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BEM 229 2 of 7 PATH PROGRAM REFERRALS & THE APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY PERIOD BPB 2025-008 4-1-2025
BRIDGES ELIGIBILITY MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
during the intake interview to make a preliminary barrier assessment to determine the client’s readiness for PATH refer- ral. Note: Be alert to indicators that the client or family members suffer from undisclosed or undiagnosed disabilities. Some disabilities diminish the individual’s ability to recognize or articulate his/her needs or limitations. Temporarily defer clients who need further screening or assessment. • Identify and provide direct support services as needed. Child care and transportation barriers are common. MDHHS is responsible and must assist clients who present with child care or transportation barriers before requiring PATH attendance; see BEM 232 Direct Support Services. • Open/edit the Family Self-Sufficiency Plan (FSSP) and enter strength and barrier information identified and addressed during the intake process. • Temporarily defer an applicant with identified barriers until the barrier is removed. • Temporarily defer an applicant who has identified barriers that require further assessment or verification before a decision about a lengthier deferral is made, such as clients with serious medical problems or disabilities or clients caring for a spouse or child with disabilities. Note: Clients should not be referred to orientation and AEP until it is certain that barriers to participation such as lack of child care or transportation have been removed, possible reasons for deferral have been assessed and considered, and disabilities have been accommodated. Work and Self- Sufficiency Rules Use the DHS-1538, Work and Self-Sufficiency Rules, to explain all of the following to clients at FIP application for each episode of assistance: • Direct support services opportunities, including transportation and child care required to attend AEP orientation. • Work requirements and reasons why a person may be deferred from PATH and work requirements.