MI Bridges Access Partner

Our library is now an official MI Bridges Access Partner.

What is MI Bridges?
MI Bridges is the online portal through which people apply for state assistance for things like food, health care, heat, child care, etc. The web address is https://www.mibridges.michigan.gov/access/.

What is an Access Partner?
As an Access Partner, we have agreed to make computers available for people to access the MI Bridges portal. We have also agreed to promote their services through flyers, posters, and bookmarks.

We have not agreed to be a Navigation Partner, which is a deeper level of  commitment. In other words, we agree to make the site available through our computers and promote the services, but not to help people navigate the site. We are not obligated to fill out the form for our patrons. Sure, we will help them use a computer and give general reference assistance as we do for any patron, but we do not need to perform one-on-one navigational assistance or fill out the online form on their behalf. One of the goals of the online MI Bridges program is to give ownership and control to the applicant. By taking charge of their situation, they will hopefully work through the system quicker and with a better understanding of how to get off of assistance.

What do we need to do?
The only thing we really need to do is provide users with our agency number when they use our computers to apply for assistance through the MI Bridges portal. There is a screen where they will be asked to provide the number. Our agency number is 2373. This number is located on a flyer, which is filed under "MI Bridges" in the bottom file drawer of the Reference 1 computer. You can also access that flyer at this link.

Logging in to the Site
The MI Bridges site opens to a log-in screen. Patrons who are updating their record or checking on their account will have their own log-in information. We do not have access to their log-in information, so if they lose it they will have to take that up with the Department of Human Services.

Patrons who do not yet have an account, but who need to create one in order to apply for benefits should use the other prompts on the home screen.

Questions and patron referrals welcome to Holly!

Update:
When a user logs in to the MI Bridges site, the web browser tries to open a new window. Pop-up blockers can prevent that from happening, and kick the patron all the way out of their account. Be sure to enable pop-up blockers on the web browser.

Training Videos:

How to Use MI Bridges Online  

 What do I need to Verify When I Apply for Assistance?


How to See the Benefits You and Your Family Might Qualify For