Michigan Bridge Cards are awesome but you probably have a lot of questions. We’re often asked questions like these: Are there restaurants that accept EBT in Michigan? I’ve got a Michigan Bridge card, what can I buy? When does my Bridge Card refill?
We’ve done the research and we have answers to all of your questions!
7 FAQs about Michigan EBT
After years of research, I’ve realized there are 7 things that everyone wants or needs to know about their food stamps card. Before we get into the discounts you can get just for having a card, here are some quick-and-easy answers to the most common questions we receive.
How can I apply for food stamps in Michigan?
It’s easy! You can apply for EBT online in most states. The questionnaire can take a bit of time and you’ll need to make sure you have all of your information together, but it’s much easier than doing it in the office.
Are there restaurants that accept EBT in Michigan?
Michigan used to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program but it stopped the program. There are no longer any restaurants that accept EBT in Michigan, except for take-and-bake Papa Murphy’s Pizzas.
What can I buy with my Michigan Bridge Card?
This is a great question, because most people think you can only buy groceries! In reality, you can buy a lot of surprising things with food stamps, including fruit trees and produce-bearing plants. We have a full list of what you can buy with your card here, although the list in this article you’re currently reading also shows all the discounts you can get just because you have a card!
When does my Bridge card refill?
Every state sets their own guidelines for when their EBT cards refill. Check this list to see how Michigan calculates their distribution schedule!
Can I get more food stamps?
It’s possible! Many people get less food stamps than they should because of mistakes in the paperwork. We’ve searched through the algorithm to figure out how you can get more food stamps.
Can I get cash back?
Yes! With some smart shopping techniques, you can spend all of your food stamps money and get cash back in your wallet. Here’s how it’s done.
Where can I shop with my Michigan Bridge Card?
You can shop at a lot of places! Costco, Schwans trucks and even Farmer’s Markets can accept EBT. In fact, some retailers (like Farmer’s Markets) offer double-up programs that will give you twice as much food as you pay for!
Statewide EBT Discounts
There are many agencies and organizations that offer Michigan Bridge Card discounts. You’ll just need a valid card or award letter in order to get these deals!
50% off Amazon Prime
Amazon
offers discounted Amazon Prime memberships for customers who have a Michigan Bridge card! With this discounted Amazon Prime membership, you’ll receive free two-day shipping on your Amazon orders and you’ll also enjoy access to FREE streaming services! Sign up now!
$5 Internet
Internet is available at low-cost from providers like Comcast, CenturyLink, AT&T and more! These low income Internet services start at just $5 per month!
Free Cell Phones & Service
The low income programs that offer free smartphones and free monthly cell service often accept proof of food stamps benefits as evidence that you meet the income limits. If you have EBT, you may be eligible for a free phone or free service!
Free Computers
Just like with the cell phone providers, many agencies that offer free computers for low income individuals and families also accept proof of EBT as proof that you meet their income requirements. Here’s a list of agencies that offer free and discounted computers.
YMCA Discounts
Local YMCAs and recreation centers often offer discounted memberships and passes for low income individuals and families. If you receive food stamps, you may be eligible for a discount from your local community center.
Other Discounts
Of course, if you’re looking for Michigan Bridge Card discounts, then you may also be eligible for these deals:
- Homebuyer assistance programs
- Legal aid
- Property tax exemptions
- Student loan assistance ($0 per month payments!)
- Summer meals (free for kids ages 18 and under!)
- Tax filing assistance
- Utility assistance(help paying electric bills, free weatherization assistance and more!)
- Pet care assistance (veterinary care grants, free pet food, free boarding and more!)
Get museum admission discounts with your Michigan Bridge card!
For your convenience, we’ve organized our free and discounted museum admission list alphabetically by city.
Some of these venues accept out-of-state EBT cards. Please note that the museums with green titles are Museums for All participants. These venues accept EBT cards from all 50 states, so you don’t have to be a Michigan resident to get these great deals!
You cannot pay for admission with EBT. You will show the EBT card to receive the discount but you will need to pay the remaining admission price, if any, in cash or with a credit/debit card.
Albion
Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum – $1.50 per person
Explore agricultural science, air, movement and so much more with the exhibits at Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum. Families with an Michigan Bridge card save $5 each when they show their card and a valid form of ID!
Beaver Island
Beaver Island Historical Society – $3 or less per person
Explore the unique and fascinating history of this remote island in Lake Michigan. The Historical Society currently operates the Print Shop Museum, Marine Museum, Heritage Park and Protar Home.
Bloomfield Hills
Cranbook Art Museum – FREE
The 319-acre Cranbook Art Museum offers free admission to anyone who presents an EBT or WIC card at the admissions desk. The art museum includes architecture, sculpture and gardens as well as changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
Cranbook House and Gardens – Free
The Cranbook House is Detroit’s oldest surviving historic manor. At 30,000 square feet, there is a lot to explore! You can enjoy a guided tour of the first floor and explore the 40 acres of gardens, statues, fountains, pools, ponds and more. The tours are free for up to four people per SNAP card.
Coldwater
Children’s Museum of Branch County – Unknown
The Children’s Museum of Branch County features over 25 exhibits, including an art center, reading nook, and many interactive STEM activities.
Dearborn
Arab American National Museum – FREE
The Arab American National Museum is the only cultural institution in America that documents, preserves and presents the history, culture and contributions of Arab Americans. It is one of very few Michigan-based Affiliates of the Smithsonian Institution as well!
Detroit
Belle Isle Aquarium – FREE
The oldest aquarium in the country is now a Museums for All member!
Michigan Science Center – $3 or less per person
You’ll never run out of things to explore at Michigan Science Center! Aside from the permanent exhibits, there are constantly changing special exhibits, demonstrations and live shows. Whether you’re interested in life, space, health, engineering, physical science, you’ll find something here to satisfy your curiosity.
Fennville
Forever Curious Children’s Museum – $2 per person
Young children and their families will enjoy the various activities, events, exhibits and programs at Forever Curious Little Children’s Museum. They even have occasional free admission days!
Flint
Flint Children’s Museum – $3 per person
Children between the ages of 2and 10 will enjoy exploring the Discovery Zone. Exhibits change every three months but currently feature performing arts, health, fitness, transportation, and a hands-on study of how things work. A Tot Spot also focuses on young play for visitors who are three years old or younger.
Flint Institute of Art – FREE!
In addition to free Saturdays and participating in the Blue Star Museums program, Flint Institute of Art also offers free admission for Michigan Bridge card holders.
Grand Haven
Tri-Cities Historical Museum – FREE
Discover Tri-Cities life in the late 1800s! This historical museum features a pioneer cabin, logging camp, fur trader’s post, wigwam, agricultural barn, medical exhibit and more.
Grand Rapids
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park – $2 per person
The 158 acre campus offers discounted admission for Michigan Bridge cardholders and WIC cardholders! You’ll pay just $2 per person for entry instead of the usual $14.50 per person rate. This discount is limited to four people per EBT card.
Grand Rapids Art Museum – FREE
See the Grand Rapids Art Museum‘s collections and exhibitions completely free with your EBT card! You can bring three guests with each card.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum – $1.75 per person
Explore exciting hands-on exhibits throughout Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. Their exhibits currently showcase dinosaurs, market places, bubbles, playgrounds and so much more. The exhibits rotate frequently, so be sure to check their website!
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) – $3 or less per person*
UICA features independent movies, documentaries and international films. They also feature art galleries, artists’ markets, handmade item shops, and cutting-edge art exhibits from leading local, national and international artists. Enjoy this haven for contemporary art at a discount with your Michigan Bridge EBT card! (Admission is always FREE for families of veterans and active military!)
*As a Museums for All member, this museum charges $3 or less per person per visit. I am awaiting exact admission details and will update when I receive them.
Holland
Cappon House – $1 per person
The Cappon House was the home of Hollan’ds first mayor and local tannery proprietor. It was built in 1874 and has been partially restored.
If you have EBT or WIC, you will only have to pay $1 per person to visit the Cappon House and the Settler’s House (below). This discount is valid for up to four people.
Holland Armory – FREE
The Holland Armory was Holland’s original civic center. It also contains an exhibit on Holland’s National Guard (1921-1998). It is open by appointment only, but it is free.
Holland Museum – $1 per person
Learn the story of the Dutch immigrants who founded Holland, Michigan – and how it developed into today’s innovative and diverse community! Admission to the Holland Museum is just $1 per person with a food stamps card.
Settlers House – $1 per person
Built in 1867, the Settlers House survived the Great Holland Fire of 1871 and was continually lived in until the 1990s. This home has been restored to its original 1871 appearance. Tours begin at the Cappon House Visitors Center. The $1 admission covers both properties.
TJackson
Ella Sharp Museum – FREE
In 1912, Ella Sharp willed her entire 530 acre property to the City of Jackson. The property has since been developed into a park and museum. It includes seven galleries, with hands-on children’s activities, art and more. In addition to the furnished Victorian home, visitors can also explore a one-room schoolhouse, authentic log cabin and other historical buildings. An EBT card allows your entire immediate family (direct dependents only) to visit the Ella Sharp Museum for free!
Lansing
Impression 5 Science Center – $2 per person
Impression 5 is named for the five senses – and the exhibits are sure to engage each one of them! Over 120,000 families visit Impression 5’s 25,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits every year! With every EBT card, up to 6 people can receive the discount.
Michigan History Museum – $3 or less per person
Through the Museums for All program, the Michigan History Museum offers admission for EBT cardholders for $3 or less per person.
Midland
Alden B. Dow Museum of Science & Art – $3 per person*
This museum is part of the Midland Center for the Arts. It showcases the visual arts and sciences through education, expression and rotating exshibitions. Over 50,000 visitors per year wander the 14,000 square feet of gallery space. Be sure to stop by the family-friendly, hands-on Hall of Ideas!
*As a Museums for All member, this museum charges $3 or less per person per visit. I am awaiting exact admission details and will update when I receive them.
Mt. Pleasant
Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum – $3 per person
At Mt. Pleasant, you’ll never run out of things to do. You can learn about the life of the honey bee in the Beemazium or enjoy a puppet show under the greenhouse. In the exploratorium, you can build an airplane and watch it fly! You can pretend in teh garden or farmer’s market. You can explore Japanese culture in the One World exhibit. Of course, there’s the ever popular water exhibits and racing airways… and we’re just getting started!
Up to 6 people may be admitted for $3 each.
Muskegon
Muskegon Museum of Art – FREE
Up to four people can enjoy free admission to the Muskegon Museum of Art with a Michigan Bridge Card! The museum has an extensive permanent collection an d stunning changing exhibitions.
Port Huron
Carnegie Center – $3 or less
The Carnegie Center features the largest ship model collection in Michigan, in addition to other exhibits.
Fort Gratiot Lighthouse – $3 or less
At over 80 feet high, this lighthouse watches over one of the busiest waterways int eh world. It is one of the few operating lighthouses that allow visitors to climb the tower and step onto the catwalk. From the lighthouse, you can see the Blue Water Bridge, the mouth of St. Clair River, Point Edward, Ontario and Lake Huron.
The HURON Lightship – $3 or less
A lightship is basically a floating lighthouse. The ships anchor in places where lighthouses aren’t practical because it is too deep, expensive or difficult to build one. The HURON Lightship was retired in 1970 and was the last operating lightship of the Great Lakes.
Thomas Edison Depot Museum – $3 or less
Housed inside the historic Fort Gratiot train depot where Edison once worked as a news reporter, this museum showcases Edison’s story through many exhibits.
Portage
Air Zoo – $2 per person
Air Zoo showcases aerospace science and history in two flight Centers. You can catch a free shuttle between the two. The Air Zoo has over 100 air and space artifacts and so much more!
Through the Museums for All program, you can get an EBT discount for up to six people per card. Children ages 0-4 are always free. If you receive WIC, you can also qualify for this discount! More info here.
Rochester
Meadow Brook – $3 per person
This great estate is a National Historic Landmark. It is a historic home that once belonged to Matilda Dodge Wilson, the widow of the automobile pioneer John Dodge. The 88,000 square foot home was constructed in the 1920s for $4 million. Tours are available for $3 per person, up to four people per EBT card.
Saginaw
Marshall M Fredericks Sculpture Museum – FREE
The Sculpture Museum is completely free! It includes over 2,000 objects that span the 70 year career of internationally-recognized Detroit-based sculptor Marshall M. Fredericks.
Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum -$3 per person
“We participate in the Museums for All initiative,” according to the website of Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum. “Families with a valid EBT card and photo ID can receive admission for $3 per person any time they visit. We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the galleries and exhibits.”
The Saginaw Art Museum – $3 or less per person
Did you know that the Saginaw Art Museum is one of the Great Lakes Bay Region’s foremost fine arts institution. It encourages the love of art by supporting education programs, collections and preservation endeavors. It is also a Blue Star Museum.
*As a Museums for All member, this museum charges $3 or less per person per visit. I am awaiting exact admission details and will update when I receive them.
Traverse City
Dennos Museum Center – FREE
The Dennos Museum Center features an Inuit collection from the Canadian Arctic, as well as many other collections of sculptures and prints from the United States. It is always free with your EBT card!
Great Lakes Children’s Museum – Free Memberships!
Families with a Michigan Bridge EBT can apply for an annual family membership. This membership will provide free admission for the parent(s) and children in the household. In order to receive this membership, families must commit to visit the museum at least five (5) times during the membership period. If the family does not visit at least five times, they will not be allowed to re-apply.
Low-income families may also be able to receive scholarships for summer day camps, after-school enrichment programs and other programs that have an additional fee. Please inquire at the museum for more information.
