An independent non-profit organization in Michigan known as The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) can help families that are in a crisis. This means that people who have a low income, and are unemployed, elderly, or have a disability, may be able to get help with paying for their energy bills.
The Heat And Warmth Fund is a program that helps low income families that are not being supported by other social service programs, government benefits, or non-profits. This is a program that you can use when you have no other options left. The information you need is below. The THAW program has been growing in size and scope since it was created. The non-profit is also a member organization of The Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm, which is a group that focuses on low-income home energy issues and resources. This organization provides support and resources to low-income families who are struggling to pay their energy bills.
Many residents will receive some form of assistance every year. Most households that get help have a child or senior citizen in their home. Some may not have the transportation to get to a food pantry or the money to heat their homes. Some people may have a family member who is disabled, or they may be vulnerable to the cold Michigan winters. Some people may not have the transportation to get to a food pantry or the money to heat their homes. The THAW energy utility bill assistance program is available to all Michigan families that meet the eligibility requirements.
If you are having trouble paying your utilities, you can get more information or apply for help at a screening site. There are many of them located in different areas throughout Michigan. Trained counselors and specialists will interview the applicant to help them complete an online THAW application. They will also verify their eligibility. You must have already applied for government or non-profit assistance before coming to THAW. This means that financial aid or grants will only be given out as a last resort.
You can call 1-800-866-8429 to find a site where you can apply for a job. Many applications for assistance are available at local community agencies. The advantage of this is that when low-income applicants stop by to apply, they will more often than not have other basic or financial needs such as a need for food or credit counseling. This allows us to connect them with the resources they need and get them on the path to stability. If someone goes to a community action agency, they may be able to get help with more than just their heating bill.
The program needs donations to continue running. If you are able, please contribute. Your donation will go to people who are in need and do not have much. The majority of donations go towards helping families with paying their bills, with the remainder being used for administrative costs. In addition to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, many utility companies in Michigan also contribute to the low income energy assistance program. The government may give money to help pay for the extra costs of running a business. Some utility companies may provide services for free or at a reduced cost.
The THAW program will pay your utility or fuel provider directly, but there is a very high demand for the program. The amount of customers or phone calls sometimes overwhelm the local intake sites. The application process may take some time, so please be patient. Many of the websites also need a formal interview or intake to be completed. Make sure you have evidence of your income, who lives in your household, and other supporting documents ready.
If you do not qualify for the Heat and Warmth Fund, or if the Fund cannot meet your needs, you may not be able to receive assistance. In these cases, staff from a local center can help you find programs offered by your energy provider and help you apply for them. There may be other options available in your town that you can explore. Utility companies cannot help people unless they take the first step.
Applying for THAW program in Michigan
These utility companies offer payment options, extensions, budgeting bill type programs and more to help their customers. This means that the heating process and the THAW program will be combined. If you need to contact a utility company in Michigan, the main phone numbers to call are DTE Energy (1-800-477-4747), Michigan Gas Utilities (1-800-401-6402), and Consumers Energy (1-800-477-5050). You can also contact SEMCO Energy by dialing 1-800-624-2019.