LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Back-to-school shopping just got a little easier for some Michigan families. Starting August 1, qualifying households enrolled in the Family Independence Program (FIP) will receive a $400 clothing allowance per child automatically added to their Bridge Card.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) states that the allowance is intended to help families with limited incomes afford school clothing as students begin a new year. It’s part of the 2025 Fiscal Appropriations Act and is excluded as income for other assistance programs.
To qualify, families must have had an active FIP case with eligible dependent children as of July 31. That includes children who receive Supplemental Security Income, but excludes disqualified children, with the exception of those missing a Social Security number, who will still receive the benefit…