There are government programs, non-profit organizations, and Michigan energy companies that can help with heating bills. The company offers assistance to customers who are struggling to pay their bills or are at risk of disconnection. Some programs offer direct financial assistance, while others help people save money on utilities or prevent disconnections.
There are resources available for qualified customers of all of the state’s primary energy companies. There are many ways to get financial assistance from providers in Michigan. Some of the most common ways are through programs like Michigan Gas Utilities, Consumers Energy, DTE Energy (MichCon and Detroit Edison), and SEMCO Energy. These programs can help you with things like paying your bills, getting new appliances, and more. Some companies offer programs in addition to their regular services, including Michigan Electric and Gas, the Electric Cooperative Association, and Michigan Propane Gas.
Companies located in Michigan are required to offer State Emergency Relief to those who need it. In times of crisis or emergency, this program provides financial assistance for energy-related expenses. The SER can help with paying for energy costs such as heating oil or fuel, natural gas, electricity, and even repairs for your home or furnace. The applicant must have a crisis, such as past due heating bills or a disconnection notice. The family must demonstrate that repairs to their home or heating system are necessary. If you would like to speak to someone over the phone, please call 1-855-275-6424.
Share the Warmth is a campaign coordinated by the Salvation Army and many utility companies to help people in need pay their heating bills. The Emergency Heating Bill Assistance program will help residents who are in a crisis and need help paying their heating bills, or who are behind on their expenses. The Salvation Army relies on donations from the community to help those in need. If you would like to donate or apply for help, please contact your local Salvation Army center.
If you have a family member who is in the military, you are entitled to certain protections. If you or your spouse is called to active duty, you may be eligible for up to 90 days of protection from having your utilities shut off. If you need more time, you can apply for an extension after the first 90 days. This heating subsidy is available regardless of what energy source you use to heat your home. You will still be responsible for your heating bills, even though you are given extra time to pay them.
Some areas are supported by the Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW). This is a program offered to low income customers that can help in an emergency. Other organizations that work with the Salvation Army to provide Christmas assistance include local non-profits and charities. If you want to learn more about the Salvation Army, or if you want to join, you can call 1-800-866-8429, or go to your nearest corps center.
The Home Heating Credit is a credit that is available to help pay for home heating costs during the winter. The government will help pay for your heating bills if they are natural gas or electricity. The Michigan Department of Treasury is responsible for making payments to applicants and setting eligibility requirements. You will need to make a certain amount of money to qualify, and this amount will be different depending on how many people are in your household. The state has its own version of the program that helps people with energy costs, so eligibility guidelines are not as strict. Be sure to apply for a Michigan Home Heating Credit if you think you might be eligible. You may be eligible if you are receiving public assistance, are receiving unemployment compensation, or have a low-income. The number 1-800-827-4000 is a customer service number for a company.
The Winter Protection Plan is a program offered from November to March that helps people protect themselves from the cold weather. The program prevents low-income customers from having their heating service disconnected. To learn more about social services in your area, you can call your local social service office or community action agency.
The Weatherization Assistance Program is a federal government-supported program that helps low-income households save money on their energy bills by making their homes more energy-efficient. It helps save people money on their heating bills by providing free home energy conservation services. This program is available to low-income families, seniors, and the disabled in Michigan. Homeowners can reduce their monthly utility bills by using energy-saving services.
If you have a serious medical condition, Medical Emergency Protection will help you. Some of the people who receive aid from this program are elderly, children, newborns, and those who have a disability. Customers who meet the requirements can have their heating or gas service reconnection continued. If a member of their household is in danger, having power can help to keep them safe. Inquire with your utility company about the possibility of day-ahead scheduling for your energy needs.
If you are a senior citizen in Michigan, you should call the Office of Services to the Aging (OSA). These organizations strive to help improve the quality of life for adults age 60 and over by providing advocacy and support. They rely on the dedication of volunteers and professional staff to carry out their mission. If someone is struggling to care for an elderly person, they can reach out to an aging office for assistance. The office has information on how to get help with heating bills. The government also provides grants through federal and state programs. Some centers have staff who can contact your utility company on your behalf and try to negotiate a solution or set up a payment plan.
The Michigan Earned Income Credit (EIC) may help you during the cold winter months by giving you a refund on your income taxes. This benefit is only available to those who are employed.