8/04/2025

LANSING - Back-to-school shopping just got a little easier for some Michigan families. As of last Friday 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.  MDHHS mailed letters to eligible households last month notifying them of the upcoming deposit. However, many parents still aren’t aware they may have received the funds.