The FAP monthly allotment amounts, standard deductions, shelter deductions, and dependent care deductions have changed for FAP recipients and applicants beginning October 1^st. 

MONTHLY ALLOTMENT AMOUNTS

The maximum monthly FAP allotments have increased by a few dollars.  The amount depends on the household size and the household’s FAP income.  For example, a single person’s maximum allotment changed from $162 to $176 per month.

MINIMUM MONTHLY ALLOTMENT

The minimum allotment has also increased. After October 1^st a person that was receiving a minimum allotment of $10 per month will now receive $14. This change will especially benefit those who have a fixed income and low shelter expenses, which typically are seniors or small households of 1 or 2 persons.

DHS automatically updates eligibility information electronically.  FAP recipients should notice a change in their October allotment amount.   This increase is now indexed for inflation. So the minimum benefit should increase with inflation every October.

The deductions are now as follows:

STANDARD DEDUCTION

The formula that DHS uses to calculate eligibility for food assistance includes a “standard deduction” for living expenses and shelter deductions for housing and utilities.    Michigan must periodically review these deductions/limits and make adjustments.  The Farm bill increased these deductions for the first time in several years.  In the future, they will be indexed for inflation.  The new amounts are:

Group Size/Deduction Amount

1-3 = $135

4 = $138

5 = $163

6 or more = $188

Shelter Deductions

Shelter deductions were increased to reflect the increased costs of shelter and utilities.  The following are the maximum caps allowed in the FAP formula.

Shelter Maximum = $446 (non-senior and non-disabled households only)

Heat and Utility = $550

Non-Heat Electric = $93

Water and/or Sewer = $54

Telephone = $33

Cooking Fuel = $59

Trash/Garbage Removal = $14

DEPENDENT CARE DEDUCTION

The FAP formula allows child care expenses to be considered as part of the eligibility calculation.  The formula is based on the fact that money a family spends on child care is not available to buy food. In the past, these deductions where capped at $175 and $200 per month, depending on the age of the child.  Congress removed the caps as part of the Farm Bill reauthorization, as a recognition that many households spend more of their income of child care. 

DHS will allow the full amount of unreimbursed child care expenses.  This is the amount the FAP group actually pays out of pocket.   However, FAP recipients must provide verification of child care expenses to DHS in order for the full amount to be counted.

These changes should be automatically adjusted for FAP recipients that have already provided verification to DHS of those expenses.    The increase on FAP benefits should be retroactive to October 1^st.