Power outages can create real stress for Michigan families, especially when refrigerated or frozen food spoils and there is no room in the budget to replace it.
For households that receive Food Assistance Program (FAP) benefits, help may be available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). If you recently lost food because of a power outage, you may be able to request replacement food assistance benefits.
Approval is not guaranteed. MDHHS reviews each request and makes the final decision. However, if you think you may qualify, it is important to act quickly.
Who May Qualify for Replacement Food Benefits?
Replacement food assistance benefits may be available to Michigan residents who already receive FAP benefits and lost food because of a power outage or another qualifying emergency.
This may apply when food purchased with FAP benefits was destroyed or spoiled because of circumstances outside of the household’s control, such as:
- A power outage
- A fire
- A flood
- Storm damage
- Another disaster or household emergency
If approved, MDHHS may replace the value of the food that was lost, up to the amount of the household’s normal monthly FAP benefit. The replacement amount depends on the food loss reported and MDHHS review.
Not every request is automatically approved, so it is important to report the loss and follow the instructions provided by MDHHS.
The 10-Calendar-Day Deadline Is Important
FAP recipients must report their food loss to MDHHS within 10 days of the power outage or other qualifying emergency. If the 10th day falls on a weekend or holiday, reporting on the next workday may still be considered timely.
This deadline matters. If the food loss is not reported on time, the request may not be considered timely.
Even if you are still gathering information, you should contact MDHHS as soon as possible and ask what steps you need to take next. Reporting the loss quickly is the best way to make sure your request can be reviewed.
What Is Form DHS-601?
To request replacement food assistance benefits, households must complete the Food Replacement Affidavit, Form DHS-601.
This form allows you to report:
- What happened
- When the power outage or emergency occurred
- What food was lost
- The value of the food that spoiled
MDHHS may also verify the circumstances of the outage or disaster through a utility company, community agency, collateral contact, or other available information.
You can request Form DHS-601 from your local MDHHS office or access it online through MDHHS resources. After reporting the loss, follow the instructions from MDHHS. MDHHS should provide or send Form DHS-601 and give you 10 days to return it.
How to Report Food Loss to MDHHS
If you receive FAP benefits and lost food because of a power outage, contact your local MDHHS office as soon as possible.
You may be able to report the food loss:
- By phone
- In person at your local MDHHS office
- Online through your MI Bridges account
When you contact MDHHS, let them know that you receive FAP benefits and lost food due to a recent power outage. Ask for the Food Replacement Affidavit, Form DHS-601, and confirm how and when the completed form must be submitted.
Helpful Information to Have Ready
Before contacting MDHHS, it may help to gather basic information about the food loss, including:
- The date of the power outage
- How long the power was out
- The date the food spoiled
- A general list of the food that was lost
- The estimated value of the spoiled food
- Any outage information available from your utility provider
You do not need to have everything perfect before reporting the loss. The most important step is to contact MDHHS within the required deadline.
Do Not Wait to Ask for Help
Losing food during a power outage can be a serious hardship for families who already rely on food assistance. If you receive FAP benefits in Michigan and recently lost food because of a power outage, do not wait to report it.
Contact your local MDHHS office, ask about Form DHS-601, and follow the instructions they provide.
Disability Law Group encourages Michigan residents to share this information with anyone who may need it. Replacement food assistance benefits may be available, but the request must be made promptly and MDHHS makes the final decision.
