Michigan Home Heating Assistance Program
Michigan Home Heating Assistance Programs Can Help
Contact: UPPCO at 800-562-7680
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 UPPCO, 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
Winter Protection Plan
Annual Income Guidelines (2010-2011)
| 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 $5,610 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 apply part of that grant towards heat and electric bills. Contact your DHS caseworker for information on how to apply your DHS grant to your utility bills.
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: UPPCO at 800-562-7680
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: UPPCO at 800-562-7680
If you or your spouse is the UPPCO 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
If you are having trouble paying your bills, please call us at 800-562-7680.