2. A Win-Win Endeavor
Consumer Empowerment with Easier
Access to Information
+
Department of Human Services (DHS)
Congestion Reduction
3. MiBridges Quick Facts
24-hour secure internet portal to DHS benefit
applications – www.mibridges.michigan.gov
Developed and maintained by the Michigan
Department of Human Services (MDHS).
Directly linked to MDHS internal Bridges system
for application processing.
Allows households to create an account on-line,
which enables people to apply for benefits, check
case status, and recertify.
4. Michigan’s Economic Zeitgeist
Courtesy
Michigan hit tremendously hard by economic down turn
Unprecedented numbers of households qualify for public
assistance
Nonprofits struggle to meet the needs of low income families
Estimated $930,000,000 in public work supports went
unclaimed in Michigan annually (See Above)
5. Roads Blocks of Applying
Lack of knowledge
Welfare stigma
Many stops (i.e. paper work—red tape)
Under-employed (believed not eligible)
Denied before
Lack of transportation resources
Distrust of government
Office wait is frustrating & time
consuming
6. Benefits of Applying On-line
Reduce number of office visits and
phone calls to DHS by recipients.
Provide easier benefit maintenance
through uploading of documentation.
Allow DHS recipients to get answers to
commonly asked questions themselves
through the Internet and telephone.
22. MiBridges—Bumps in the Road
Unknown to the public
Computer access barriers
Limited reading or computer literacy
Only applied for one benefit (i.e., Food
Stamps)
23. MiBridges Goals Recap
Anytime & anywhere access to programs & case
status via MiBridges technology
Reduce the number of local offices visits and
phone calls to DHS.
Ease time consuming congestion at DHS
Answers to commonly asked questions are found
independently via Internet or phone.
Empowerment is gained when information about
benefits are easily accessed
ZEITGEIST-ask who knows what that means. “Spirit of the Day” what defines our time
Explain choices of how to upload required documents. Documents can be submitted by fax or e-mailed by scanning, copying or taking a picture.
Choose and click on the blue circles
It is a good idea to have pay stubs monthly bills for housing, utilities & childcare. After each section there is a summary page to ensure the section is complete. Continue, even if unable to complete a section at that time.
Electronic signature is legally binding. Before benefits can be received, DHS may need proof to the answers given, communicate by phone or ask for an in-person interview.