1. MI Bridges Basics
Last updated: 03/15/2012

2. How to Take this Training
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MI Bridges Basics

3. MI Bridges Basics Objectives:
After viewing this training module you will be able to:
Create a new account in MI Bridges.
Apply for a program in MI Bridges.
Navigate the MI Bridges website.
Check benefit status in MI Bridges.
Report, view and check the status of changes.
Locate where local office contact information is found.
Prepare a document for upload into a MI Bridges account.
MI Bridges Basics

4. MI Bridges is located at the internet address below:
On MI Bridges, clients can:
Create an account and apply for benefits.
Check the status of ongoing benefits and new applications.
Report, view and check the status of changes.
Upload documents.
View correspondence that has been sent to
them as well as sign up for notifications of new correspondence.
This training walks you through MI Bridges from a client perspective.
MI Bridges Basics

5. Clients may click here to access the Michigan Assistance and Referral Service (MARS) to see if they would be eligible for benefits before filling out the online application. ↓
Clients may click here to create an account and apply for benefits as a first time user, or to add a program or reapply as a returning user. ↓
Clients may click here to create an account, view their benefits, report changes to their worker, upload documents and check the status of an application. ↓
MI Bridges Basics

6. If the client needs information on how to navigate MI Bridges and practice answering the types of questions that will be asked during the application process they can click here.
MI Bridges Basics

7. Clicking Apply for Benefits displays this page
Clicking Apply for Benefits displays this page. Clients may select the first radio button to create a new account and then complete the online application.
Notice the other selections. Clients may choose to keep working on an application they started earlier or check the status of an application.
MI Bridges Basics

8. User Name and Password Creation Tips When Assisting Applicants:
User name and password should be created by the applicant, not the volunteer. When possible, have applicant write down user name and password exactly as they want them entered for privacy.
User name must include only letters and/or numbers – no special characters.
Password is case sensitive
Password can not include the first or last name of applicant
Cannot have User Name of another applicant
Pick two secret questions to suggest to applicant to save time. Write down answers immediately
MI Bridges Basics

9. MI Bridges is a secure website
MI Bridges is a secure website. Any information collected must be kept private and secure by law. Notice that clients are required to enter information marked with a red star.
MI Bridges Basics

10. Once created, the client ‘s User ID will be needed for all MI Bridges transactions. They will login to their MI Bridges account to check their benefits, upload documents, reapply for benefits, check the status of an application, and report changes.
The client should keep this user ID and password in a secure location. If they forget their user ID and password, they may answer some security questions shown on the next slide.
MI Bridges Basics

11. Choosing these secret questions and typing in answers will enable the client to gain access to their MI Bridges account should they forget their user ID or password.
The User Acceptance Agreement box must be checked before finalizing a MI Bridges account.
After all information is filled out, click Create Account to finalize a new account!
MI Bridges Basics

12. After the account has been created successfully, the client may now apply for benefits. If they would like to apply now they click here to login and begin the application process.
MI Bridges Basics

13. If the client already has an active case but wants to create an online account to view their benefits, apply online, upload documents, etc. they would create an account by clicking on “View My Case” on the main MI Bridges website.
After clicking “View My Case” the client will be directed to the following screen…
MI Bridges Basics

14. The already active client may now begin the process of creating an account with Step 1.
Completing the steps on this screen will link their existing active case to their new user account.
MI Bridges Basics

15. Notice the left navigation on the Start page of the application
Notice the left navigation on the Start page of the application. The order of sections is similar to the DHS-1171 Assistance Application. Clients will be guided through MI Bridges to answer questions in each section.
MI Bridges Basics

16. The client will begin in the Start section by filling in information about themselves.
MI Bridges Basics

17. NOTE: after a client completes typing information in each section (“People”, “Liquid Assets”, “Other Assets”,etc.) and clicks Next, they will be presented with a summary page before proceeding to the next section. This allows the client to review the information.
Edits can be made by clicking Change.
MI Bridges Basics

18. Q: What happens if a client is interrupted and cannot complete the online application at that time?
A: The client can click Save and Exit located at the bottom of the page.
MI Bridges Basics

19. Notice the choices for the client when they need to step away from the application process.
MI Bridges Basics

20. Similar to the “Notes” section on the back of the paper version of the DHS-1171, the client will have an opportunity to provide any additional information towards the end of the online application.
MI Bridges Basics

21. The client must complete two items before submitting their application online.
The Rights and Responsibilities section is also on the signature page. Notice this section has an interior scroll bar. Scroll to view the entire section.
MI Bridges Basics

22. Also on the signature page, clients have the option to type in the name of an Authorized Representative for FAP as well as the opportunity to register to vote. Completing the voter registration section is mandatory.
MI Bridges Basics

23. Also, there is now a fee to the client after the first replacement of an EBT card to the client or their Authorized Rep. The replacement fee will be deducted from the client’s FAP benefits.
Clients must check the box and type in their name to complete the online application process in the Electronic Signature section of the final page.
MI Bridges Basics

24. Once submitted, MI Bridges will display the address of the local DHS office where the online application was sent .
By clicking this “Print” button they are able to print only this page for their records.
Their application number is also displayed. Clients are instructed to write down their application number or print this page for their records.
MI Bridges Basics

25. To print or not to print?
On the same page, clients will have the option to print their full online application for their records. Adobe Reader is required to view and print the online application.
Important:
The full online application can have many pages (around 35) to print.
Each online application is saved forever in their MI Bridges account .
The client may log in to their MI Bridges account at anytime and view their applications.
MI Bridges Basics

26. If clients need more information on how to upload documents they may click here.
Next, clients will have the option to upload electronic documents specific to each individual. These are some of the document choices available for upload.
In this screenshot we see the individual chosen is Susan. Susan may now select the appropriate document to upload specific to herself. This may be done for each individual on Susan’s case.
MI Bridges Basics

27. Office scanner/printer combo Desktop flatbed scanner
Before uploading, clients must scan and save their documents to a computer or a flash drive. Here are two examples of scanners.
Office scanner/printer combo
Desktop flatbed scanner
Acceptable scanned document formats include: JPG, JPEG, TIFF, TIF, and PDF.
MI Bridges Basics

28. In this example, the client chose to upload a Proof of Identity document and then selected Driver’s License for the document type.
Clicking Browse allows to the client to locate and select the document on their computer.
MI Bridges Basics

29. When the client has completed the application process, they may return to the MI Bridges website, log in, and then check the status of their application and benefits on the MI Bridges Dashboard.
MI Bridges Basics

30. Application Status is available on the bottom of the dashboard page, including the Application Number, Date of application, and Status. Click View to see details or print individual online applications.
MI Bridges Basics

31. After selecting to view an application, the client may click View and Print or select to upload requested documents for that application by clicking Next Steps.
MI Bridges Basics

32. Wrapping up, here are a few important items to note:
The MI Bridges online application can take 30 minutes or longer to complete.
Having documents like Birth Certificates, Driver’s Licenses, Lease Agreements, Paycheck Stubs, etc. already scanned and ready for upload is very helpful when applying online.
Clients only need to create one MI Bridges account to apply and reapply for programs.
Applications submitted online will remain in their MI Bridges Dashboard where the client may log in at any time to view their applications and upload documents.
The client should keep their login information to MI Bridges in a secure location.
MI Bridges Basics

33. Thank You!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this method of receiving information on MI Bridges and look forward to sharing more in the future.
Additional detailed information may be found on the DHSNet OTSD website under the MI Bridges Training section.
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