LANSING, Mich. – Over 1.2 million people in Michigan are eligible for food assistance benefits, and by the end of January, these recipients will collect an additional payment to help during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced today that SNAP recipients will receive a 15% increase in payment each month for six months, ending in June of 2021.

Food assistance recipients in Michigan will see this 15% increase added to their Bridge Cards by the end of January.

This is in addition to benefits received earlier this month.

Governor Whitmer and the Department of Health are also continuing their initiative that provides additional food assistance to 350,000 families in the state.

This initiative allows anyone receiving food assistance who doesn’t already qualify for maximum monthly benefits to have their payment raised to the maximum monthly amount for the size of their household.

These eligible recipients will see the additional benefits on their Bridge Cards by January 30.

Anyone who receives both the initiative payment and the 15% increase will get them on the same day.

Families who are already eligible do not need to reapply to receive additional benefits.

To check a Michigan Bridge Card’s benefits balance, click here or call a customer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914.