Michigan Home Heating Assistance Programs
Michigan Home Heating Assistance Programs Can Help
Contact: Wisconsin Public Service at 800-450-7260
Keeping energy use down and costs more manageable is a goal we can all reach. But for senior citizens and those with limited incomes, meeting that goal can be more difficult — especially when winter heating bills begin to add up. At Wisconsin Public Service, your peace-of-mind is important to us and we want you to know more about your options under the Michigan Winter Protection Plan.
From November 1 through March 31 each year, the Michigan Winter Protection Plan keeps senior citizens and those with limited incomes safe from service shut offs and unmanageable utility bills.
When you participate in the Plan, your utilities cannot be discontinued during winter months if you pay at least 7% of your estimated annual bill each month, along with equal monthly payments of any past due bills.
Senior citizens participating in the Plan aren't required to make specific payments over the winter months, though are encouraged to pay whatever they can to avoid large bills when Plan protection ends.
Who's eligible
You may qualify for protection if you:
- Are age 65 or older
- Receive Department of Human Services cash assistance
- Receive food stamps
- Receive Medicaid
- Have a household income at or below 150% of poverty level (see Annual Income Guidelines)
Winter Protection Plan
Annual Income Guidelines (2009-2010)
| Number of Household Members | 150% of Poverty Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | $16,245 |
| 2 | 21,855 |
| 3 | 27,465 |
| 4 | 33,075 |
| 5 | 38,685 |
| 6 | 44,295 |
| 7 | 49,905 |
| 8 | 55,515 |
Add $3,740 for each additional household member.
Crisis Assistance Program
Contact: Michigan's Department of Human Services (DHS)
State Emergency Relief Program (SER)
You do not have to be a client of the DHS to apply for help through the SER. This program is available year-round to low-income households that have received a heat or electric shutoff notice or have a need for deliverable fuel. However, if you receive a DHS cash grant, you may vendor part of that grant towards heat and electric bills. Contact your DHS caseworker for information on the advantages of vendoring a cash grant.
Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program
Contact: Local Community Action Agency
The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home energy conservation services to eligible low-income homeowners and renters. Weatherization may include caulking, weatherstripping, insulating and smoke detectors.
Medical Emergency Protection
Contact: Wisconsin Public Service at 800-450-7260
You are protected from service shutoff for nonpayment of your natural gas and/or electric bill for up to 21 days if you have a proven medical emergency. You must provide written proof from a doctor that a medical emergency exists.
Shutoff Protection for Customers on Active Duty in the Military
Contact: Wisconsin Public Service at 800-450-7260
If you or your spouse is the WPS customer of record and either of you is called to full-time active military service by the President of the United States or the Governor of Michigan during a time of declared national or state emergency or war, you may apply for shut-off protection from your electric or natural gas service for up to 90 days. At the end of the active duty period, you must notify your utility company of your status and make payment arrangements.
Contact Us
WPS wants to help you lower your monthly energy bills — and we can do that by showing you how to use less energy without giving up any of your comfort or conveniences. We encourage you to enroll in Budget Billing, which spreads your energy charges out evenly over 12 months, helping you better manage energy costs. If you think you may experience payment difficulties this winter, call us early at 800-450-7260, so we can help.