. Note: Request attorney general representation using the process in this item if it is beneficial to the department to have attorney general representation for example, a complex issue in dispute; client representation by a third-party organization, etc. Communication with Assigned Assistant Attorney General Direct all routine communications to the assigned assistant attorney general (AAG), not to MOAHR. This directive does not pertain to communications that only MOAHR can address. (For example, dismissal of a case when a client requests to withdraw a request subsequent to the meaningful prehearing conference.) Under no circumstances should any local office or policy unit send an email to the AG-HEFS mailbox. That email address is only for the BLA requests for representation and the email notice from the attorney general of the assignment of an AAG. Any other communication to that mailbox will cause confusion and delay in obtaining the representation of the MDHHS by the attorney general’s office. Any communication about a case prior to the

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BAM 600 23 of 50 HEARINGS BPB 2026-014 5-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Number the document copies in the medical packet consecutively in the lower right corner, attach them to the hearing summary and forward to the hearings coordinator. Exception #4: For hearing requests disputing OCS/PA actions: Attach a supplemental hearing summary completed by OCS/PA detailing actions taken and all evidence provided by the OCS/PA. State-funded FIP and SDA Only For Interim Assistance Recovery (IAR) disputes, prepare the hearing summary using documents obtained by the local IAR liaison from central office payment reconciliation staff. Attach copies of those and any other supporting documents to the hearing summary and forward to the hearings coordinator. MA Only When a hearing request based on a Medicaid denial is received, send or give the client a DHS-333, Retroactive Period/Corrective Action Eligibility Notice. This notice explains the potential for reim- bursement of paid medical expenses after a MDHHS denial that is overturned on appeal by MDHHS, an ALJ or a court. To be eligible for reimbursement, the payment must be for a Medicaid-covered care or service that is provided on or after February 2, 2004. If the client is to be notified of an overturned Medicaid eligibility decision, send or give the client a DHS-334, Reimbursement Notice. A client may be eligible for reimbursement of medical expenses paid to providers for a retroactive eligibility period Medicaid-covered care or service. A medical payment for care or services received in a client’s retroactive period may be reimbursable if it is made between a MDHHS denial and 10 days after the date an eligibility determination is issued as a result of the hearing request. A client may also be eligible for corrective action reimbursement of medical expenses paid to providers for care or services received after the MDHHS application. The corrective action period covers medical expenses paid to providers between the date a MDHHS administrative hearing request is filed and 10 days after the date an eligibility determination is issued as a result of the hearing request. The client must show that the original denial was incorrect for corrective action reimbursements. Example: A client submits his income and expense information but forgets to include proof of health insurance premiums or child

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BAM 600 31 of 50 HEARINGS BPB 2026-014 5-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Withdrawals Not In-Person All Programs When the client or AHR requests a hearing request withdrawal form outside of the Meaningful Prehearing Conference setting, the DHS- 18A, Hearing Request Withdrawal, must be used. If the client has an AHR, the AHR must sign the withdrawal request. The client may not withdraw the hearing request without first providing the department with a written, signed and dated notice stating they wish to revoke the AHR’s authorization to represent the client. The authorization to represent must be revoked by the client before the client signs the hearing request withdrawal. DHS-18A, Hearing Request Withdrawal, forms received by MDHHS must be faxed to the Michigan Administrative Hearing System (MOAHR) for disposition at 517-763-0155. 1. Withdrawal requests received prior to submitting the DHS- 3050, Hearing Summary, and hearing packet to MOAHR, ID mail or send by US postal mail all the following to MOAHR: • DHS-1605, Notice of Case Action. • DHS-18, Request for Hearing (or equivalent). • Signed DHS-18A, Hearing Request Withdrawal. 2. Withdrawal requests received after submitting the DHS-3050, Hearing Summary, and hearing packet to MOAHR, ID mail send by US postal mail all of the following to MOAHR: • Signed DHS-18A, Hearing Request Withdrawal. • Copy of the DHS-3050, Hearing Summary, previously submitted. (A copy of the DHS-3050 will allow MOAHR to match the withdrawal with the correct request for hearing.) 3. Withdrawal requests received from client by telephone. Ask the caller to promptly mail or drop off a signed written request for withdrawal to the local office. The client may obtain and complete a DHS-18A at the local office or online at: www.michigan.gov/dhs-forms in the other category. When the request for withdrawal is received, mail a copy to MOAHR. File the original in the case record. If the withdrawal is received within seven business days of the scheduled hearing, fax the withdrawal to MOAHR.

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BAM 600 32 of 50 HEARINGS BPB 2026-014 5-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

MOAHR will review the hearing request withdrawal and: • If approved, send an Order Dismissing Request for Hearing Pursuant to Withdrawal to all parties. • If denied, an administrative hearing will be scheduled. 4. Withdrawal requests received at the time of hearing. When a client comes to the local office for a hearing, and while at the local office, decides to withdraw the request, contact MOAHR to advise of the withdrawal request. The assigned ALJ must have an opportunity to discuss the withdrawal request with the client and AHR or review the signed withdrawal request that may be faxed. Do not send the client away until MOAHR has reviewed the withdrawal request and made a determination whether to grant or deny the request. If the withdrawal request is denied, the hearing will take place as scheduled while the client is present in the local office. 5. If a withdrawal fails to dispose of all issues (partial withdrawal), MOAHR may accept the DHS-18A on the identified program and a hearing will be conducted on unresolved issues. STATE SSI PAYMENT (SSP) SSPs are made for only those months the recipient received a regular monthly federal benefit. This is shown on State On-Line Query (SOLQ) as a recurring payment dated the first of the month. SSPs are not issued for retroactive or supplemental federal benefits. The client or AHR may request a hearing when the client receives a DHS-430, Benefit Reduction Notice, stating that the SSP is being reduced or terminated; see BEM 660, State SSI Payment. Handle these hearing requests in the same manner as all other benefit hearing requests. When a hearing request (usually a DHS-430) is received, do all the following: • Log the receipt of the hearing request on Bridges. A timely hearing request will delete the negative action and issue a warrant equal to the previous quarterly payment.

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BAM 600 44 of 50 HEARINGS BPB 2026-014 5-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Example: A client applies in December 2004 and the specialist determines eligibility in January 2005. The MA begin date is January 2005. There is no eligibility for December 2004 because it is before January of the current year. Notifying Partners If a MDHHS partner was involved in the hearing, a copy of the hearing decision must be faxed, mailed, or emailed (use their preferred mode of communication) to the partner within 24 hours of receipt. Implementing the Hearing Decision All Programs All hearing decisions must be recorded in Bridges, on the Hearing Restore Benefits screen. Some hearing decisions require implementation by the local office. Implement a decision and order within 10 calendar days of the mail- ing date on the hearing decision. Do not provide a notice of case action. The hearing decision serves as notice of the action. If implementation requires a redetermination, send a notice of case action on the redetermination action. Implement the hearing decision pending a court appeal unless a circuit court or other court with jurisdiction issues an order requiring a stay. Note: Specialists will be notified by the Legal Affairs Administration if MDHHS is not to implement a hearing decision because of a court stay. If such an order is received from the client, AHR or a court, or if there are any questions, contact Legal Affairs Administration; see Administrative Policy, APL 410, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). If unable to determine what action is required, contact the policy clarification mailbox. Policy staff will clarify the situation with the appropriate supervisory ALJ. If a hearing decision or a local office review results in Medicaid eligibility, send or give the client a DHS-334, Reimbursement Notice. This notice explains the procedure for a client to follow to request reimbursement of paid medical bills from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

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BAM 705 4 of 11 AGENCY ERROR OVERPAYMENTS BPB 2026-009 4-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Example: A potential agency error was assigned to an OEA for the period of January 2015 through July 2016. The OEA discovers an overpayment in February 2022 for the months of March 2016 through July 2016. The OEA only pursued the latest five months because the months of January 2015 through February 2016 occurred more than six years before the discovered overpayment. To determine the first month (or first pay period for CDC) of the overpayment period, allow time for: • The client/individual reporting period per BAM 105 and • The full standard of promptness (SOP) for change processing per BAM 220 and • The full negative action suspense period per BAM 220. Exception: When an agency error occurs at application, redetermination, semi-annual, or mid-certification, allow the SOP for change processing per BAM 220 and the full negative action suspense period per BAM 220 when determining the first month (or first pay period for CDC) of the overpayment. The client/individual already reported their information on these forms per BAM 105. Example: Client/individual applies for FAP and FIP on 08-29-2023 for a group size of three. Head of household (HOH) reports Supplemental Security Income (SSI) income of $800, $400 rent, and heat and utility expenses. Department failed to budget the SSI income. First month of the overpayment period for FAP is determined as follows: • HOH reporting period is date of application - 08-29-2023. • Ten days for change processing - 09-08-2023. • Twelve-day negative action suspense period - 09-20-2023. • First month of OP is 10-2023. Using the example above, the first month of the overpayment period for FIP is determined as follows: • HOH reporting period is date of application - 08-29-2023. • Fifteen workdays for change processing - 09-20-2023 (09-04- 2023 was the state observed holiday of Labor Day). • Twelve-day negative action suspense period - 10-02-2023. • First month of OP is 11-2023.

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BAM 720 2 of 19 INTENTIONAL PROGRAM VIOLATION BPB 2026-009 4-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

other than eligible food, either directly, indirectly, in complicity or collusion with others, or acting alone; or • The exchange of firearms, ammunition, explosives, or controlled substances, as defined in section 802 of title 21, United States Code, for SNAP (FAP) benefits; or • Purchasing a product with FAP benefits that has a container requiring a return deposit with the intent of obtaining cash by discarding the product and returning the container for the deposit amount, intentionally discarding the product, and intentionally returning the container for the deposit amount; or • Purchasing a product with FAP benefits with the intent of obtaining cash or consideration other than eligible food by reselling the product, and subsequently intentionally reselling the product purchased with FAP benefits in exchange for cash or consideration other than eligible food; or • Intentionally purchasing products originally purchased with FAP benefits in exchange for cash or consideration other than eligible food; or • Attempting to buy, sell, steal, or otherwise affect an exchange of FAP benefits issued and accessed via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, card numbers and personal identification numbers (PINs), or by manual voucher and signatures for cash or consideration other than eligible food, either directly, indirectly, in complicity or collusion with others, or acting alone. SUSPECTED IPV IPV is suspected when an overpayment (OP) exists for which all three of the following conditions exist: • The client failed to report information or gave incomplete or inaccurate information needed to make a correct benefit determination, and • The client was clearly and correctly instructed regarding their reporting responsibilities, and • The client has no apparent physical or mental impairment that limits their understanding or ability to fulfill their reporting responsibilities.

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BAM 802 4 of 5 WAGE MATCH AND UCB BPB 2026-014 5-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Average the income over the time period reported on the wage match report to determine a monthly income amount. Follow the guidelines below: • Use the first day of the first month covered by the wage match report as the date the client knew of the change. If there is more than one wage match report for the overpayment, use the first day of the first report period. • Use the IG-011 Employee Wage History by Recipient ID, report when the wage match does not cover all time periods. • Follow policy for either change reporting or simplified reporting depending on the reporting status of the household. • Notify the household of its right to request an administrative hearing or provide actual income verification by checking the box provided on the DHS-4358B, Overissuance Summary. • If actual income verification is provided, recalculate the overpayment. Wage match reports that identify the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) as the employer are adult home help provider earnings. Payment information can be found on Bridges by accessing consolidated inquiry for the recipient. UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS FIP, SDA, MA, and FAP MDHHS receives a weekly file from Michigan UIA containing UCB payments distributed to MDHHS clients. Bridges populates Michigan UCB income automatically. If a file is received for an individual who does not have an existing unearned income record for Michigan UCB in Bridges, one will be created. The circumstance start/change date (CSCD) will be equal to the payment date. The period start date will equal the payment date minus three calendar days, and the pay detail will be entered and marked as yes to include in projections when the payment is for only a two-week period. Mass update will be triggered so the eligibility determination benefit calculation (EDBC) results will then be certified. Out-of-state UCB income is not automated and must be entered as other unearned income.

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BAM 803 8 of 14 IRS DATA EXCHANGES BPB 2025-015 6-1-2025

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

EXHIBIT I – IRC SEC. 7213 UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION (a) RETURNS AND RETURN INFORMATION.

(1) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND OTHER PERSONS.-It shall be unlawful for any officer or employee of the United States or any person described in section 6103(n) (or an officer or employee of any such person), or any former officer or employee, willfully to disclose to any person, except as authorized in this title, any return or return information [as defined in section [6103(b)]. Any violation of this paragraph shall be a felony punishable upon conviction by a fine in any amount not exceeding $5,000, or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution, and if such offense is committed by any officer or employee of the United States, he shall, in addition to any other punishment, be dis- missed from office or discharged from employment upon conviction for such offense.

(2) STATE AND OTHER EMPLOYEES.-It shall be unlawful for any person [not described in paragraph (1)] willfully to disclose to any person, except as authorized in this title, any return or return information [as defined in section 6103(b)] acquired by him or another person under subsection (d), (i)(3)(B)(i), (1)(6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (12), (15) and (16) or (m)(2), (4), (5), (6), or (7) of section 6103. Any violation of this paragraph shall be a felony punishable by a fine in any amount not exceeding $4,000, or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both, together with the cost of prosecution.

(3) OTHER PERSONS.- It shall be unlawful for any person to whom any return or return information [as defined in section 6103(b)] is disclosed in a manner unauthorized by this title thereafter willfully to print or publish in any manner not provided by law any such return or return information. Any violation of this paragraph shall be a felony punishable by a fine in any amount not exceeding $5,000, or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both, together with the cost of prosecution.

(4) SOLICITATION.-It shall be unlawful for any person willfully to offer any item of material value in exchange for any return or return information [as defined in 6103(b)] and to receive as a result

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BAM 803 12 of 14 IRS DATA EXCHANGES BPB 2025-015 6-1-2025

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

(2) any inspection or use of such information other than for purposes of meeting any requirement under section 3406 or (sub- ject to the safeguards set forth in 6103) for purposes permitted under section 6103 shall be treated as a violation of section 6103. For purposes of subsection (b), the reference to section 6103 shall be treated as including a reference to section 3406. EXHIBIT III - SEC 6103(P)(4) SAFEGUARDS

(4) SAFEGUARDS.-Any federal agency described in subsec- tion (h)(2), (h)(5), (i)(1), (2), (3), or (5), (j)(1), (2), or (5), (k)(8), (1)(1), (2), (3), (5), (10), (11), (13), (14), (15), or (17) or (o)(1), the Government Accountability Office, or any agency, body, or commission described in subsection (d), (i)(3) (B)(i) or (1)(6), (7), (8), (9), (12) or (15), or (16), or any other person described in subsection (1)(16) shall, as a condition for receiving returns or return information-

(A) establish and maintain, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, a permanent system of standardized records with respect to any request, the reason for such request, and the date of such request made by or of it and any disclosure of return or return information made by or to it;

(B) establish and maintain, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, a secure area or place in which such returns or return information shall be stored;

(C) restrict, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, access to the returns or return information only to persons whose duties or responsibilities require access and to whom disclosure may be made under the provisions of this title;

(D) provide such other safeguards with the Secretary determines (and which he prescribes in regulations) to be nec- essary or appropriate to protect the confidentiality of the returns and return information;

(E) furnish a report to the Secretary, at such time and containing such information as the Secretary may prescribe, which describes the procedures established and utilized by such agency, body, or commission or the Government Accountability Office for ensuring the confidentiality of returns and return information required by this paragraph; and

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BAM 803 13 of 14 IRS DATA EXCHANGES BPB 2025-015 6-1-2025

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

(F) upon completion of use of such returns or return information-

(i) in the case of agency, body or commission described in subsection (d), (i)(3)(B)(i), or (1)(6), (7), (8), (9) or (16) or any other person described in subsection (1)(16) return to the Sec- retary such returns or return information (along with any copies made there from) or make such return information undisclos- able in any manner and furnish a written report to the Secretary describing such manner

(ii) in the case of an agency described in subsection (h)(2), (h)(5), (i)(1), (2), (3), or (5), (j)(1), (2), or (5), (1)(1), (2), (3), (5), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), or (17), or (o)(1), or the Government Accountability Office, either-

(1) return to the Secretary such returns or return information (along with any copies made there from)

(2) otherwise make such returns or return information undisclosable, or

(3) to the extent not so returned or made undisclosable, ensure that the conditions of subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) of this paragraph continue to be met with respect to such returns or return information, and

(iii) in the case of the Department of Health and Human Services for purposes of subsection (m) (6), destroy all such return information upon completion of its use in providing the notification for which the information was obtained, so as to make such information undisclosable; except that conditions of subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) shall cease to apply with respect to any return or return information if, and to the extent that, such return or return information is dis- closed in the course of any judicial or administrative proceedings and made a part of the public record thereof. If the Secretary deter- mines that any such agency, body, or commission including an agency or any other person described in subsection (1)(16) or the Government Accountability Office has failed to, or does not, meet requirements of this paragraph, he may, after any proceedings for review established under paragraph (7), take such actions as are necessary to ensure such requirements are met, including refusing to disclose returns, or return information to such agency, body, or commission including an agency or any other person described in

(bam)(105)Michigan Bridges Administrative Manual: BAM 105 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES#

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(bam)(105)Michigan Bridges Administrative Manual: BAM 105 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES#

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(bam)(110)Michigan Bridges Administrative Manual: BAM 110 APPLICATION FILING AND REGISTRATION#

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(bam)(115)Michigan Bridges Administrative Manual: BAM 115 APPLICATION PROCESSING#

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