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BEM 210 17 of 20 FIP GROUP COMPOSITION BPB 2026-002 1-1-2026

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

Relationship Relationship must be verified for each dependent child on the FIP EDG. Verification must establish the relationship of each dependent child to the child's legal parent, stepparent or other qualifying caretaker. When a child lives with the natural father, but paternity has not been legally established, the father may voluntarily complete the DHC-0682, Affidavit of Parentage; see BEM 255, Child Support, Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgement. Marriage Exemption Verification of date of marriage is required when applying the marriage exemption. Primary Caretaker Accept the client’s statement regarding the number of days per month a child sleeps in the home. If questionable or disputed by another caretaker, request verification from both caretakers. Pregnancy Verification of pregnancy is required when FIP eligibility is based solely on the pregnancy. Guardianship Termination Verify termination of legal guardianship before terminating the pro- tective payee. Reunification Plan Verify at reported change, application and redetermination, that there is a plan for a child in foster care to be returned to a parent’s home. Unrelated Caregiver Placement Verify that a court has ordered MDHHS responsible for the care and supervision of a child(ren), and that MDHHS children’s services