Q. What is available to help people pay their heating bills?
A. The State Emergency Relief (SER) program provides financial assistance to Michigan residents facing extreme hardship or emergencies that threaten health and safety. A part of this program is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which uses federal crisis assistance funds for energy-related services such as heat and electricity. Low-income households that meet all SER eligibility criteria may receive assistance with heat and electric costs. Contacting your county’s office of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) or applying online at www.mibridges.michigan.gov should be the first step in seeking energy bill assistance. Eligibility for assistance is based on need and applicants must provide proof of income and past-due bills.
Funds from LIHEAP are limited and were used up quickly in fiscal year 2024. To avoid exhausting LIHEAP funding for fiscal year 2025 (which began October 1) MDHHS has implemented some changes to SER policy regarding energy-related services, which includes natural gas, electricity, propane, wood, wood pellets, fuel oil, and coal. There will now be service caps with the maximum benefit for natural gas, wood, wood pellets and electricity being $500 for the year, and $800 maximum for the year for propane, fuel oil and coal. SER requests for an energy-related service are subject to one payment for heat-related (natural gas, propane, wood, wood pellets, fuel oil and coal) and one for non-heat electric. Payments will only be issued during the crisis season, which began October 1, and will end when funds are exhausted.
There are also agencies whose main mission is to try to provide emergency assistance with electric, natural gas, and deliverable fuel costs through donations, grants and the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) funds. Resources can be found by calling Michigan 2-1-1. Additionally, many charitable organizations, such as the Salvation Army, Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, local churches and community shelters try to assist people in the winter months.
Seniors, low-income families, and military personnel can qualify for shut-off restriction programs during November 1 – May 31, as well as payment budget programs, from their utility company. The key is to be proactive and get in touch with your energy provider(s) before you reach a crisis situation. The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has very limited emergency funds available and asks that individuals requesting help make every effort to secure assistance from the agencies noted above first. Often AAA will work in conjunction with other groups to assist with an energy bill. To learn more about energy assistance options in your community, you can call the AAA InfoLine for Aging & Disability at 800-654-2810.
Remember to check your Medicare drug coverage during Open Enrollment!
Now is the time individuals on original Medicare with a Part D drug plan, and those on Medicare Advantage plans, can make changes to their coverage. Open Enrollment happens October 15 – December 7 each year. Changes made during Fall Open Enrollment will take effect January 1, 2025.
As always, Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and the Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP) are here to help during Medicare Open Enrollment with free and confidential assistance comparing Medicare Advantage plans and Part D drug plan options. MMAP counselors are available throughout our service area of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. AAA is offering appointments from October through the beginning of December, as well as walk-in clinics. Keep updated on our website at www.AreaAgencyonAging.org/medicare-medicaid or call our Info Line for Aging and Disability at 800-654-2810.
Sara Duris is community information liaison of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 800-654-2810 or visit areaagencyonaging.org. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.