Michigan SNAP Income Limits 2026: Do You Qualify?

Michigan families applying for food assistance (SNAP) have access to one of the most generous eligibility programs in the United States.

For FY 2026 (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026), Michigan uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility with significantly higher income limits than federal standards.

🌟 What Makes Michigan Different

Unlike most states that follow the federal 130% poverty level limit, Michigan allows households earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level to qualify.

This means a family of four can earn up to $5,358 monthly ($64,296 annually) and still be eligible for SNAP benefits.

Additionally, Michigan has eliminated asset limits for most applicants, meaning your savings account or vehicle value won’t disqualify you from receiving food assistance.

Income Eligibility Requirements

Gross Income Limits (200% Federal Poverty Level)

Michigan’s gross income limits are significantly more generous than the federal standard:

Household Size	Monthly Gross Income Limit
1 person	$2,608
2 people	$3,526
3 people	$4,442
4 people	$5,358
5 people	$6,276
6 people	$7,192
7 people	$8,108
8 people	$9,024
Each additional person	Add $916

What this means: These are the maximum amounts your household can earn before deductions. Most Michigan households only need to meet this gross income test to qualify initially.

Net Income Limits (100% Federal Poverty Level)

After allowable deductions are subtracted from your gross income, your net income must fall below these limits:

Household Size	Monthly Net Income Limit
1 person	$1,304
2 people	$1,763
3 people	$2,221
4 people	$2,679
5 people	$3,138
6 people	$3,596
7 people	$4,054
8 people	$4,512
Each additional person	Add $458

Important: Your benefit amount is calculated based on your net income. Generally, every $100 increase in net income reduces your monthly benefit by about $30.

Maximum SNAP Benefits (FY 2026)

Here’s the maximum monthly food assistance your household can receive:

Household Size	Maximum Monthly Benefit	Increase from FY 2025
1 person	$298	+$5
2 people	$546	+$8
3 people	$785	+$11
4 people	$994	+$19
5 people	$1,183	+$23
6 people	$1,421	+$27
7 people	$1,571	+$30
8 people	$1,789	+$34
Each additional person	Add $218	+$4

Minimum benefit: Single and two-person households receive at least $24 per month, even if their calculated benefit would be lower.

Deductions That Lower Your Countable Income

Michigan allows several deductions that reduce your gross income to calculate your net income and benefit amount:

Standard Deduction (Automatic)

Everyone receives this deduction based on household size:

• 1-3 people: $209/month
• 4 people: $223/month
• 5 people: $261/month
• 6+ people: $299/month

Shelter Cost Deduction

If you pay more than 50% of your income (after other deductions) for housing costs, you can deduct the excess amount. Housing costs include:

• Rent or mortgage payments
• Property taxes
• Homeowners/renters insurance
• Utility bills (heating, cooling, electric, water, sewer, phone)

Maximum shelter deduction: $744/month for most households

No cap for elderly/disabled households: If anyone in your household is age 60+ or has a disability, there’s no limit on your shelter deduction.

Homeless shelter deduction: Up to $198.99/month if you live in a homeless shelter.

Medical Expense Deduction

Available only for household members age 60+ or with disabilities:

• Deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses over $35/month
• Includes prescriptions, doctor visits, medical equipment, health insurance premiums, and transportation to medical appointments
• Simplified option: Claim a standard $165 deduction if your medical expenses exceed $35/month (without submitting detailed receipts)

Child Support Deduction

Court-ordered child support payments you make are completely excluded from your gross income and further reduce your net income.

Dependent Care Deduction

Costs for childcare or care for disabled dependents when necessary for work, training, or education are fully deductible.

Asset Limits

Good news: Michigan has NO asset limit for most SNAP applicants under Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility. This means:

• Your bank account balance doesn’t matter
• Vehicle value is not counted
• Savings or retirement accounts won’t disqualify you

Exception: Elderly or disabled households that exceed the 200% gross income limit but want to qualify under alternative federal rules must have assets under $4,500. Assets include cash and bank accounts but exclude your home and one vehicle per household member.

Special Rules for Elderly and Disabled Households

If your household includes someone age 60+ or with a disability, you have additional advantages:

• No cap on shelter deduction (standard households limited to $744/month)
• Medical expense deduction available
• Alternative eligibility path: If over the 200% gross income limit, you can still qualify by meeting just the net income test and $4,500 asset limit
• Simplified medical deduction: $165 standard deduction option

Work Requirements

General Requirements (Ages 16-59)

All able-bodied adults must:

• Register for work
• Accept suitable employment offers
• Not voluntarily quit a job or reduce hours below 30/week
• Participate in employment and training programs if assigned

ABAWD Requirements (Ages 18-64)

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents face stricter work requirements. Starting October 1, 2025, the age range expanded from 18-54 to 18-64 due to federal legislation.

Requirements: Must work or participate in work programs for 80 hours per month to receive benefits beyond 3 months in a 3-year period.

Qualifying activities include:

• Paid employment (part-time or full-time)
• Volunteering
• SNAP Employment & Training programs
• Workfare programs
• Approved job training

Michigan ABAWD Waivers (FY 2025-2026)

Michigan received waivers from USDA exempting most counties from ABAWD work requirements:

Waived counties (80 of 83 counties): March 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026

• ABAWDs in these areas can receive benefits beyond 3 months without meeting work requirements

Non-waived areas:

• Kent County (excluding Grand Rapids city): ABAWD time limits apply starting October 1, 2025
• Wayne County: Work requirements scheduled to begin February 2026

If you live in Kent or Wayne County and are age 18-64 without dependents, prepare to meet work requirements or claim an exemption.

ABAWD Exemptions

You’re exempt from ABAWD rules if you:

• Are pregnant
• Care for a child under age 13 (or under 18 if disabled)
• Are medically unable to work
• Receive unemployment benefits
• Participate in substance abuse treatment
• Are homeless
• Are a student enrolled at least half-time
• Work 80+ hours monthly

Key Changes from FY 2025 to FY 2026

Income Increases

• 4-person household gross limit: $5,200 → $5,358 (+$158)
• Single person gross limit: $2,510 → $2,608 (+$98)

Benefit Increases

All maximum benefits increased approximately 2%:

• 4-person household: $975 → $994 (+$19)
• Single person: $293 → $298 (+$5)
• Minimum benefit: $23 → $24 (+$1)

Deduction Increases

• Standard deduction (1-3 people): $198 → $209
• Maximum shelter deduction: $718 → $744
• Homeless shelter deduction: increased to $198.99

Work Requirement Expansion

ABAWD age range expanded from 18-54 to 18-64, potentially affecting adults ages 55-64 without dependents.

How to Apply for Michigan SNAP

Application Methods

1. Online (Recommended): MI Bridges – Apply 24/7 from any device
2. Phone: Contact your local Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) office
3. In-Person: Visit your county MDHHS office

Application Processing Time

• Standard applications: Processed within 30 days
• Expedited applications: Processed within 7 days if you:
  • Have less than $150 monthly income and less than $100 cash
  • Have housing costs exceeding your income and cash combined
  • Are a migrant or seasonal farmworker

Documents You May Need

• Proof of identity (driver’s license, state ID, birth certificate)
• Proof of Michigan residency (utility bill, lease agreement)
• Income verification (pay stubs, benefit statements, self-employment records)
• Shelter cost documentation (rent receipt, mortgage statement, utility bills)
• Social Security numbers for all household members (if available)
• Immigration status documents (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

Michigan’s Advantage: Why These Rules Matter

Michigan’s generous eligibility standards remove significant barriers to food assistance:

✅ 200% gross income threshold makes Michigan one of the most accessible SNAP programs nationally
✅ No asset testing means families can have emergency savings without penalty
✅ Uncapped shelter deductions for elderly/disabled households reflect real housing costs
✅ County-specific ABAWD waivers reduce work requirement burdens in most areas

Example: A family of four earning $60,000 annually ($5,000/month) could still qualify for some SNAP benefits in Michigan, while in states using federal standards, they would be automatically disqualified at incomes above $41,796 annually.

Get Help

Michigan SNAP Hotline: 1-855-275-6424
MI Bridges Website: newmibridges.michigan.gov
Find Local MDHHS Office: michigan.gov/mdhhs

Free Application Assistance:
Contact Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org or call 2-1-1 for referrals to local organizations that provide free SNAP application help.

Last Updated: October 2025 | Source: USDA FY2026 COLA, Michigan MDHHS