How to Renew or Recertify SNAP Benefits in Michigan

Renewing SNAP (food assistance) in Michigan is called redetermination or recertification. This is the process where the state checks whether you still qualify and how much help you should receive.

This guide explains, in plain language, how SNAP renewal usually works in Michigan, what to expect, which forms and documents you may need, and how to avoid common problems. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site, not a government office or application portal, so you will always complete your renewal through official state channels.

Understanding SNAP Renewal in Michigan

What “redetermination” or “recertification” means

In Michigan, SNAP is run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). When you renew, MDHHS reviews:

• Who lives in your household
• Your income and certain expenses
• Any changes in work, school, disability, or immigration status

At the end of each certification period, you must complete the renewal process. If you do not, your SNAP benefits will usually stop at the end of that period.

How often you need to renew

The length of your SNAP certification period can vary. Common examples include:

• 6 months – many households
• 12 months or longer – some seniors or people with disabilities may receive longer periods
• Shorter periods – if your situation is expected to change soon

Your notice from MDHHS will tell you exactly when your certification period ends and when your redetermination is due.

How You’ll Know It’s Time to Renew

Most people receive one or more of the following from MDHHS before their benefits period ends:

• A redetermination packet or form by mail
• A notice in the mail or through the official online portal
• A text, email, or phone call reminder (if you opted in to such notices)

The notice usually includes:

• The due date for your redetermination
• Instructions on how to renew (online, mail, drop-off, or in person)
• Whether you need an interview

If you are unsure about your renewal date, you can:

• Check your case information in the official Michigan benefits portal
• Call your local MDHHS office
• Call the state’s main benefits customer service line

Ask directly: “When does my SNAP certification period end, and when is my redetermination due?”

Ways to Renew SNAP in Michigan

Renewal options can change, but many Michigan residents typically have several choices. You’ll always complete the process through official government channels, not through independent websites.

1. Renew online

Many people can complete SNAP recertification online in Michigan through the official state benefits website. Typically, you can:

1. Log in to your account or create one if you don’t already have it.
2. Go to your SNAP case and look for a Redetermination or Renew Benefits section.
3. Review and update your information (household members, address, income, expenses, etc.).
4. Upload verification documents (pay stubs, rent receipts, etc.), if needed.
5. Submit the form electronically and keep any confirmation number for your records.

Online renewal is often the fastest method, especially if you have access to a computer or smartphone and can upload clear pictures of your documents.

2. Renew by mail

If you receive a paper redetermination packet, you can often:

1. Fill out the form completely and clearly.
2. Attach copies (not originals) of required documents.
3. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form (usually your local MDHHS office).

It’s a good idea to mail the packet early and to keep copies of what you send. If your certification period end date is close, consider using a faster renewal method (online or in-person drop-off) if available.

3. Renew in person or via drop box

You may also:

• Visit your local MDHHS office during business hours to:
  • Get help with the form
  • Turn in your completed packet
• Use an office drop box (if available) to leave your completed renewal form and copies of documents.

Ask the front desk or posted signs to confirm where to leave SNAP redetermination paperwork and whether you can receive a date-stamped receipt.

4. Renew by phone (in some situations)

In some cases, MDHHS may help you complete parts of the renewal over the phone, especially for households with certain hardships or disabilities. This option can vary:

• Call your local MDHHS office or the state benefits line.
• Ask if a phone interview or phone-based renewal can be arranged.
• You may still need to submit documents by mail, drop-off, or upload online.

Always verify that you are speaking with an official MDHHS worker before sharing personal information.

Documents and Information to Gather for SNAP Renewal

Having the right information ready can make recertification much smoother. MDHHS will tell you exactly what they need, but many people are asked for the following:

Personal and household details

• Names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers (if available) for everyone in the household
• Current address and mailing address
• Phone number and email, if you have them

Income information

For all working household members, you may be asked for:

• Recent pay stubs (often the last 30 days or more)
• Employer name, address, and phone number
• Self-employment records (invoices, receipts, profit-and-loss statement)
• Unemployment benefit letters, if receiving unemployment
• Proof of other income, such as:
  • Social Security
  • SSI
  • Pension
  • Child support received
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Any other regular payments

Housing and utility expenses

You may be asked to verify what you pay, such as:

• Rent or mortgage (lease agreement, mortgage statement, or rent receipt)
• Property taxes and homeowners insurance (if applicable)
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, sewer, trash)
• Heating and cooling costs
• Telephone or internet (sometimes considered when determining deductions)

Other common documents

Depending on your situation, MDHHS may ask for:

• Child care or dependent care receipts
• Medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members
• Child support paid out (proof of payments)
• Immigration documents for non-citizen household members
• Proof of disability (if relevant)

If you can’t find a certain document, contact your local MDHHS office to ask what alternative proof they will accept.

Typical SNAP Renewal Timeline in Michigan

Here is a simplified overview of how the SNAP renewal process often works:

Time frames and steps may vary by case and county, but this is the general pattern many Michigan households experience.

Do You Need a SNAP Interview for Renewal?

Many SNAP households must complete an interview at application and at certain redeterminations. The interview may be:

• By phone – common and often more convenient
• In person – at your local MDHHS office, sometimes required in certain situations

During the interview, a worker may:

• Review your household members
• Confirm your income and expenses
• Ask about recent changes (job, childcare, housing, etc.)
• Explain what else is needed to finish your renewal

If you miss a scheduled interview, your recertification may not be completed and your benefits could stop. Contact your local MDHHS office as soon as possible to reschedule.

Common Changes to Report During Renewal

SNAP rules require you to report certain changes, and renewal is a good time to make sure everything is correct. Be prepared to mention if any of these have happened:

• Someone moved in or moved out of your home
• A household member lost or started a job
• Your hours or wages changed
• Your rent, mortgage, or utilities went up or down
• You began or stopped receiving child support, Social Security, unemployment, or other income
• You changed address or phone number
• Someone started receiving disability benefits or became unable to work
• A child started or stopped receiving child care

Reporting accurate information helps MDHHS calculate the correct benefit amount and can prevent problems later.

What Happens If You Miss the SNAP Renewal Deadline?

If you do not submit your redetermination form and required documents by the deadline:

• Your SNAP benefits may stop at the end of the current certification period.
• You may need to reapply as a new applicant, which can lead to a gap in benefits.
• In some cases, if you complete certain steps soon after the deadline, your benefits may be reinstated without a full new application, but this depends on timing and state rules.

If you realize you missed your due date:

1. Contact your local MDHHS office or the state benefits line immediately.
2. Ask if your case can still be recertified or if you need to submit a new application.
3. Follow the instructions they give you through the official channels.

Acting quickly can sometimes shorten or prevent a break in assistance.

Common Reasons SNAP Renewals Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid them.

1. Missing or incomplete forms

• Sections left blank without explanation
• Signatures missing
• Not answering questions about income or household members

👉 Tip: Before submitting, double-check that everything is filled out and signed.

2. Lack of required verification

• No pay stubs or incomplete income proof
• Missing rent or utility documentation
• No proof of immigration status when requested

👉 Tip: If you are waiting on a document, tell your caseworker and ask what can be accepted in the meantime.

3. Missed interview

• Not answering the phone at the scheduled time
• Changing your phone number without updating MDHHS
• Not checking your mail and missing an interview notice

👉 Tip: If you can’t make your appointment, call your local office to reschedule as soon as possible.

4. Unreported or unexplained changes

• Large differences between your old and new information with no explanation
• Income or household changes that are not clearly reported

👉 Tip: Clearly explain any big changes in a note or during your interview, and provide proof when possible.

If Your SNAP Renewal Is Denied or Benefits Are Reduced

If your SNAP benefits are stopped, reduced, or denied after renewal, you have rights.

Typical options include:

• Contacting your caseworker
  Ask why the decision was made and what information was used. Sometimes, providing a missing document or clarification can fix the issue.

• Requesting a case review
  You can ask for your case to be reviewed again if you think something was misunderstood.

• Requesting a fair hearing (appeal)
  Michigan residents usually have the right to ask for a fair hearing if they disagree with a SNAP decision.

  • The deadline to request a hearing will be on your denial or closure notice.
  • Hearings are often by phone or in person.
  • You can present information, documents, and explain your situation.

To start this process, follow the directions in your official notice, or contact your local MDHHS office for instructions on requesting a hearing.

You may also seek help from:

• Legal aid organizations in Michigan that assist with public benefits issues
• Community groups or advocacy organizations that help people navigate SNAP

If You No Longer Qualify for SNAP in Michigan

If your income or situation has changed and you no longer qualify for SNAP, there may be other food resources available:

• Food pantries or food banks – Local nonprofits and community groups often operate food distribution programs.
• Soup kitchens and community meals – Some churches, shelters, and community centers offer free meals.
• School meal programs – Children may still qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, even if the household does not receive SNAP.
• Summer meal programs for kids – In some areas, there are summer meal sites for children when school is closed.
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) – If you have a pregnant person, new mother, infant, or child under 5, they might qualify separately for WIC benefits.

You can call 2-1-1 (a social services referral line available in many parts of Michigan) to ask about nearby food assistance and other support programs.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Michigan SNAP Channels

Because SNAP is a government benefit, it’s important to be sure you are dealing with real state or county offices and not scams.

Here are some ways to protect yourself:

• Look for .gov websites
  When you use an online portal, check that the address ends in “.gov” and clearly mentions the State of Michigan or MDHHS.

• Use phone numbers listed on official notices
  If you receive a letter from MDHHS, use the phone number printed on that letter to call about your case.

• Avoid paying fees for help with your case
  Official SNAP applications and renewals are free. Be cautious of anyone who asks you to pay to apply, renew, or “guarantee approval.”

• Do not share your PIN or full card number
  MDHHS staff do not need your EBT card PIN to help with your case. Keep it private.

• Confirm identity of callers
  If you receive an unexpected call about your SNAP benefits, you can:

  • Hang up and call back using a number listed on your MDHHS notice or official website.
  • Ask the caller to verify information that only an official office would know, such as your case number, then independently confirm by calling the official number.

If something feels suspicious, contact your local MDHHS office or the state’s EBT customer service number listed on the back of your card or on official materials.

By understanding how SNAP renewal (redetermination) works in Michigan, gathering your documents early, and staying in contact with MDHHS through official channels, you can give yourself the best chance of having your benefits continue without interruption.