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BEM 213 1 of 4 CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY BPB 2026-003 2-1-2026

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

DEPARTMENT POLICY Food Assistance Program (FAP) Only Categorically eligible groups automatically meet the asset and income limits for the Food Assistance Program (FAP). Categorically eligibility applies to groups, not individuals. Bridges determines group composition prior to determining categorical eligibility. Categorially Eligible Groups FAP groups are categorically eligible based on enhanced authorization for Domestic Violence Prevention Services (DVPS). If their gross income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, they are also categorically eligible. Determination of categorical eligibility will be made at application, reported change and redetermination. Note: Categorical eligibility does not mean applicants automatically receive FAP as clients must still meet all of the other program requirements. Exception: All FAP groups are required to report and must close if they receive a single lottery or gambling winning of $4,500 or more. All FAP groups that close for lottery or gambling winnings, will be required to verify assets if they reapply. Non-Categorically Eligible Groups The following groups are not categorically eligible but are authorized to receive DVPS. They must meet income, asset and all other program requirements to receive FAP benefits. Senior/Disabled/Disabled Veteran (SDV) Groups which contain an SDV member and whose gross income is above 200 percent are not categorically eligible. They may still be eligible for benefits if their net income is below 100 percent of the poverty level, and they meet the asset limit; see Bridges Eligibility Manual (BEM) 400, Assets, and BEM 550, FAP Income Budgeting.