DISABILITY AWARENESS PROJECT - DETROIT

Need Help Paying Your Bills?

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There are many assistance programs available if you have an MIBRIDGES account through Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and have an approved application for State Emergency Relief (SER). If you do not already have a MIBRIDGES account go to www.michigan.gov/mibridges and click Register and make an account. Once you have made an account and set up your new MIBRIDGES login information that includes your user name and password. Login to your MIBRIDGES account and click APPLY FOR BENIFITS at the top of the page. Next, click on State Emergency Relief (SER). Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Start Application and make the election for the type off assistance you need. You will be contacted by mail and/or email to the addresses you submitted on your application.  

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However, if you need immediate help, you can also apply in person at your local MDHHS office. Your local MDHHS office will give you an application form, but it may be easier to print an application form and fill it out completely before going to MDHHS. Explain your emergency to your MDHHS specialist.

The MDHHS specialist is the only person who can determine whether you are eligible for SER.

 

When you apply, you will be asked to prove important parts of your application. This means you may have to show documents like birth certificates, social security cards, state ID cards, driver licenses, or passports. You may also need to take documents that show your income and expenses, like bank statements and proof of rent (such as a lease). These expense documents must be less than 30 days old.

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Note that if approved for an SER, you may be required to make a co-payment. A co-payment is a small amount of your bill that you must pay before you are eligible to receive SER that will be paid directly to your service provider.

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DTE Low Income Self-Sufficiency Program (LSP)

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The LSP Program was designed to offer emergency assistance for water, electric and heating payments for past due and shut-offs only.

Note** SER water bill assistance will only cover $300 maximum for water bill payment.

Step 1: Login to your MIBRIDGES account. (If you are new to the site watch the video and create an account.)

Step 2: Go to APPLY FOR BENEFITS at the top of the page.

Step 3: Click the State Emergency Relief Program (SER) and scroll down and click Start Application. Make selection for energy assistance. (To be eligible for LSP you must have a past due DTE bill.)

Step 4: You must get an approval from MDHHS in order to continue. (It may take 1-2 weeks for response from MDHHS. Call your worker from MDHHS if you want to check the status of your SER application)

Step 5: It is recommended that you fill out the LSP Application  through United Way or call 211 or 800-887-1107 to complete via phone with customer assistance. The United Way website lists all requirements for a successful application approval. Wait until you get SER approval, then call 211 or 800-887-1107 and hold for an agent to check your LSP application status.

 

Consumer Energy CARE Program

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Step 1: Login to your MIBRIDGES account. (If you are new to the site watch the video and create an account.)

Step 2: Go to APPLY FOR BENEFITS at the top of the page.

Step 3: Click the State Emergency Relief Program (SER) and scroll down and click Start Application. Make selection for energy assistance. (In order to be eligible for CARE you must have a past due Consumer Energy bill). You can also call 211 for assistance completing your application with an agent.

Step 4: You must get an approval from MDHHS in order to continue. (It may take 1-2 weeks for response from MDHHS. Call your worker from MDHHS if you want to check the status of your SER application)

Step 5: While awaiting approval visit the Salvation Army website at https://sawmni.org/wmni/energy-assistance and fill out their online application for PeopleCare Energy Assistance or call 616-929-1640 or 855-929-1640 to complete application with an agent. If you need any assistance with your application, call your local Salvation Army in your county from the list provided on the website link above.

To find out more about the Consumer Energy Care Program click here.

 

The Detroit Water Project

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Step 1: To apply for water bill assistance go to The Human Utility website and click I need help paying my water bill or visit https://detroitwaterproject.org/people/new.

Step 2: Fill out the application and text/send pictures of your documents (lease or deed, water bill/acct. number, state id/license and proof of employment or disability) to (313) 241-9725 or fax them to (313) 724-3774. You can also send documentation via email to docs@humanutility.org. Please include your water company account number.

Step 3: Once you apply for help, they will evaluate your application for need. Then verify what you owe your water company. They say they’ll provide a decision on your application within 15 business days. Note: At times of high demand, a decision may take longer. If you’re approved, you will receive an email, text message, or phone call depending on how you'd like to be contacted.

Step 4: If you’d like to check your application status, send an email to status@humanutility.org. Include the name you used on your application and account number.

 

The WRAP Program

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The Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) is a two-year program that provides funding to eligible, low-income households to assist with water bills, water conservation, and self-sufficiency initiatives. To apply for the program you must be within the Great Lakes Water Authority service region, have current active service, own or rent the home, and meet federal poverty income limitations. After two years of successful completion, if you are 62 years of age or older or disabled and receive federal benefits you are eligible for WRAPfinity, ongoing assistance.

Step 1: Go to https://www.waynemetro.org/wrap/ scroll to the county in which you live. Click Apply for Wrap or click to download a printable application on the left.

Step 2: Complete the application and submit the required documents.

• Photo ID (City, State or Federally issued, or Passport) for all household members 18 years of age and older

• Current water bill

• Proof of income (if applicable), 30 days prior to and including the date of the application submission(Pay stubs, Unemployment, Child support, and Benefit statements: SSI, DHS, etc.)

• Lease stating responsibility for water (only Non-Detroit Residents with Resident, Occupant, Tenant, etc. on bill)

• Proof of Categorical Eligibility: SER, SNAP-MDHHS Food Award Letter, or TANF MDHHS Cash Assistance Benefit letter (OPTIONAL)

You can either upload you documents  by emailing your documents to wrap@waynemetro.org, Text photos to: (313) 438-8795 or Fax them to (313) 446-8568. You can also mail copies of your documents to:

7310 Woodward Ave, Suite 800 Detroit MI 48202 or drop them off in person at any open locations. If you need further assistance or help with your application, call the WRAP service line at (313) 386-9727.

 

SEMCO Energy Monthly Assistance Program