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Michigan Home Heating Assistance Programs for 2008-2009Winter Protection PlanContact: Upper Peninsula Power Company at 800-562-7680 The Winter Protection Plan protects eligible senior and low-income customers from service shutoff and high utility bill payments during the winter months (November 1 through March 31). If you're an eligible low-income customer who participates in the Winter Protection Plan, you will not have service discontinued during the winter months if you pay at least 7% of your estimated annual bill each month, plus equal monthly payments on any past due bills. If you're an eligible senior citizen customer who participates in the Winter Protection Plan, you are not required to make specific payments between November 1 and March 31 to ensure that your service will not be shut off. However, seniors are encouraged to pay whatever they can during the winter so they will not have large, unmanageable bills when the protection period ends. When the protection period ends (March 31), you will need to pay the full monthly bill plus a portion of the amount owed from the winter months. You qualify for the plan if you meet one of the following requirements:
Winter Protection PlanAnnual Income Guidelines (2008-2009)
Add $5,400 for each additional household member. 2008 Home Heating CreditContact: Michigan Department of Treasury at 800-367-6263 or Michigan Department of Treasury You can apply for a Home Heating Credit for the 2008 tax year if you meet the income guidelines listed below. If you qualify, the Home Heating Credit (HHC) provides assistance to help pay for your winter heating bills. Eligible customers must meet the standard credit income guidelines or alternate guidelines based on household income, exemptions and heating costs.
For each exemption over 6, add $3,971. You may claim an exemption for yourself, your spouse and other dependents. Additional exemptions are available for seniors, disabled customers or customers with 50% or more of their income from unemployment compensation. The Home Heating Credit claim form must be filed with the Michigan Department of Treasury before September 30, 2009. Forms are generally available wherever other tax forms are provided. You can also call the Michigan Dept. of Treasury or visit their Web site at: michigan.gov/treasury. 2008 Earned Income CreditContact: U.S. Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service The Earned Income Credit (EIC) is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families who meet certain requirements and file a tax return. Those who qualify will owe less in taxes and may get a refund. Even a person who does not generally owe income tax may qualify for the EIC, however must file a tax return to do so. If you are married, you must file jointly to qualify. To file, fill out Form 1040 or 1040A and attach the EIC. If you are raising a qualifying child in your home in 2008, you may also be able to receive part of the credit in your paycheck during the year with Advance EIC. Get form W-5 from your employer or call 800-TAX-FORM. Crisis Assistance ProgramContact: 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 ProgramContact: 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 ProtectionContact: Upper Peninsula Power Company 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 MilitaryContact: Upper Peninsula Power Company 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 UsUPPCO wants to help you manage your monthly energy bill. We encourage you to enroll in Budget Billing, which spreads your energy charges our enevly over 12 months, helping you better manage energy costs. If you are interested in learning more about your energy use and managing your costs, visit Home Energy Advice. If you are experiencing payment difficulties, please call us at 800-562-7680. |
