How to Report Changes to SNAP in Michigan: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

If you receive SNAP food assistance in Michigan, you are required to report certain changes about your household, income, and living situation. Reporting helps the state keep your case accurate so you receive the correct benefit amount and avoid overpayments or interruptions.

This guide explains how to report changes to SNAP in Michigan, what you usually need to report, timelines, common issues, and how to work with official state offices. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site, not a government agency or application portal, so any actual updates to your case must go through Michigan’s official channels.

What SNAP Is and Why Change Reporting Matters

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sometimes still called food stamps, helps low-income households buy groceries. In Michigan, SNAP is managed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Your SNAP benefits are based on current information about:

• How many people are in your household
• Your income and certain expenses
• Where you live and your housing situation

When those details change and are not reported, several problems can occur:

• You might receive less than you should.
• You might receive more than you should and later owe an overpayment.
• Your case could be closed for not following program rules.

That is why Michigan expects households to report certain changes and to report some of them quickly.

Who Has to Report Changes for SNAP in Michigan?

In Michigan, each SNAP case has a “head of household” or primary contact person. This is usually the person who:

• Signed the application or last renewal
• Receives notices from MDHHS
• Is listed first on your approval paperwork

That person is responsible for reporting changes. However, any adult household member can typically call, go in person, or submit documents to help report changes, as long as the information is truthful and complete.

If you are not sure whether you are the main contact, you can check:

• Your SNAP approval notice or renewal notice
• A recent benefit letter from MDHHS
• By calling your local MDHHS office or the state’s benefits hotline

What Changes Do You Usually Need to Report?

Michigan uses different reporting rules depending on your case type. Many SNAP households are on simplified reporting, while some have more frequent reporting requirements.

Because this can vary, it is important to read every notice you receive from MDHHS. Those notices often state exactly which changes you must report and within what timeframe.

Below are changes that typically matter for SNAP in Michigan. Always check your own notices to see which are mandatory for you.

Common Changes You May Need to Report

1. Changes in Household Members

You may need to report when someone:

• Moves into your home (spouse, partner, relative, roommate)
• Moves out of your home
• Has a baby or a child joins your household
• Dies

These changes can affect the household size used to calculate your SNAP amount.

2. Income Changes

You usually must report:

• A new job or self-employment
• A job ending or hours being cut
• Significant overtime or hourly wage increases
• Starting or stopping Unemployment Insurance
• New or ended Social Security, SSI, or other benefits
• Other regular income (such as pensions, child support received, or rental income)

In many cases, Michigan requires reporting when earned income goes above or below a specific limit that is listed on your notice. If your income changes noticeably and you are unsure whether it meets that threshold, you can still contact your local office to ask.

3. Address, Housing, and Shelter Costs

You typically must update:

• A new address or if you move to another county
• Rent or mortgage changes
• Changes in property taxes or homeowners insurance (if you own your home)
• Changes in utility responsibilities (for example, you now pay heat or electricity directly)

These changes can affect your deductions and benefit amount.

4. Childcare, Child Support, and Medical Expenses

For some households, you may need to report:

• Changes in childcare costs (if they are needed so you can work or attend training)
• Child support payments you make under a legal order
• For seniors or people with disabilities, significant changes in medical expenses that are paid out-of-pocket

Reporting these changes can sometimes increase your SNAP, because they may raise your eligible deductions.

5. Student or Work Status

You might need to report when:

• A household member starts or stops attending college or job training
• Someone’s work hours change, especially around 20 hours per week or similar thresholds listed in your notices

This can affect student eligibility rules and certain work requirements.

When You Must Report Changes: Typical Timeframes

Michigan SNAP notices typically explain exactly how long you have to report certain changes. Many required changes must be reported within 10 days of when they occur or when you learn about them.

Below is a general example (your notice may differ):

*These are common examples, not official rules for every case. Always follow the timeline printed on your own MDHHS letters.

If you are not sure whether a change is required to be reported, you can still contact your local MDHHS office to ask. When in doubt, asking early usually helps protect your case.

How to Report Changes to SNAP in Michigan

You cannot update SNAP through HowToGetAssistance.org. To actually report changes to SNAP in Michigan, households typically use one of these official options:

1. Online Through the Official Michigan Benefits Portal

Michigan uses an online benefits portal where many people can:

• View SNAP case details
• Report certain changes
• Upload verification documents

If you use the online system, you may need:

• Your login username and password
• Identifying information such as case number or other personal details

After submitting a change online, it is common to:

• Receive a confirmation page or message
• Be asked to upload verification documents
• Later receive a notice by mail or online showing whether your benefit amount changed

If you are locked out of your account or unsure how to access it, there is usually a help or contact section on the official portal, or you can call your local MDHHS office.

2. By Phone with Your Local MDHHS Office or State Hotline

Many people report changes by calling:

• Their local MDHHS office directly, or
• The state’s central benefits or customer service line, if available

When calling, it helps to have:

• Your name and date of birth
• Your case number (if possible)
• A list of the changes you need to report
• Any recent notices you received

The worker may:

• Record your change over the phone
• Ask you to mail, fax, or upload documents to verify it
• Tell you what to expect next and whether your benefits might change

Phone numbers for MDHHS offices are usually listed on:

• Your benefit letters
• The official state government website
• Information you can obtain by calling 2‑1‑1, which often connects people with local human services information

3. In Person at Your Local MDHHS Office

Some people prefer to report changes face‑to‑face. To do this:

1. Find your local MDHHS office based on your county or city.
2. Check that office’s hours and any appointment policies, if possible.
3. Bring documents that support your change (see the next section).

At the office, you can:

• Ask for a change report form or talk to a worker
• Turn in copies of your verification documents
• Request a receipt or stamped copy showing what you turned in and when

This can be especially helpful if:

• You do not have reliable internet access
• Your situation is complicated or you have multiple changes at once
• You have trouble uploading documents to the portal

4. By Mail or Fax (If Accepted by Your Office)

Many MDHHS offices also accept changes:

• By mail, using the address on your SNAP notices
• By fax, using numbers listed on official paperwork

If you use mail or fax:

• Clearly write your name, case number, and contact information on all pages
• Describe your changes clearly and sign your statement, if requested
• Keep copies of everything you send
• If faxing, keep the fax confirmation page

Because mail can be delayed, it is generally safer to mail documents early, especially when you are close to the reporting deadline mentioned in your notice.

Documents You May Need When Reporting Changes

Michigan usually requires verification for major changes, especially those affecting income, household size, or housing costs. Having documents ready can help the process go more smoothly.

Here are examples of documents often used:

For Income Changes

• Pay stubs covering recent weeks
• A letter from your employer stating your start date, hours, and pay rate
• A statement showing that your job ended or hours were reduced
• Unemployment benefit letters
• Social Security or SSI award letters or change notices
• Proof of self-employment income, such as a log, invoices, or tax documents

For Household Changes

• Birth certificate or hospital record for a newborn (if available)
• Lease changes showing a new person added to the household
• School enrollment or transfer documents, if relevant
• In some cases, statements showing that someone moved out

For Address and Shelter Costs

• A lease agreement or updated lease
• Rent receipt or letter from your landlord
• Mortgage statement
• Property tax bill or homeowners insurance bill
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, etc.) showing whose name is on the account

For Childcare, Child Support, or Medical Expenses

• Invoices or receipts from childcare providers
• Court orders and payment records for child support you pay
• Pharmacy printouts, medical bills, or insurance statements showing out‑of‑pocket payments for eligible medical expenses

Not all cases will need all of these documents. You can always ask your MDHHS worker which documents are acceptable for your specific situation.

What Happens After You Report a Change?

After you report a change to SNAP in Michigan, the usual steps are:

1. The office records your report

   • Your change is entered into the state system.
   • If you reported by phone, they may summarize what you said on your case record.

2. You may be asked for verification

   • If documents are required, you’ll usually receive a notice with a due date for turning them in.
   • If you do not send them by the deadline, your benefits might be reduced, delayed, or closed.

3. Your SNAP benefits may be recalculated

   • Your monthly benefit amount may go up, down, or stay the same, depending on the change.
   • In some cases, there is no change in your benefit, but it’s still important that your record is accurate.

4. You receive a written notice

   • MDHHS typically sends a notice of action explaining:
     • How your benefits changed (if at all)
     • When the change takes effect
     • Your right to appeal if you disagree

If you do not receive any notice after reporting a major change, you can call or visit your local office to check on the status of your case.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

1. Missing the Reporting Deadline

If you report a required change late:

• You might receive an overpayment, meaning you could owe money back.
• There could be a temporary hold or closure of your case.

To avoid this:

• Report changes as soon as you can, especially income and household size.
• Use a method that gives you proof of when you reported, such as a portal confirmation, fax receipt, or office-stamped copy.

2. Not Sending Required Documents

If MDHHS requests proof and you do not provide it by the due date:

• Your benefit amount may be based on incomplete information, or
• Your case may be closed until you provide the needed documents.

To prevent this:

• Read all letters from MDHHS promptly.
• Note deadlines on a calendar.
• If you cannot get a document in time, contact the office to ask if they can:
  • Accept temporary proof, or
  • Extend your deadline (if allowed in their policies)

3. Misunderstanding Which Changes Are Required

Some households think they must report every small change, while others think they only need to report once a year. In Michigan, requirements vary by case and by the type of reporting group you’re assigned.

To be sure:

• Carefully review the change reporting section in your recent notices.
• If the rules are unclear, call your local office and ask them to explain your case’s reporting requirements in simple terms.

What If You Disagree With a SNAP Change After Reporting?

If you report a change and then receive a notice that:

• Reduces your SNAP benefits, or
• Closes your SNAP case, and
• You believe the decision is wrong or based on incorrect information

You typically have the right to request a hearing or appeal through Michigan’s official process.

The notice you receive usually explains:

• How to request a hearing (by phone, in writing, or in person)
• The deadline for making your request (often within a set number of days)
• Whether your current benefits can continue during the appeal if you ask quickly

If you decide to appeal:

• Keep copies of your notice and any documents you sent.
• Be ready to explain why you think the decision is wrong (for example, wrong income amount, missing household member, or misapplied rule).

Some people find it helpful to call legal aid organizations or community advocacy groups in Michigan for guidance on SNAP appeals. You can often find them through 2‑1‑1 or local nonprofit directories.

If You No Longer Qualify or Your Benefits Drop

Sometimes, after you report a change (like a job or higher income), your SNAP:

• Decreases, or
• Ends entirely

If that happens, you might still have options:

• Check whether all deductions were counted correctly (housing, childcare, or medical expenses for elderly/disabled members).

• Ask MDHHS to review your case if you think information is missing or incorrect.

• If the decision is accurate but you still need help, consider:

  • Food pantries and community food banks
  • Local churches or charities with food programs
  • School meal programs for children
  • WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) if you are pregnant or have young children

Many of these supports can be located by calling 2‑1‑1 or contacting local community organizations.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Because SNAP deals with personal and financial information, it is important to make sure you are communicating with real state offices and not scams.

Here are safeguards you can use:

• Official portals usually end in “.gov” and are clearly labeled as a Michigan government site.
• The official MDHHS and SNAP offices do not charge a fee to process applications, changes, or renewals.
• Be cautious about sharing your Social Security number, date of birth, or EBT information on websites that are not clearly official government sites.
• If someone contacts you claiming to be from “SNAP” and asks for bank details, cash, or gift cards, verify the request by calling your local MDHHS office or the state’s official hotline using a phone number you trust from an official document.
• If you find a phone number or web address from a search engine or social media, double‑check it against information in your MDHHS letters or on a confirmed Michigan government website.

If you are unsure, you can also call 2‑1‑1 and ask for help locating the correct official SNAP office contact in Michigan.

Key Takeaways for Reporting SNAP Changes in Michigan

• You must report certain changes in your household, income, and housing to keep your SNAP case accurate.
• Michigan often requires reporting within 10 days, but always follow the exact deadline on your MDHHS notices.
• You can typically report changes online, by phone, in person, or sometimes by mail/fax through official MDHHS channels.
• Be prepared with proof documents when your income, household size, address, or major expenses change.
• If you disagree with a decision after reporting a change, you usually have the right to request a hearing or appeal through the state’s official process.
• HowToGetAssistance.org provides general information only; any actual updates to your SNAP case must go through Michigan’s official SNAP/MDHHS offices or portals.

By understanding these steps and acting promptly when your situation changes, you can help protect your SNAP eligibility and keep your food benefits as accurate and stable as possible.