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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