Facing difficulties with utility bills in Michigan? There are resources available to help. United Way for Southeastern Michigan offers several care programs designed to provide assistance with energy and water bills. This guide will walk you through the key programs and how to access support, ensuring you know the essential phone numbers and application steps.
Step One: State Emergency Relief (SER) Application
The first step to accessing utility assistance may be through State Emergency Relief (SER). When applying for SER, you can choose United Way for Southeastern Michigan as your referral provider. Use referral provider number 216993-004 to unlock additional support services. These services can include valuable resources like LSP (presumably referring to Legal Services Provider or similar), budget coaching, and other forms of assistance designed to support your financial stability.
To determine if you qualify for SER, several eligibility requirements are in place. Generally, eligibility is assessed based on your household size, your total monthly income, and your countable cash assets, which should be over $50. It’s important to note that certain assets are excluded from this calculation, such as your primary residence (homestead), one vehicle, and standard personal and household goods.
Step Two: Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) Application
Following SER, the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) is another crucial resource. To apply for MEAP through United Way, you will typically need to provide specific documentation.
Documents typically needed for MEAP Application:
- Your most recent utility bill to verify your account and service address.
- Your SER approval letter, if you have received SER benefits, as this can often streamline the MEAP application process.
After United Way receives your completed MEAP application, please allow approximately 10 business days for processing. This timeframe allows for thorough review and ensures your application is handled correctly.
Water and Sewer Assistance Programs
United Way extends its support to water bill assistance, specifically for residents of Oakland County. If you reside in Wayne County or Macomb County, dedicated water bill assistance programs are also available. Click the links below to explore resources tailored to your county.
For residents living in counties not listed, dialing 2-1-1 is a vital step. This service connects you with local assistance programs that serve your specific area.
Oakland County Water Bill and Plumbing Repair Assistance
For Oakland County residents, two primary programs offer water bill assistance: the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) and the Hardship Assistance Program. These programs aim to make water services more affordable and accessible.
Applying for Oakland County Water Assistance
When applying for WRAP or the Hardship Assistance Program in Oakland County, you will generally need to provide the following documents:
- Pay stubs or benefit statements covering the last 30 days to demonstrate your current income situation.
- Alternatively, a SER approval letter can also be used as proof of eligibility for these water assistance programs.
After submitting your application to United Way, please anticipate a processing time of about 10 business days.
If you are located in a county not mentioned above, remember to dial 2-1-1 to be connected with your nearest WRAP provider and explore available water assistance options.
Contact and Further Information
Do you have unanswered questions about MEAP, WRAP, or the Hardship Assistance Program? Dial 2-1-1 at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to speak with a representative. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, you can call the toll-free number 1-844-211-4994. This phone line is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. You can also reach out via email at any time with your questions to [email protected].
Seeking help with utility bills in Michigan is possible. Utilize these care programs and phone numbers to access the support you need. Remember, United Way and the 2-1-1 helpline are valuable resources for navigating utility assistance and connecting you with the right programs in your area.
