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BEM 232 17 of 33 DIRECT SUPPORT SERVICES BPB 2026-009 4-1-2026

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

• The client has the ability to afford any payments, insurance and other expenses associated with owning the vehicle. • The client has a valid Michigan driver’s license. • Verify via the Secretary of State records that the client does not own an unusable vehicle • The vehicle must be registered to an eligible group member and insured, at a minimum, for public liability and property damage (PLPD). Vehicle insurance, license plates, or vehicle registration are covered under other ESS in this item and do not reduce the $5000 lifetime limit. A vehicle inspection by a licensed mechanic is required and must be placed into the case file. Vehicle purchases made by MDHHS are not exempt from use and sales tax collected by the Secretary of State. Note: Any payment authorized by MDHHS for the inspection or sales tax is not included in the $5,000 limit; see other ESS in this item. Before approving a vehicle purchase, the specialist must ensure that any additional payments above the allocation from the depart- ment are affordable by the client and will in no way hinder the cli- ent’s progress towards self-sufficiency and financial independence. Confirm co-pay by client prior to approval. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services employees are prohibited from selling any vehicle to any program recipient for DSS funds. Deceptive Motor Vehicle Dealer Practices If MDHHS personnel become aware that a recipient is being victimized regarding deceptive motor vehicle dealer practices, advise the: • Secretary of State’s Bureau of Regulatory Services at (800) 292-4204. • Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 877-765- 8388.