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BAM 115 29 of 36 APPLICATION PROCESSING BPB 2026-003 2-1-2026

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

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: