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BEM 232 16 of 33 DIRECT SUPPORT SERVICES BPB 2026-009 4-1-2026

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

Do not authorize any vehicle repair for a vehicle that has been pur- chased within the last 60 calendar days. Note: Any payment authorized by MDHHS for estimates or towing are not included in the $2000 limit; see other ESS in this item. Vehicle Purchase FIP, CDC, MA Family, FAP Family Authorize up to $5000 to purchase, not lease, a vehicle to be used as a participant’s primary means of transportation for work or employment-related activities. For FIP recipients, see clients served by PATH in this item. Vehicle purchase is limited to once in a client’s lifetime. Prior approval through Bridges is required for this service. In a two-parent family, if both parents are required to participate and need separate vehicles, a policy exception must be requested prior to approving a vehicle purchase for a second parent. A vehicle may be purchased for a currently employed client if the client needs a vehicle to accept a verified offer of a better job; or needs a vehicle to retain current employment; and has a demonstrated ability to maintain a job. A vehicle may be purchased for a client who is not currently employed if the client: • Has a demonstrated ability to maintain a job. • Needs a vehicle to accept a verified job offer. • Needs a vehicle to participate in family self-sufficiency activities that will prepare the client for employment. Note: For non-FIP families requesting DSS, job searching is not a self-sufficiency activity for vehicle purchase. In addition, ensure all of the following before authorizing the pur- chase: • Public transportation is not reasonably available (such as, considering the location and hours of the employment, child care or long commute as defined as good cause in BEM 233A), and the person has no other means to reach the job site reliably.