Michigan calls its EBT card the Bridge Card — and the name fits. For over a million households across Detroit, Grand Rapids, the Upper Peninsula, and everywhere in between, it’s the connection between families and the food they need.
Whether you’re shopping at a Meijer, a Kroger, or a small market in the U.P., knowing your Bridge Card balance before you hit the register saves you from an embarrassing decline and helps you plan your shopping trip more effectively.
This guide covers every way to check your Michigan EBT balance, explains the state’s Recipient ID-based deposit schedule, and highlights programs like Double Up Food Bucks and SUN Bucks that can stretch your benefits further.
How to Check Your Michigan Bridge Card Balance
Four ways — all free, all available around the clock:
- Phone: Call 1-888-678-8914 (24/7 automated line)
- Online: Log in at MI Bridges (newmibridges.michigan.gov) or ebtEDGE (ebtedge.com)
- App: Download the Benny or Fresh EBT app (iOS or Android)
- Receipt: Your balance prints at the bottom of every SNAP purchase receipt
The phone line is the fastest for a quick check — just press 1, enter your card number and PIN, and your balance is read back to you. Every state’s EBT hotline is listed at EBT Phone Numbers for All States.
Check Your Michigan EBT Balance by Phone
Michigan Bridge Card Customer Service: 1-888-678-8914 Michigan Relay Center (deaf/hard of hearing): 7-1-1
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — including holidays. Free from any phone. The automated system offers prompts in English, Spanish, and Arabic; live interpreter services are available for 200+ languages.
Step-by-step:
- Call 1-888-678-8914
- Press 1 for a balance inquiry
- Enter your 16-digit Bridge Card number followed by your PIN
- The system reads your current Food Assistance Program (FAP) and cash benefit balances — and tells you your next deposit date
The same line handles PIN changes, lost or stolen card reports, transaction history, and replacement card requests.
Tip: When you call for a balance check, listen for the next deposit date announcement — it’s included automatically at the end of the balance read and saves you a separate call.
Check Your Michigan EBT Balance Online
Michigan offers two official online options:
Option 1 — MI Bridges: newmibridges.michigan.gov
MI Bridges is Michigan’s full benefits management portal run by the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). It’s where you apply for benefits, manage your case, upload documents, and check your balance.
- Go to newmibridges.michigan.gov
- Sign in — or create a free account if you haven’t already
- Once logged in, navigate to “View Benefits” to see your current EBT balance and recent transaction history
Option 2 — ebtEDGE: ebtedge.com
ebtEDGE is the dedicated balance portal for Bridge Card holders and is simpler to use if you only need a quick balance check.
- Go to ebtedge.com
- Select your state and log in — first-time users register with their 16-digit Bridge Card number
- Your FAP food and cash balances appear on the account summary screen
Security reminder: Only use official URLs — newmibridges.michigan.gov or ebtedge.com. Never enter your card number on a site reached through an unfamiliar link or ad.
Check Your Michigan EBT Balance on a Mobile App
Michigan does not have a state-branded EBT app, but two widely used third-party apps work reliably for Michigan Bridge Card holders:
Benny (recommended)
- Shows your real-time Bridge Card balance
- Offers 1–3% cash back on EBT purchases at major retailers including Walmart, Costco, and Trader Joe’s
- Free on iOS and Android; search “Benny” in your app store
Fresh EBT by Propel
- Displays your balance and full transaction history
- Trusted by millions of SNAP households nationwide
- Free on iOS and Android; download only from official app stores
Check Your Michigan EBT Balance on a Store Receipt
Every Bridge Card transaction automatically prints your remaining food and cash benefit balances at the bottom of the receipt — look for lines labeled “EBT Food Bal” and “EBT Cash Bal.” You can also ask any cashier at a SNAP-authorized store for a balance inquiry without making a purchase. Use the SNAP Retailer Locator to find participating stores near you.
Check Your Michigan EBT Balance at an ATM
Insert your Bridge Card at any ATM displaying the Quest or STAR logo, enter your PIN, and select “Balance Inquiry.” This shows your cash benefit balance only — FAP food benefits do not display at ATMs. Balance inquiries at EBT-participating ATMs are free, but standard ATM surcharges may apply at some machines. For routine checks, the phone or app is safer due to skimming risks.
Michigan EBT Balance — Quick Reference
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 1-888-678-8914 · 24/7 · Free · Press 1 for balance |
| Relay (deaf/HoH) | 7-1-1 · Michigan Relay Center |
| MI Bridges | newmibridges.michigan.gov · Full account management |
| ebtEDGE | ebtedge.com · Balance + transaction history |
| App | Benny or Fresh EBT · Free · iOS & Android |
| Store receipt | Prints automatically after every Bridge Card purchase |
| ATM | Quest/STAR ATMs · Cash benefits only |
Michigan-Specific EBT Details Worth Knowing
Who runs SNAP in Michigan: The Food Assistance Program (FAP) — Michigan’s name for SNAP — is administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Not yet enrolled? Check your eligibility at the Michigan SNAP eligibility page or use the SNAP income limits tool. Ready to apply? The full guide is at How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Michigan.
Your card is called the Bridge Card: Michigan’s EBT card has its own name — the Michigan Bridge Card. Your 16-digit card number and Recipient ID are both printed on the front. The Recipient ID (also called your case number) is the key number that determines your deposit date.
Deposit schedule — based on your Recipient ID: Michigan issues FAP benefits between the 3rd and 21st of each month, based on the last digit of your 8-digit Recipient ID number. Benefits are typically loaded by midnight at the start of your scheduled date. Your Recipient ID is printed on the front of your Bridge Card and on any official MDHHS notices. Log into MI Bridges or call 1-888-678-8914 to confirm your specific date. If benefits don’t arrive on schedule, see Why Didn’t My SNAP Benefits Reload?
Double Up Food Bucks: Michigan’s flagship produce incentive program matches Bridge Card spending on fruits and vegetables dollar for dollar at over 240 participating grocery stores and farmers markets statewide — including Meijer, Busch’s, and many local markets. There’s no cap announced for 2026; earn unlimited Double Up on fresh and frozen fruits and veggies (with no added salt, sugar, or fats). Find a participating location at doubleupfoodbucks.org or call 1-866-586-2796.
SUN Bucks (Summer EBT): School-aged children in Bridge Card households are automatically enrolled in Michigan’s SUN Bucks program each summer, which provides an additional $120 per eligible child loaded onto a separate SUN Bucks card. No application is needed for current FAP households — cards are mailed to the address on file with MDHHS or your child’s school.
Stolen benefits window: Benefits stolen through skimming or phishing between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024 may be eligible for federal reimbursement. Contact your local MDHHS office or call 1-888-678-8914 to file a claim. Note: theft outside this window, or benefits taken by a known individual, is generally not eligible for replacement under current rules.
30-day advance notice before expungement: Michigan will notify you 30 days in advance if your FAP benefits are approaching the 274-day inactivity deadline. You’ll receive a notice in the mail and in your MI Bridges account. A single purchase after receiving that notice resets the clock entirely.
EBT discounts in Michigan: Your Bridge Card may unlock savings and free or reduced admission at museums, zoos, and cultural venues across the state. See the Michigan EBT discounts guide for what’s currently available to cardholders.
When Your Michigan Bridge Card Balance Doesn’t Look Right
Your balance is lower than you expected
Log into MI Bridges or ebtEDGE and review your recent transactions line by line. If you spot a transaction you didn’t make, call 1-888-678-8914 right away. If benefits were stolen through skimming between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, contact your local MDHHS office to file a reimbursement claim. Most disputes need to be initiated quickly — don’t wait. For more on why a balance might be off, visit Why Didn’t My SNAP Benefits Reload?
Your Bridge Card was declined at the store
A handful of issues can cause a Bridge Card to decline — Why Is My EBT Card Not Working Today? walks through all of them. The most common causes:
- Insufficient balance — Check your balance before you shop, not at the register
- Wrong PIN — Four incorrect attempts locks your card until midnight or until you reset it
- Demagnetized or damaged card — Keep it away from phones, keys, and magnetic bag clasps
- Store terminal issue — Ask the cashier to try manual entry or switch to a different register
- Redetermination or paperwork hold — Log into MI Bridges to check for pending notices or missing documents
Your card is lost or stolen
Call 1-888-678-8914 immediately to report it. Your Bridge Card will be deactivated and a replacement mailed within 5–7 business days. Your remaining balance transfers automatically to the new card. If benefits were also stolen, ask the representative to start a fraud claim at the same time. Full steps at Replacing Your Lost EBT Card and How to Report a Stolen EBT Card in Every State.
Your account is locked due to inactivity or wrong PIN attempts
Call 1-888-678-8914 and follow the prompts to reset your PIN. Have your card number, Social Security Number, and date of birth ready. If the phone reset doesn’t work, visit your local MDHHS office to have the lock removed manually. Wait at least 15 minutes after resetting before testing the new PIN.
How to Protect Your Michigan Bridge Card
Choose a PIN that’s hard to crack. Avoid your birthday, “1234,” or repeating digits. Update it regularly through ebtEDGE, MI Bridges, or by calling 1-888-678-8914.
Lock your card between shopping trips. A locked card can’t be used even if someone has your card number. Here’s how: How to Lock Your EBT Card.
Watch your transaction history — not just the total. Skimming is an active concern in Michigan. Reviewing individual line items in MI Bridges or ebtEDGE is how you catch unauthorized charges early, while reimbursement options are still open.
Inspect card readers before swiping. Before inserting your Bridge Card at any self-checkout or ATM, check the card slot for anything that looks loose, unusually thick, or out of place. Skimming overlays are designed to look normal — pay attention.
Michigan MDHHS will never ask for your PIN. If anyone calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from MDHHS and asks for your card number or PIN, hang up and call 1-888-678-8914 to report it.
Frequently Asked Questions — Michigan EBT
What is the phone number to check my Michigan EBT balance?
Call 1-888-678-8914 — the Michigan Bridge Card Customer Service line, available free 24/7. Press 1 for a balance inquiry, then enter your 16-digit card number and PIN. The system reads your FAP food and cash balances and announces your next deposit date. Deaf or hard-of-hearing callers can dial 7-1-1 for relay service. All state hotlines are at EBT Phone Numbers for All States.
What day does Michigan deposit SNAP (FAP) benefits?
Michigan loads food benefits between the 3rd and 21st of each month based on the last digit of your 8-digit Recipient ID (also called your case number). Benefits are typically available by midnight on your scheduled date. Find your Recipient ID on the front of your Bridge Card or in any MDHHS notice, or log into MI Bridges to confirm your exact date.
What is the Michigan Bridge Card?
The Bridge Card is Michigan’s official EBT card for Food Assistance Program (FAP/SNAP) and cash benefits. It works like a debit card at any SNAP-authorized retailer across the country and at Quest/STAR-logo ATMs for cash withdrawals.
What is Double Up Food Bucks and how do I use it?
Double Up Food Bucks is a Michigan incentive program that matches your Bridge Card spending on fruits and vegetables dollar for dollar at participating stores and farmers markets. Over 240 locations participate statewide, including Meijer. No sign-up is needed — the match happens automatically at participating checkout lanes. Find a location at doubleupfoodbucks.org or call 1-866-586-2796.
What is MI Bridges and how is it different from ebtEDGE?
MI Bridges (newmibridges.michigan.gov) is Michigan’s full benefits portal — use it to apply for FAP, manage your case, upload documents, and check your balance. ebtEDGE (ebtedge.com) is a simpler, balance-only portal for cardholders who just want to check funds and transaction history without logging into the full MDHHS system. Both show your current Bridge Card balance.
Can unused FAP benefits roll over in Michigan?
Yes. Unused FAP food benefits carry over every month automatically. They stay on your Bridge Card indefinitely as long as you make at least one purchase every 274 days (9 months). MDHHS will send a notice 30 days before your benefits are set to expire due to inactivity — a single transaction after receiving that notice resets the clock.
What if my Michigan Bridge Card benefits were stolen?
If your benefits were stolen through skimming or phishing between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, you may be eligible for federal reimbursement. Contact your local MDHHS office or call 1-888-678-8914 to start a claim. Theft outside this date range or by a known individual is generally not covered under current rules.
How do I reset my PIN if my Michigan Bridge Card is locked?
Call 1-888-678-8914 and select the PIN change option. You’ll need your card number, Social Security Number, and date of birth to verify your identity. After resetting, wait at least 15 minutes before testing the new PIN. If the card stays locked after a reset, call back and ask for a live agent or visit your local MDHHS office for manual removal of the lock.
Am I eligible for Michigan FAP (SNAP)?
Check the Michigan SNAP eligibility page for current income limits and requirements, or use the SNAP income limits tool for a quick estimate. For typical benefit amounts, see the Michigan SNAP benefits page.
What can I buy with my Michigan Bridge Card?
Your card works at any SNAP-authorized grocery store and for eligible items on Amazon. Double Up Food Bucks locations let you stretch your produce spending even further. For a complete breakdown of covered and excluded items, see the SNAP-eligible foods guide and Can You Use EBT on Amazon?
Bottom Line
Checking your Michigan Bridge Card balance takes under a minute. Call 1-888-678-8914 and press 1 for the fastest answer — the system will also read your next deposit date so you don’t have to call twice. For a full transaction history, use MI Bridges or ebtEDGE. If you’re shopping for produce, look for a Double Up Food Bucks location to double your dollars on fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. And if your card is ever lost or benefits are stolen, call 1-888-678-8914 right away — Replacing Your Lost EBT Card has the full step-by-step.
For broader food assistance, contact the Michigan 2-1-1 helpline by dialing 2-1-1 from any phone, or reach the national SNAP information line at 1-800-221-5689.
Last updated: 2026 · Sources: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Double Up Food Bucks, USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Verify current program details at michigan.gov/mdhhs or benefits.gov.