Documents You’ll Typically Need for Michigan SNAP (Food Assistance)

Applying for Michigan SNAP, also known as the Food Assistance Program (FAP), usually goes more smoothly when you know what documents to gather ahead of time. This guide walks through the most common paperwork Michigan’s agency may ask for, why it matters, and how to avoid delays.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only. It is not a government office, not an application portal, and cannot check your case or submit anything for you. To actually apply or upload documents, you’ll need to use Michigan’s official benefits portal or your local Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) office.

What Michigan SNAP Is and Who Usually Qualifies

SNAP (Food Assistance Program in Michigan) helps low-income individuals and families buy groceries using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Benefits are loaded monthly and can be used at most grocery stores and many farmers markets.

In Michigan, eligibility typically depends on:

• Household income
• Household size
• Citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Where you live (must be a Michigan resident)
• Certain asset and expense rules (which can vary by household)

Because the rules can change and some details depend on your situation, it’s important to check current requirements through the official Michigan benefits site or your local MDHHS office.

Why Documents Matter for Your Michigan SNAP Application

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) usually needs documents to:

• Confirm your identity
• Verify your address
• Check income and expenses
• Determine who is in your household
• Confirm immigration or citizenship status where required

If documents are missing or unclear, your case can be delayed, pended, or denied. Having the right paperwork ready can help your caseworker make a decision more quickly.

Overview: Common Documents Michigan SNAP Applicants Are Asked For

Here is a quick summary table of what people are often asked to provide. Not everyone needs every item; it depends on your situation.

The sections below explain each category in more detail, with examples and tips.

Proof of Identity

Michigan SNAP usually requires proof of identity for the person applying, and sometimes for other adults in the household.

Common documents:

• Michigan driver’s license
• Michigan state ID card
• U.S. passport
• School or employer ID with photo
• Tribal ID card
• Other government-issued photo ID

If you do not have a photo ID, Michigan may accept:

• Birth certificate (may need another document with your name)
• Social Security card plus another document with your name and address
• Voter registration card

If you are missing ID, ask your local MDHHS office what alternatives they can accept and how to document your situation.

Social Security Number (SSN) or Proof of Application

Most people applying for SNAP are asked to provide a Social Security number (or proof that they have applied for one).

Examples of proof:

• Social Security card
• Official letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) showing your SSN
• Tax forms (like a W‑2) showing your SSN
• SSA receipt or notice showing that you applied for an SSN (if you do not have one yet)

Some non-citizens who are not eligible for an SSN may not need to provide one for themselves, but rules can be complex. If this applies to you, contact MDHHS or an accredited legal aid organization for guidance.

Proof of Michigan Residency

You typically must show that you live in Michigan.

Common documents:

• Lease or rental agreement with your name and address
• Mortgage statement
• Property tax bill
• Utility bill (electric, gas, water, trash, internet, or phone) with your name and address
• Official mail (from MDHHS, SSA, IRS, or a Michigan government office) with your address
• Shelter or program letter if you’re staying in a shelter or transitional housing

If you are experiencing homelessness or staying with friends/family without a lease:

• A written statement from the person you stay with, including their name, address, contact information, and confirmation that you live there, is often helpful.
• Some MDHHS offices will ask you to complete forms explaining your living situation.

Proof of Household Members (Who Lives and Eats Together)

SNAP uses the idea of a “household”—people who buy and prepare food together, not just everyone under one roof. MDHHS will want to know who lives with you and who shares meals.

Possible documents:

• Lease listing household members
• School records showing children’s address and guardians
• Birth certificates (to show parent/child relationships)
• Statement from landlord or property manager
• Written statement from another responsible adult confirming who lives and eats together

If your living situation is complicated or people come and go, be ready to clearly explain who is normally living and eating in the home during your interview.

Proof of Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status

SNAP is available to U.S. citizens and certain qualified non-citizens. MDHHS will typically verify this for each person you include on the application who is seeking benefits.

For U.S. citizens:

• U.S. birth certificate
• U.S. passport
• Naturalization certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Certain tribal documents

For non-citizens (if seeking SNAP for that person):

• Permanent Resident Card (“green card”)
• Employment Authorization Document
• I‑94 arrival/departure record
• Notice of Action from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Other immigration status documents showing lawful presence or qualified status

If some household members do not want to apply or are not eligible, you can usually still apply for the rest of the household. Ask the caseworker how to list those members correctly while protecting their information.

Proof of Income: Wages, Self-Employment, and Other Income

Income is a major factor in whether you qualify and how much SNAP you might receive.

Earned Income (Job Wages)

If anyone in your household works for an employer, MDHHS often asks for the most recent 30 days of pay information, or more if income is irregular.

Common documents:

• Pay stubs (usually last 4–5 weeks)
• Employer letter on company letterhead that states:
  • Start date
  • Rate of pay
  • Average hours per week
• Direct deposit printouts or online pay summaries if pay stubs are not available

If your hours or pay change frequently, it helps to be clear about that during your SNAP interview so the caseworker can understand what you realistically earn.

Self-Employment Income

For gig work, contract jobs, small businesses, or side work, you may be asked to show:

• Recent tax returns (such as Schedule C)
• Business records or ledgers showing income and expenses
• Invoices or receipts for work performed
• Bank statements showing deposits from self-employment

If you’re just starting and have limited records, tell the caseworker what you expect to earn and keep good records going forward, because MDHHS may ask for updates later.

Unearned Income

You should report and usually document:

• Social Security benefits (retirement, SSDI, SSI)
  • Award letters
  • Benefit verification letters
• Unemployment insurance notices or payment statements
• Veterans benefits (VA)
• Workers’ compensation
• Pension or retirement payments
• Child support or alimony received
  • Court orders
  • Payment records from the Friend of the Court or other official sources

If you pay child support to someone outside your household, that information can also matter. You may be asked for court orders and proof of payments.

Proof of Housing Costs and Utilities

Housing and certain utility expenses can increase your SNAP benefit amount because they affect how your net income is calculated.

Housing Costs

Common documents include:

• Lease or rental agreement
• Rent receipts or written statements from your landlord
• Mortgage statement
• Homeowner’s insurance bill
• Property tax bill

If you are paying rent in cash or without a formal lease, a signed statement from your landlord explaining the monthly amount can be useful.

Utility Expenses

Depending on your situation, some or all of the following may be relevant:

• Electric bill
• Gas or heating bill
• Water/sewer bill
• Trash collection bill
• Phone, cell phone, or internet bill (if considered for deductions under current rules)

If utilities are included in your rent, note that on your application or in your interview and provide anything that shows that (such as a lease clause).

Childcare, Dependent Care, and Medical Expenses

Certain expenses can give you deductions that may help you qualify or increase benefits, especially for:

• Households with children
• Households with older adults (60+)
• Households with people with disabilities

Childcare and Dependent Care

If you pay for care so you can work, look for work, or attend school, you may be able to claim it.

Common documentation includes:

• Daycare invoices or receipts
• Statements from babysitters or in-home caregivers including:
  • Their name and contact information
  • Dates of care
  • Amount paid
• After-school program bills
• Summer camp bills (if primarily for childcare)

Medical Expenses (for Certain Adults)

Some Michigan SNAP households with elderly (60+) or disabled members may get a deduction for out-of-pocket medical costs that are not reimbursed.

These can include:

• Prescription receipts
• Doctor or clinic bills
• Dental or vision expenses
• Health insurance premiums paid out of pocket
• Transportation to medical appointments (mileage or receipts)
• Medical supplies and equipment

Ask your caseworker which expenses count and what proof is needed. It’s important that the costs are not already paid by insurance or another program.

Student Status and Enrollment (If Applicable)

College students and some other students face special SNAP rules, so MDHHS may request extra information.

Documents may include:

• Enrollment verification from your school
• Class schedule
• Financial aid award letter (scholarships, grants, work-study)
• Documentation of work-study employment
• Verification that you meet a student exemption, such as:
  • Working a certain number of hours
  • Caring for a child
  • Participating in certain employment or training programs

Michigan’s rules around students can be specific, so it is important to ask questions if anything is unclear during your interview.

How and Where to Submit Michigan SNAP Documents

You cannot submit documents through HowToGetAssistance.org. To actually apply or turn in paperwork, people usually use one of these official channels in Michigan:

• Online: Through the official Michigan benefits portal (look for the State of Michigan website and MDHHS references). You can normally upload scans or clear photos.
• In person: At your local MDHHS office. You can find the office by checking the official state website or calling MDHHS.
• By mail or fax: Using the address or fax number provided by your county or local MDHHS office or listed on your application packet.

If you’re unsure, you can call:

• The MDHHS customer service number listed on your state correspondence; or
• 211, which often helps people locate the correct local office.

What Happens After You Apply and Turn In Documents

After you submit your Michigan SNAP application:

1. Application receives a date stamp
   The date you submit can affect when benefits start if you’re approved.

2. Initial review
   MDHHS checks your form. If something is missing, they may send you a request for information (RFI) listing documents needed and a deadline.

3. Interview
   Most applicants have a phone or in-person interview. During this, the worker may:

   • Ask follow-up questions
   • Request more documents
   • Clarify your income and household situation

4. Verification period
   You typically have a certain number of days to turn in requested documents. If you cannot get something, tell your worker as soon as possible. They may have alternative ways to verify.

5. Decision notice
   MDHHS sends a written notice:

   • Approval with benefit amount and certification period; or
   • Denial or closure with reasons.

If you’re approved, the notice explains when benefits will be loaded to your EBT card and how long your certification lasts before you must renew.

Common Reasons for Delays or Denials

People in Michigan often run into problems when:

• Required documents are missing or unreadable
• Pay stubs or income proof do not match what was reported
• They miss the interview or do not return calls
• They miss the deadline for turning in documents listed in the RFI
• The agency cannot verify residency, identity, or household composition
• Income is too high under current SNAP rules

If you get a notice you do not understand, contact your local MDHHS office quickly. Many issues can be resolved by providing missing documents or clarifying information, but timing matters.

If You Disagree with a Michigan SNAP Decision

If you are denied SNAP or think the benefit amount or dates are wrong, you usually have the right to ask for a hearing or appeal.

Typical steps include:

1. Read the denial or reduction notice carefully
   It should explain the reason and your deadline to appeal.

2. Request a hearing
   You can usually do this:

   • In writing (mail, fax, or in-office form)
   • Sometimes by phone, depending on Michigan’s current procedures
     Use the address or phone listed on your notice.

3. Gather documents and evidence
   For example:

   • Updated pay stubs
   • Corrected landlord letters
   • Additional proof of expenses

4. Attend the hearing
   You may be able to appear by phone. An impartial hearing officer listens, and then a decision is mailed to you.

You can also seek help from legal aid organizations or community advocacy groups in Michigan that work with public benefits cases.

Alternatives and Additional Food Resources If You Don’t Qualify

If you do not qualify for Michigan SNAP or your benefit is very low, you may still find help through:

• Local food pantries and food banks
  Many are operated by community organizations, churches, or nonprofits.

• Soup kitchens and community meal sites
  Offer prepared meals, sometimes daily or weekly.

• School meal programs
  Families with school-age children can ask the school about free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs and any summer meal options.

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
  For pregnant people, new parents, and children under five who meet program criteria. Contact your local WIC clinic.

• 211
  By calling 211, many Michigan residents can get referrals to nearby food programs and other local assistance.

These programs have their own rules and may ask for basic information but usually less documentation than SNAP.

How to Make Sure You’re on an Official Michigan SNAP Channel (and Avoid Scams)

Because SNAP is a government benefit, it’s important to use only official channels:

• Look for websites that:
  • Clearly show “.gov” in the address (for state or federal sites), or
  • Clearly identify the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
• Be cautious of:
  • Sites that ask you to pay a fee to “guarantee approval” or “file your application”
  • Services that ask for your EBT card number or PIN
  • People offering to sell you benefits or “buy” your EBT card

If you are unsure whether a site or phone number is official, you can:

• Call MDHHS using a number printed on a letter or notice you already trust
• Call 211 and ask for help reaching your local MDHHS office
• Visit your local MDHHS office in person to confirm how to apply or upload documents

Remember: HowToGetAssistance.org does not process applications, does not manage EBT accounts, and cannot access your SNAP case. It is only a place to learn how programs like Michigan SNAP usually work so you can be better prepared when you use the official channels.

By gathering the right documents early—especially proof of identity, income, housing, and household members—you can often make your Michigan SNAP application smoother and reduce the chances of delays.