1. Program Adds for RSS Webinar Presentation Version 1
Program Adds for RSS Webinar Presentation Version 1.0 Updated June 18, 2009
MI BRIDGES Overview 1

2. Today’s Agenda Overview DHS Application Process What is MI Bridges?
Program Adds for RSS Webinar Presentation Version 1.0 Updated June 18, 2009
Today’s Agenda
Overview
DHS Application Process
What is MI Bridges?
Apply For Benefits
Check My Benefits
Future Enhancements
Community Partner Impact
Communications and Marketing
Questions & Answers

3. DHS Application Process Offers New Option
Fax
Existing
Client Applies for Benefits
DHS processes application
In-person
Mail-in
Application
accepted through
existing and new
channels
New
Self Service
(Online)
Completes application
Provides verifications
Submits application and verifications to DHS
Applications accepted anytime
Clients can apply from anywhere
Automatic screening available
No in-person interview required
Reduce costs (paperless application)
Better client service (no waiting in lines, no travel required, etc.)
Registers application
Conducts client interview
Verifies client data
Determines eligibility
Issues benefits

4. Program Adds for RSS Webinar Presentation Version 1
Program Adds for RSS Webinar Presentation Version 1.0 Updated June 18, 2009
What is MI Bridges? 4 4

5. FAP Goals of MI Bridges Increase Program Participation
Better Customer Service
Local Office Worker Relief
Provide the means to apply for FAP from anywhere and at anytime
Increase awareness
Convenient
No waiting in lines
No travel required
Screening available
A Central Unit will be dedicated to be processing these applications

6. What does MI Bridges offer?
Report My Changes
Check My Benefits
Apply For Benefits
Am I Eligible?
Benefit assessment / screening tool
Online FAP Application
Up-to-date personalized client benefit information
Change reporting ability
(Coming Soon)

7. How to access MI Bridges
MI Bridges is accessible online
Available in English and Spanish
Clients can create a new account or login into an existing account to complete an application or check their benefits
Community Partners may also login to update their account details or submit applications

8. Apply For Benefits! Apply For Benefits 8 > Food Assistance Program
Program Adds for RSS Webinar Presentation Version 1.0 Updated June 18, 2009
Apply For Benefits
Apply
For Benefits!
> Food Assistance Program 8 8

9. Online Application Process
The Hall Family Applies for Benefits 1
Application submitted on MI BRIDGES
Determines if applicants qualify for expedited benefits
Stores the application filing date
Places the application in a queue for processing based on expedited status and age 2
DHS Processing Center receives application
Registration support specialists register the application
Application gets assigned to a worker
Worker reviews application and initiates client contact
If unable to contact client, sends phone appointment notice and verification requirements 3
Checks possible eligibility online
Decides to apply for benefits
Creates an account
Completes online application and provides e-signature
Waits for DHS contact

10. Online Application Process Cont’d4
DHS conducts phone interview with client
Receives a verification checklist (DHS 3503)
Gathers verifications required and mails or faxes DHS worker
Checks verification and worker information online
The Hall Family faxes or mails verifications 5
DHS processes the verifications and determines eligibility
Issues benefits to client if eligible
Sends notice (DHS-1605) to client 6
DHS determines eligibility
Checks Benefits Online while waiting for notice
Receives notice and EBT card in mail 7
Hall family receives benefits
Upon contacting client conducts phone interview to gather more information
Informs client of pending verifications

11. Providing more information may benefit the client
Minimal client information is required
However, by providing as much information as possible on the online application, the worker will need to ask for less information during the phone interview
This may result in the application being processed sooner
Household, Income and Expense information will be needed to determine eligibility

12. A summary will be displayed at each step
By displaying a summary, MI Bridges allows clients to verify the information they are entering at each step

13. Clients or A/R must provide an e-signature
Clients may read their rights and responsibilities
Clients or authorized representatives must provide an e-signature before submitting the application

14. Application number will be provided to client
Once the application is complete the client will receive an application number
Clients may also print their application
Clients can now go to Check My Benefits to monitor the status of their application
You may also need to talk with a worker by phone.

15. Check My Benefits Check My Benefits 15 > Food Assistance Program
Program Adds for RSS Webinar Presentation Version 1.0 Updated June 18, 2009
Check My Benefits
Check
My Benefits
> Food Assistance Program 15 15

16. Clients can check status and benefits online
Worker Information
Name
Address
Phone/ Fax
Benefit Information
Amount
Availability Date
Case status
Action required
Appointments
Verifications
Redeterminations
Household Information
Composition
Contact Information
status

17. Benefit information is available to the client
Benefit information is available: Dannae, Desmond, Jonterey etc. are getting benefits since August 1, 2008
In July 2009, they received $415.00
The client needs to complete a review by July 2009
FAP Benefits are available on their card on the 6th of each month
Tonya was disqualified from receiving benefits (reason provided)
They have an appointment on July 17, 2009

18. Contact and worker information is displayed
Use the Contact Information tab
Case Worker information is displayed including name, address, phone and fax
Client Address and phone number on record is displayed

19. Clients can also check benefits on the phone
An Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system will provide an accessible menu of options to respond to certain client inquiries regarding their case information
Worker information
Case status
Benefits
Action required
The functionality will be similar to Check My Benefits on MI Bridges but will be particularly beneficial to clients who do not have online access
A toll free number will be provided to allow clients to access their case information at anytime from anywhere

20. Advantages for clients, workers and agencies
IVR
Worker receives less inquires on benefit and case status
Clients can check benefits online and on the phone (IVR) anytime anywhere
More efficient use of worker time
Positive cycle created
Better service provided to client from DHS and community agencies
Worker has more time to process applications
Community agencies can more easily assist their clients due increased communication channels (online, IVR) with DHS

21. Report My Changes Future Enhancements 21 > Food Assistance Program
Program Adds for RSS Webinar Presentation Version 1.0 Updated June 18, 2009
Future Enhancements
Report
My Changes
> Food Assistance Program 21 21

22. Clients will be able to report changes online
Income
Expenses
Member Moves Out
MI BRIDGES
Member Moves In
Report
My Changes
Divorce
Death
Income – job/self employment .. Other income
Expenses
Address
Death divorce maarriage
Move in move out
Marriage
Address

23. What does this mean for you? Community Partner Impact
Program Adds for RSS Webinar Presentation Version 1.0 Updated June 18, 2009
What does this mean for you? Community Partner Impact
United Way, 23 23

24. Community Agencies can create an account…
By creating an account, your agency will be assigned a unique Agency number
By entering the Agency number each time an application is submitted by your agency, DHS can acknowledge your outreach effort
Your agency may update their information using their Agency number and Passcode

25. After entering your information you will receive a confirmation
…in a few simple steps
Click on the Apply For Benefits on the home page
Select the fourth option, Register my agency as a Community Access Point, or update my agency's information.
Click Next
Select the click here hyperlink next to If you would like to register your agency as a Community Access Point
Enter your agency details, including a passcode on the Helping With Application page
You will receive a confirmation message with your Agency Number
Please use this number when submitting future applications
After entering your information you will receive a confirmation
Please note down your Passcode: it will be used if you want to update your information
Please note and use your Agency Number to get “credit” for your submissions

26. Community Agencies data will be captured
The client is able to enter information about how or with whom they are applying
Community Agency
Friend/family
Staff person/volunteer at an agency
Filing Representative
Legal Guardian
Someone with client’s Power of Attorney
Enter your Agency Number here when submitting an application

27. Several advantages to Community Agencies
Standardized application
Special software not required
Consistency between community agencies
Easier to apply
Paper applications do not need to be mailed or dropped off at local office
Apply at anytime
Apply at any location
Bilingual
Available in Spanish
Help client access benefit information
Online and IVR
Client application status and benefit information available at anytime

28. Communications and Marketing
Program Adds for RSS Webinar Presentation Version 1.0 Updated June 18, 2009
Communications and Marketing
United Way, 28 28

29. Different media will be used to market MI Bridges
Statewide tour beginning in August
Radio
Community Newsletters
Legislative newsletters
Posters
Twitter
Facebook
Other internet sites
DHS client correspondence

30. Any Questions? Thank You!
Program Adds for RSS Webinar Presentation Version 1.0 Updated June 18, 2009
Any Questions?
Thank You!