Home Heating Credit and Weatherization Michigan.
The state of Michigan provides low income families with financial help from the Home Heating Credit program as well as weatherization. This is the state’s version of LIHEAP - energy bill help. There is free grant money to pay winter heating costs or electric bills as well as free home weatherization services or repairs. Find how to apply for the Michigan Home Heating Credit, including online applications.
While the exact amount of financial assistance in the form of free grants provided will vary from year to year and is dependent on federal government funding, on average aseveral hundred dollars can provided to qualified applicants to help them pay their utility bills. A major focus is on helping senior citizens or disabled people on social security keep their heat on during the winter.
The goal is to help seniors, the disabled and very low income keep their electricity, light, and utilities on. The Home Heating Credit is a free government financial aid program that is part of the federal government LIHEAP service. There are also emergency grant money programs from the Home Heating Credit. The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) administers these energy bill programs both online and in partnership with local community action agencies near you.
Home Heating Credit LIHEAP assistance in MI
Short term, emergency heating and utility bill assistance is offered in Michigan from the Home Heating Credit (LIHEAP). Free cash grants from the government are made available for residents who meet the programs eligibility requirements. The state uses federal government LIHEAP money in order to assist low-income families with paying their energy costs, some home funds also to help pay for AR / electric bills during the summer.
Most applicants will receive a couple hundred to several hundred dollars per year for paying their bills, however the exact amount can be lower or higher and depends on a number of criteria. The funds need to be used strictly for paying heating bills, and the money is paid out from the Home Heating Credit.
In order to receive any help, applicants will be required to pay a portion of their utility bill as this is not a public charity type program. The Michigan DHS agency may be able to assist you with paying the amount of your bill above your required payment when your heating or utility service has been or will be shut off.
When your electric or heating service is about to be disconnected, or when it has been shut off, then you may be able to receive a so called emergency crisis grant from LIHEAP in Michigan. This is also available if you have run out of fuel, whether it is oil, kerosene, propane, or another heating source.
Payments made by the Michigan Home Heating Credit may include the amount needed to restore the service, pay any fees or the state may pay you enough in order to continue the service for at least 30 days. Financial assistance may also be available to pay for up to a 30-day supply of a deliverable fuel or heating oil, or look here for emergency free heating oil help.
The Home Heating Credit is only available to low income families, and there are several conditions that need to be met. The objective is to assist working poor and low-income households that pay a high proportion of their total household income for their heating and home energy bills. Some of the criteria include applicants do not need to file a state income tax return in order to receive the Home Heating Credit. An individuals eligibility is based on factors such as their total income, household heating costs, and the applicants number of exemptions. The application period runs from about January to September.
For those looking to apply to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program in Michigan, keep in mind that basic benefits and cash grants for LIHEAP are issued as part of the Home Heating Credit to all qualified low-income households. The state, working with community action agencies and social service offices, determines eligibility and makes payments to those who qualify.
Free Weatherization
The other resource, the weatherization program, which is offered for free, can help Michigan families save around 15-33% on their heating costs. Free home energy conservation services and updates are offered to low-income Michigan families from the Weatherization Assistance Program. This government benefit is often combined with LIHEAP - Home heating credit. Assistance is available for both homeowners and renters, with your landlords approval. The services from this program will help reduce your energy use and therefore lower your monthly utility and heating bills.
Energy conservation services typically provided include Attic and Wall Insulation and Ventilation, Air Leakage Reduction, Dryer Venting, and Energy Efficient Lighting. There are also free window replacements and grants in MI. Applicants will normally need to meet certain defined low income guidelines. There are also free appliances from the LIHEAP program for the low-income, and learn more on free LIHEAP appliances.
However if you receive Supplemental Security Income or cash assistance administered by the Michigan Department of Human Services, they you will automatically be eligible for the free weatherization program. Many families that receive the Home Heating Credit will also qualify.
The Weatherization Assistance Program provides long term energy solutions and saving in combination with Home Heating Credit, as all updates made to a home are permanent. Individuals can normally save a few hundred dollars per year on their utilities or free home repairs, whether for a roof, furnace or windows. The service also provides free energy consultations and advice to low-income homeowners. The consultations can help people learn how to reduce energy use and lower their utility bills.
Apply for LIHEAP home heating credit
To apply or get an application, dial 517-636-4486. Or, instructions and forms are available at post offices, your local public library, Treasury offices, community action agencies, and also Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) county offices. Online applications are also offered to the Home Heating Credit in Michigan.
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