At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government authorized extra food assistance to address food insecurity among residents. The extra benefits increased food assistance amounts to the maximum allowable per eligible group regardless of income level, or a minimum of $95 in extra benefits to groups already receiving the maximum amount.
These extra benefits will end in February 2023 due to recent federal legislation. Individuals will receive regular benefit amount beginning in March 2023.
This means the total food assistance benefits will be less than the regular food assistance benefit will no longer include the issuance of extra food assistance beginning March 2023.
The regular benefit amount will be based on normal eligibility factors including group size, income, and deductions (rent, mortgage, utilities, etc.). The amount of the decrease will vary based on each group’s circumstances.
This change in food assistance benefit amount is because the extra COVID-19 food assistance benefits are ending February 2023, not because of changes to an individual’s case. As this is a change in federal policy, this change is not subject to a hearing.
Individuals can find their regular benefit amount by logging into their MIBridges account at MIBridges or by calling 1-844-464-3447 and following the prompts to check benefits.
