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BAM 116 2 of 4 SSI/FAP JOINT APPLICATION PROCESSING BPB 2025-022 10-1-2025

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

• Interview with the applicant. • Attach a transmittal form to all applications regarding verification(s). See Verification Provided by SSA in this item. • Forward applications to the designated local office within one working day after receiving receipt. • Give the applicant the local office pamphlet (or loose materials) which provides basic program information, issuance informa- tion, and instructions for obtaining FAP. SSA orders these materials through the local office. • Give the applicant information on how and where to receive Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) training. Food Assistance benefits issued in the form of EBT are accessed using a plastic Bridge Card. Individuals must be aware of what is required of them if they don’t go into the local office. Local offices should arrange with their local SSA office for the most convenient and timely method for transmitting applications. Local Office Responsibilities Upon receipt of a signed application from SSA, the local office must take the following actions: • Register the application if the individual has not already applied for or been approved for FAP benefits. Use the date filed at SSA for the application date. • Process applications according to the appropriate standard of promptness, based on the date they were filed at the SSA office. (See Exception below.) • Bridges automatically screens all applications for expedited service. The expedited service timeliness standard begins on the date after the application was received at an MDHHS office; see Exception in this item. Exception: Individuals may apply for SSI and FAP benefits before being released from medical institutions. The application filing date for these applications is the date of release from the institution. Example: