We understand the importance of energy in your life, and our goal is to keep your services turned on. Throughout the year, we work with government agencies and community organizations to offer payment assistance to income-qualified residents.
If you are behind on your energy bill, we will work with you to discuss payment plan options or direct you to energy assistance agencies in your area. For more information, contact us at (800) 477-4747.
This video describes which documents and information you will need to provide when applying for energy assistance.
To receive specific types of energy assistance, we allow your income to be at or above a certain percentage of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Number of Household Members | 2023-2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines |
|---|---|
1 | $14,580 |
2 | $19,720 |
3 | $24,860 |
4 | $30,000 |
5 | $35,140 |
6 | $40,280 |
| 7 | $45,420 |
| 8 | $50,560 |
| Add $5,140 for each additional household member. | |
Source: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ocs/COMM_LIHEAP_FY24FPGUpdateIM_FFY2024.pdf
Based on your income, you could qualify for energy assistance or a payment plan to help pay your past-due balance or current bill.
Within the table below, determine the number of members in your household and then your monthly or yearly income. Then decide if you might qualify for a specific type of energy assistance or payment plan.
| Type of Energy Assistance | Home Heating Credit | SER1 LSP2 THAW3 MCA4 Salvation Army RIA Credit | Shutoff Protection Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Household Members | Annual Income | Monthly Income | Monthly Income |
1 | $16,038 | $1,823 | $2,430 |
2 | $21,692 | $2,465 | $3,287 |
3 | $27,346 | $3,108 | $4,143 |
4 | $33,000 | $3,750 | $5,000 |
5 | $38,654 | $4,393 | $5,857 |
6 | $44,308 | $5,035 | $6,713 |
7 | $49,962 | $5,678 | $7,570 |
| 8 | $55,616 | $6,320 | $8,427 |
| For each additional person add | $5,654 | $643 | $857 |
1State Emergency Relief
2Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan
3The Heat and Warmth Fund
4Michigan Community Action
Some non-profit agencies may provide assistance to households with a higher income level than listed above. Contact the specific agency for details.
You can also call United Way of Southeastern Michigan at 211 or (844) 211-4994 or United Way of Jackson County at (517) 741-0202.
This program provides a monthly discount on internet service for households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines who participate in qualifying government programs. Visit affordableconnectivity.gov for more information.
A state-earned income refundable credit is available for working individuals and families who meet requirements for a federal earned income credit. Claiming the Michigan Earned Income Credit requires filing a federal 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ form. After the federal Earned Income Credit is approved, complete and submit the MI-1040 form. To learn more, contact the Michigan Department of Treasury at (517) 373-3200.
Assistance with money-saving home weatherization may be available to those who qualify. Weatherization includes caulking, weather stripping, insulation and programmable thermostats. For more information, call our Energy Efficiency Contact Center at (866) 796-0512.
A federal earned income tax credit is available based on income level and number of qualifying child dependents. To apply, you must file a federal income tax return with Schedule EIC. You can receive part of the credit in your paycheck by completing a W5 form with your employer for Advanced EIC or you can apply for the credit at tax time. To learn more, contact the IRS at (800) 829-3676.
The Heat and Warmth Fund provides energy assistance and other services to customers who are past due or disconnected. To learn more, call (800) 866-THAW (8429).
Low-income customers, at or below 110% of the federal poverty level, may be eligible for a home heating credit for the 2023 tax year to help pay winter heating bills. The Home Heating Credit tax form must be completed no later than September 30 each year. Ask your local tax preparer or seek free assistance from the Accounting Aid Society at (866) 673-0873 or (313) 556-1920.
The Michigan Lifeline program is for landline voice telephone service only. This Lifeline program makes basic local telephone (landline) service more affordable for income-eligible individuals and families in Michigan with an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
The Federal Lifeline program makes voice (wireless or wireline service) and broadband service more affordable for income-eligible individuals and families under the same qualifications listed above. If you qualify, you may receive a discount for monthly telephone and/or broadband service from your wireline, wireless, or broadband provider. Additionally, Lifeline benefits are limited to one per household, not per person.
Visit fcc.gov/lifeline for more information.
Michigan 2-1-1 is a free confidential service linking people with local community-based organizations across the state to help with energy assistance, rent payment, child and elder care, emergency shelters, job training, counseling and other needs. To learn more, call 211 or visit mi211.org.
The Michigan Community Action member service network provides energy assistance and home weatherization to reduce energy use and lower utility bills to income eligible customers. All services to qualified applicants are free. For more information, call (517) 321-7500.
MIHAF provides funds to customers to help prevent homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosure, loss of utilities and displacement. Applicants must be at or below 150% of the area median income and must demonstrate financial hardship directly related to COVID-19 on or after January 21, 2020. Visit michigan.gov/mihaf to learn more.
The Trust Fund provides temporary assistance to veterans and their families facing a financial emergency or hardship including the need for energy assistance.
Learn more at michiganveterans.com.
If you are below 150% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for a $8.50 per month credit on your electric account and/or a $13.50 per month credit on your gas account.
To determine eligibility for the Residential Income Assistance credit, the following documentation is required for income verification and can be submitted using our Document Submission Portal. Allow for 48 -72 hours for processing of documentation.
If qualified and enrolled, income must be verified every 12 months to continue receiving the credit.
The Salvation Army provides energy assistance and other services to low-income customers. Find a Salvation Army center near you.
The State Emergency Relief program provides immediate help to households at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level and that have a past-due energy bill.
Apply online through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at michigan.gov/mibridges, or contact one of our community partners to get help applying.
To learn more about foreclosure prevention assistance for Wayne County residents call (877) 693-6199.