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

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

An over-the-counter Bridge card cannot be issued to a third- party payee/protective payee on a new cash assistance case opening. LOCAL OFFICE ISSUED BRIDGE CARD Local office over-the-counter issued Bridge cards are permanent cards and do not have the client’s name printed on the card. Bridge cards may be issued by the local office upon receipt of an email from the Eligibility/Family Independence Specialist or Supervisor (ES/FIS/Supervisor). The ES/FIS/Supervisor must list the HOH's name and recipient identification and indicate in the authorization that an over-the- counter card is to be issued. A Bridges Case-Search Summary screen print including case number, case name and HOH recipient ID must be retained with the card issuance documentation. Valid photo identification must be presented by the cardholder to receive the card. Note: If issuing an over the counter 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. Food Stamp Authorized Representative (AR) Bridge Card It is not advised to issue an AR an over-the-counter Bridge card because of possible disagreements with the client. Issuing a Bridge card to an AR is only suggested in emergency situations (for exam- ple, the AR has lost their Bridge card, and they need to immediately shop for an individual who is unable to shop). An AR the over-the-counter Bridge card cannot be issued the same day a case is opened in Bridges or on the same day the AR is added to the SNAP case.

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Official source

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

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

An over-the-counter Bridge card cannot be issued to a third- party payee/protective payee on a new cash assistance case opening. LOCAL OFFICE ISSUED BRIDGE CARD Local office over-the-counter issued Bridge cards are permanent cards and do not have the client’s name printed on the card. Bridge cards may be issued by the local office upon receipt of an email from the Eligibility/Family Independence Specialist or Supervisor (ES/FIS/Supervisor). The ES/FIS/Supervisor must list the HOH's name and recipient identification and indicate in the authorization that an over-the- counter card is to be issued. A Bridges Case-Search Summary screen print including case number, case name and HOH recipient ID must be retained with the card issuance documentation. Valid photo identification must be presented by the cardholder to receive the card. Note: If issuing an over the counter 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. Food Stamp Authorized Representative (AR) Bridge Card It is not advised to issue an AR an over-the-counter Bridge card because of possible disagreements with the client. Issuing a Bridge card to an AR is only suggested in emergency situations (for exam- ple, the AR has lost their Bridge card, and they need to immediately shop for an individual who is unable to shop). An AR the over-the-counter Bridge card cannot be issued the same day a case is opened in Bridges or on the same day the AR is added to the SNAP case.