In an unprecedented shift towards progressive policy, Michiganders are no longer required to declare assets worth less than $15,000—including cash, checking, and savings accounts—to qualify for food assistance benefits. However, eligibility will continue to hinge on income and expenses, marking a significant stride towards a more compassionate approach to welfare. This transformation was set in motion this week when Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill, thereby eliminating the controversial “asset test” for federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.
Michigan now proudly stands among more than 30 states that have decisively done away with the asset eligibility requirements, demonstrating a renewed commitment to supporting the economically disadvantaged and fostering an environment of societal inclusivity.
The “asset test” was previously reinstated in 2011 by former Governor Rick Snyder, setting a stringent $5,000 asset limit even while other states were progressively phasing out such requirements. Snyder’s tenure was also marked by legislation requiring lottery winnings to be counted as either assets or unearned income. This measure was prompted by an incident in which a Michigan woman was discovered to be receiving food stamps despite having won $1 million. The state subsequently removed her from food assistance.
Whitmer initially raised the asset test limit to $15,000, encompassing liquid assets like cash, checking and savings accounts, and certain investments, but notably excluded vehicles from the asset check. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services adopted a more lenient stance, accepting “a client statement of assets rather than requiring a verification checklist to be completed,” according to state records.
But Republican House Leader Matt Hall released a statement criticizing the asset test repeal.
“Michiganders are always ready to support people who need temporary help to get back up on their feet, but Democrats are turning the food assistance program on its head,” Hall said. “Without this test measuring people’s wealth, even lottery winners and other millionaires could rake in food stamps paid for with our tax dollars that should be going to those who truly need help feeding their families. Offering food stamps to the rich does nothing to put food on the tables of Michiganders in need.”
This decision impacts more than 700,000 Michigan households currently availing benefits from the federally-funded Food Assistance Program, says the Michigan League for Public Policy. This includes more than 531,000 children, thus reflecting the widespread repercussions of this policy change.
These are more than statistics. They are real people, struggling families, and children who could benefit immensely from this legislative act of compassion. It is a symbol of a society willing to change and adapt, recognizing the fundamental human right to food regardless of one’s economic circumstances. These are the measures that represent progress, an assertion that Michigan will not leave its most vulnerable citizens behind.
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