Michigan DHHS addresses application verification and resident concerns amid 2.5M submissions

The Michigan House of Representatives held a crucial meeting on April 24, 2025, focusing on the oversight of state and local public assistance programs. A significant topic of discussion was the application process for the My Bridges system, which facilitates access to various assistance programs for residents.

During the meeting, officials highlighted the importance of verifying applicant information to ensure that benefits are distributed accurately. With over 2.5 million applications processed, the system aims to fill gaps in information through a verification process that occurs after initial application submissions. This process includes checks against Social Security and IRS databases to confirm identities and addresses.

Concerns were raised by representatives regarding the initial stages of the application process, particularly the lack of requirements for Social Security numbers or proof of residency at the front end. Officials explained that while these details are not required initially, they are verified later in the process. This raised questions about the reliance on self-attestation, with some representatives expressing apprehension about the potential for inaccuracies in the information provided by applicants.

The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by the system, including occasional technical difficulties with the online portals. Despite these challenges, officials reassured that the verification process is robust and designed to catch discrepancies before benefits are issued.

As the meeting concluded, the emphasis remained on improving the application process and ensuring that taxpayer concerns are addressed. The ongoing dialogue reflects a commitment to refining public assistance programs to better serve Michigan residents while maintaining accountability and integrity in the distribution of aid.