Utility Bill Help
If you are in crisis, apply for State Emergency Relief (SER) through Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
An energy crisis is defined as one of the following:
- An individual or household has a past due account or shut-off notice on an energy bill for his or her household.
- A residential fuel tank is estimated to contain no more than 25 percent of its heating fuel capacity.
- A stated need for household deliverable fuel or nontraditional fuel source such as wood, corn, cherry pits, etc.
- A notice that the balance of a prepayment account is below $100.
- A statement from a licensed service provider indicating the homeowner’s furnace is inoperable and in need of repair or replacement.
A household is considered to have a “life-threatening” energy crisis if all of the following criteria is met:
- The household is not protected by Michigan’s Winter Protection Plan (WPP) or some other shut off protection/moratorium.
- The household has experienced disconnection of natural gas or electric service, has ran out of their household heating fuel, or the household has a statement from a licensed service providing indicating that the furnace is inoperable and in need of repair or replacement.
- Restoration of energy service(s) is medically necessary.
- The household does not have any temporary housing
A SER payment for heat or non-heat electricity service qualifies your household for additional energy services through the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). Please call 2-1-1 for a referral to a MEAP grantee to see what other assistance you may be eligible to receive.
Deliverable Fuel—Propane
Payment may be made up to the fiscal year cap for the necessary charges to deliver a 30-day supply of fuel for households that heat with deliverable fuel (fuel oil, propane or coal). For fuel oil and propane, a delivery to fill the tank is considered a 30-day supply. Payment for deliverable fuel will not be made if the deliverable fuel tank contains more than 25 percent of its heating fuel capacity. If, upon delivery, the existing supply is greater than 25 percent of the heating fuel capacity, the SER payment shall not be made.
Note: Wood, including wood pellets, are not considered a deliverable fuel.
| Energy Type | Fiscal Year Cap |
|---|---|
|
Natural Gas & Wood |
$850 |
|
Deliverable Fuel (Fuel oil, Propane, Coal) |
$1,500 |
|
Other Fuel (Kerosene, Corn Pellets, Cherry Pits, etc.) |
$850 |
|
Residential Electric (Not used for heat) |
$850 |
|
All-Electric (Combined heat & residential use) |
$850 |
|
Deposits/Fees for Energy Service |
$200 per Occurrence |
The Home Heating Credit offers support for heating costs. Michigan Department of Treasury determines eligibility and makes payments.
Keep in mind:
- You do not need to file a state income tax return to receive the Home Heating Credit.
- You may apply for the Home Heating Credit only.
- Eligibility is based on income, number of exemptions and household heating costs.
Apply
Review the Home Heating Credit Claim Instruction Book for more details and complete the MI-1040CR-7 Claim Form to apply.
Forms are automatically mailed to households that received a credit last year. Applications are available from mid- to late January and may be made through September 30 of each year.
Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home energy conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. Services reduce energy use and lower utility bills.
Services typically include:
- Wall Insulation.
- Attic Insulation and Ventilation.
- Foundation Insulation.
- Air Leakage Reduction.
- Smoke Detectors.
- Dryer Venting.
Services are administered by local Community Action Agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Contact your local Weatherization Operator to get started.
Eligibility is based on household income being at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. If you receive cash assistance administered by the Department of Human Services or Supplemental Security Income, you automatically qualify for this no-cost program.
Additional Home Heating
Resources by County
Click your region to find agencies to assist you in paying your natural gas, propane, fuel oil or electricity heating bill.
Additional Home Heating Resources by County
Click your region to find agencies to assist you in paying your natural gas, propane, fuel oil or electricity heating bill.
