LANSING — Michigan's improved MI Bridges portal is a self-service website where residents apply for public assistance benefits, manage their cases and explore community resources. Because of its streamlined offerings, it has been named a recipient of the International Data Group's 2019 Digital Edge 50 Awards.
"Between the technological innovations, collaboration between organizations and focus on customer needs, the significance of MI Bridges' effective use of technology for customers is evident," said Terrence Beurer, deputy director of Field Operations Administration for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The Digital Edge 50 Award recognizes organizations that have made great strides toward being digital-centric. The program evaluates nominated projects on complexity, scale, business outcomes and innovation. Winning entries are digital transformation initiatives with significant, measurable business impact. Fifty winners from across the nation are selected.
In addition to the operational benefits of an enhanced and integrated system, MI Bridges offers customers the ability to:
– View their MDHHS benefits and correspondence received from MDHHS.
– Share a document with MDHHS by uploading a picture of their document directly to their case using a computer, tablet or smartphone.
– Explore and connect to resources offered by local community organizations throughout Michigan.
– Apply for benefits using a simplified and easy-to-understand application.
– Report changes about their case or renew their benefits.
– View MI Bridges in English, Spanish and Arabic.
MI Bridges also offers enhanced capabilities for community partners. Community agencies can choose to receive online referrals from customers through MI Bridges. In addition to the more than 30,000 Michigan 2-1-1 resources that are integrated into MI Bridges, the system also integrates with the Women, Infants & Children program, the Michigan Energy Assistance Program and the Great Start to Quality childcare database to provide additional resources and referral options for customers. The Digital Edge 50 award is the fourth honor for the MI Bridges project this year.
MI Bridges can be accessed at Michigan.gov/mibridges. Michigan residents do not need to have an existing MDHHS case to use the new website. Anyone can log in to find helpful resources and services in their local community.
