# Food Assistance (Food Stamp / SNAP)

https://chowdhuryassociates.com/services/community-services/food-assistance/

> We assist with paperwork and preparation. We are not attorneys or CPAs and do not provide legal or accounting advice.

Help buying groceries each month through Michigan’s Food Assistance Program (the Bridge Card).

The Food Assistance Program (FAP), Michigan’s name for federal SNAP, loads a monthly food budget onto a Bridge Card you can use like a debit card at grocery stores and online. It is run by MDHHS.

Whether you qualify depends mostly on your household size and income. We help you understand the rules and apply correctly.

## Who this is for

- Low-income Michigan households (based on household size and income)
- Green card holders, many qualify after 5 years as a permanent resident
- Families with U.S.-citizen children, an ineligible parent can still apply for the eligible children
- Anyone who needs help understanding the MI Bridges application in Bangla

## How we can help

- Explain in Bangla whether you may qualify and how the Bridge Card works
- Help you complete the MI Bridges application or the paper form
- Help you gather and upload the documents MDHHS asks for
- Remind you about the phone interview (missing it is a top reason cases close)
- Translate the notices you receive from MDHHS

## What to bring

- Photo ID
- Social Security numbers for those applying
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs)
- Immigration documents for non-citizens (green card, I-94)
- Proof of Michigan address and housing/utility costs

## Our fees

- Renewal paperwork, Medicaid or food assistance: $20

## Questions

**Will food assistance hurt my green card?**

Using SNAP does not by itself make you a "public charge." Still, immigration rules change, so for your specific case we can refer you to a legal-aid provider.

**Do I need to speak English?**

No. We help in Bangla, and MDHHS provides free interpreters, including for the interview.

**How soon can I get help?**

Decisions usually come within 30 days, and very low-income households may get expedited benefits within about 7 days.

**What if I earn too much to qualify?**

MDHHS decides that, not us. Food assistance is worked out from your household size and from your income after certain costs are taken into account, such as rent, utilities and childcare, so families who assume they earn too much sometimes still qualify. The limits are updated every year. Bring your papers and we will go through them with you. If you are over the limit, we will say so plainly rather than send in an application we expect to be refused, and we will look at what else you may qualify for while you are with us.

## Official sources

- Apply and learn more at Michigan MI Bridges: https://newmibridges.michigan.gov

## Contact

- Detroit Office: 12120 Conant Street, Detroit, MI 48212, United States. Phone +1 313-737-2315. Sat-Thu: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM · Fri: Closed
- Sylhet Office: 4th Floor, Bashir Complex, Bandar Bazar, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh. Phone +880 1710-186053. Sat-Thu: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Email: info@chowdhuryassociates.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chowdhuryandassociatesllc/
- Google rating: 5.0 from 24 reviews

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