Energy Conservation and Assistance

Superior Watershed Partnership Michigan Energy Assistance Program (SWP MEAP)

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Navigation and Referral Partner for the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)

HOW TO APPLY FOR ENERGY ASSISTANCE BEGINNING OCTOBER 1^ST 2018

IF YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A COMPUTER YOU CAN APPLY ONLINE AT MI BRIDGES: https://newmibridges.michigan.gov
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE FILLING OUT THE MI BRIDGES APPLICATION, PLEASE CALL THE SWP MEAP ENERGY OFFICE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT OR TO FIND AN ACCESS PARTNER NEAR YOU.
PICK UP A PAPER APPLICATION AT YOUR LOCAL MDHHS OFFICE OR ACCESS PARTNER

Navigation Partner – SWP

Organizations which provide assistance to residents in using MI Bridges, help residents identify and connect to resources, apply for benefits, and manage their ongoing cases.

Referral Partner – SWP

Organizations which provide one or more services within communities and can receive electronic referrals through MI Bridges. Referral partners must also be registered with Michigan 2-1-1.

Access Partner – Select Saint Vincent de Paul locations, Community Action Agencies and other Charity Partners

Organizations which provide access to MI Bridges by making computers or similar devices available to community members.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT APPLYING FOR ENERGY ASSISTANCE IN MICHIGAN

Everyone must first apply for a State Emergency Relief (SER) assist through MDHHS
Two ways to apply for SER
1. On-line at MI Bridges – THIS METHOD GIVES YOU THE OPTION TO SELECT A REFERRAL PARTNER WHO CAN ASSIST YOU WITH A SELF SUFFICIENCY PLAN AND WITH ADDITIONAL ENERGY ASSISTANCE.
2. Paper application – THIS METHOD ALLOWS YOUR HOUSEHOLD ONLY ONE HEAT AND ONE ELECTRIC SER ASSIST THROUGH MDHHS.
Each household can only receive one SER assist for heat and one SER assist for electric through MDHHS. Any additional energy assistance must be received through a Navigation/Referral Partner.

SERVICES

Short-term and long-term case management
Energy Conservation and Financial Education Workshops available in-person, on-line and by rural mailing
Affordable Payment Plans with DTE & SEMCO
Energy assistance for electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and firewood.
Home Energy Assessments
Solar panel array installation for up to 8 eligible households

ELIGIBILITY

In order to qualify for assistance, a family/household must be low-income with a total household income at or below the 150% US Federal Poverty Level. View the 2018 Federal Poverty Eligibility chart below:

2018 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guideline Tables

Family Size	150% FPL
1	$18,210
2	$24,690
3	$31,170
4	$37,650
5	$44,130
6	$50,610
7	$57,090
8	$63,570
9	$70,050
10	$76,530
Additional	$6,270

MI BRIDGES APPLICAIONS REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

Proof of income for everyone in their household for a minimum of 30 days prior to the request.
Social Security numbers must be provided for everyone in the household. A copy of the account holder’s Social Security card and State ID will be kept on file.
Itemized utility bill (must have a past due balance or 25% or less of fuel or propane to qualify).

NEW THIS GRANT TERM

Everyone must receive a SER payment from MDHHS first before the SWP can release any direct energy assistance payments.
Navigation Partners and Access Partners can help you complete your MI Bridges application.
The client can select their Referral Partner when submitting their MI Bridges application on-line.
The Referral Partner will contact you within 2 business days and will work with you to complete a self-sufficiency plan. Upon completion of the self-sufficiency plan the household will be eligible for additional energy assists not to exceed $2,000 per household in the grant term between October 1^st 2018 through September 30^th 2019.
The first 500 households that attend the in-person Energy Conservation and Budgeting Workshop will receive a Home Energy Efficiency Kit valued at $25.00
Affordable payment plans (APP) will be offered to customers of DTE and SEMCO for those households that are deemed eligible.
Home Energy Assessments will be offered to eligible clients. Participating households can receive up to $100.00 of weatherization materials (ex; draft sealing, hot water pipe wrap, installing LED bulbs, etc.)
Up to 8 eligible households will receive solar panel arrays.