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BEM 210 4 of 20 FIP GROUP COMPOSITION BPB 2026-002 1-1-2026

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

In the hospital (including a psychiatric hospital).

In a residential substance abuse treatment center.

Absent for school or training.

Absent due solely to active duty in the uniformed services of the U.S.

A child who is living apart from a parent due solely to the parent residing in a domestic violence shelter. Note: A dependent child who is temporarily absent, can be considered living with only one caretaker. When a child sleeps in the home of multiple caretakers who do not live together, Bridges makes a primary caretaker determination; see Determining Primary Caretaker in this item. Exception: A court ward is under the care and supervision of the court. Even if they meet the temporary absence requirements above, the child is not considered to be living in the parent’s home. FAILURE TO REPORT CHILD’S ABSENCE A parent or other FIP caretaker, must notify the department of a child’s absence from the home within five days of the date it becomes clear to the caretaker that the child will be absent for 30 days or more. If the child’s absence does not meet temporary absence requirements to be considered in the home, the caretaker who fails to notify the department within five days is disqualified for one month. WHO IS IN THE FIP EDG? The FIP EDG includes all household members whose information is needed to determine FIP eligibility. Based on data entered in the system, Bridges determines all of the following: • Each household member’s FIP EDG participation status. • Which individuals’ income and assets are considered. • Which individuals’ needs are considered. • Which individuals’ relationship(s) to other members are considered.