The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday that the number of Michigan families eligible for additional food assistance will be increasing in May.

Beginning this month, all households that receive food assistance benefits, will be eligible for the additional amount. Previously families already receiving the maximum monthly amount of assistance were not eligible for additional benefits, while others received an increase bringing them to the maximum monthly allotment. Now all households will receive an increase of at least $95 monthly, even if they are already receiving the maximum payment or are close to that amount.

Eligible clients will see additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card May 15-25. Additional benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance that is provided earlier in the month.

The following are the maximum allowable benefits for SNAP customers based on their respective household size:

One Person: $234
Two Persons: $430
Three Persons: $616
Four Persons: $782
Five Persons: $929
Six Persons: $1,114
Seven Persons: $1,232
Eight Persons: $1,408

Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online here or calling a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.