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BEM 210 14 of 20 FIP GROUP COMPOSITION BPB 2026-002 1-1-2026

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

Example 1: Joey is seven years old and lives with Mom during the school year. He spends eight weeks each summer with Dad. Joey returns to Mom’s home two days per week during this time with Dad. Joey sleeps in Mom’s home more than half the days in a month, when averaged over the next twelve months. Mom is the primary caretaker and continues to receive assistance for Joey through the summer. Note: If Joey does not return to Mom’s home at least once every 30 days, he is no longer considered to be living with Mom. If Joey is in Dad’s home for more than 30 consecutive days, Dad could apply and receive assistance for Joey. Example 2: Eric is ten years old. His mom works during the week. Eric’s mom drops him off at his grandmother’s house on Sunday evening and picks him up on Friday evening. Eric’s grandmother is primarily responsible for his care and supervision in the home where he sleeps more than half the days in a month when averaged over the next twelve months. Eric’s grandmother is the primary caretaker. His mom is an absent caretaker. Note: If Mom works during Eric’s normal sleep hours, and he is only at Grandma’s to sleep while mom works, he is not there all week. Mom is the primary caretaker. Grandma is providing child care. Changes in Primary Caretaker Re-evaluate primary caretaker status when any of the following occur: • There is a change in the number of days per month the child sleeps in a caretaker’s home. • A second caretaker disputes the first caretaker’s claim of the number of days the child sleeps in his/her home. • A second caretaker applies for assistance for the same child. Example 1: Tommy has lived in his Mom’s home except for weekends for the past several years. He is now fourteen and has become a discipline problem. Mom and Dad agree that it would be better for Tommy to live with Dad except weekends. Dad is now the primary caretaker. Mom is now an absent caretaker.