LIHEAP in Michigan
If you live in Michigan, you understand the need for LIHEAP. Michigan winters last as long as three other seasons in some states and heating costs can skyrocket to more than $1,000 a month if residents aren’t careful. LIHEAP in Michigan supports low-income families who fall at or below 110% of the poverty line as established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. LIHEAP sends money directly to utility companies, including:
- Alpena Power Company
- Aquila
- Cherryland Cooperative
- Citizens Energy
- Cloverland Cooperative
- Coldwater Board of Public Utilities
- Consumers Energy
- Detroit Edison
- Edison Sault Electric
- Great Lakes Energy
- Indiana Michigan power
- Lansing Board of Water and Light
- SEMCO Energy
- Tri County Electric
- Upper Peninsula Power
- Wisconsin Electric Power
- Wisconsin Public Service
- Xcel Energy
Michigan LIHEAP Assistance
LIHEAP assistance in Michigan receives one of the heftiest grants from the federal LIHEAP fund at more than $130 million. About 400,000 households received LIHEAP benefits in 2011 for heating and crisis applications. Both applications are accepted year-round due to the long winters and freak snow storms that occur in some parts of the state well into April and May. The average heating benefit is $169, but there are many households that receive more than that average amount.
LIHEAP Application & How to Apply
To apply for LIHEAP in Michigan, you must visit the Michigan Department of Human Services or call the department at 1-800-292-5650. Community agencies are also available to answer questions about LIHEAP and take applications for the program.
LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?
To be eligible for LIHEAP, customers must fall into one of two categories. The heating assistance application requires applicants fall at or below the 110% of poverty level. If you are applying for crisis funds, you need to earn at or below 60% of the state median income.
Heating Eligibility
Family Size | 110% of Poverty |
1 | $11,979 |
2 | $16,181 |
3 | $20,383 |
4 | $24,585 |
5 | $28,787 |
6 | $32,989 |
7 | $37,191 |
8 | $41,393 |
Add $4,202 for each additional family member above eight.
Crisis Eligibility
Family Size | 60% of State Median Income |
1 | $22,911 |
2 | $29,961 |
3 | $37,010 |
4 | $44,060 |
5 | $51,109 |
6 | $58,159 |
For each family member about six, the allowed income increases by 3% of 60% of the state median income. For the 2011/2012 LIHEAP year, the estimated state median income is $73,433. 60% of $73,433 is $44,060. A family of six can earn 132% of $44,060 or $58,159. A family of seven can earn 3% more or 135% of $44,060, which equals $59,481.
When applying for LIHEAP, make sure to contact your utility company. There may be in-house programs to supplement the LIHEAP benefit you’ve earned.
