Benefits · Energy Assistance
How to apply for State Emergency Relief — Energy & Heat (LIHEAP) + MEAP
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS); Michigan Energy Assistance Program coordinated with the Michigan Public Service Commission
Who it's for
State Emergency Relief (SER) pays heat and electric bills, deposits, and reconnection fees for Michigan households in an energy crisis, using federal LIHEAP funds. The Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) adds bill-payment help plus support to keep service on. Eligibility is based on household income (at or below the LIHEAP limit, set at 60% of the State Median Income — about $70,225/year for a household of four), with no income copayment for energy services. Crisis applications get a response within 48 hours. Apply through MI Bridges or a local MDHHS office.
SER energy help is income-tested: household income must be at or below the LIHEAP limit (60% of State Median Income; about $70,225/year for a family of four, scaling by household size per the SER Income Need Standards). This record does not income-gate automatically because the full per-household-size table is not published in a machine-readable form — confirm your income against the SER Income Need Standards (ERM 301) or apply to find out. One heat payment plus one non-heat electric payment are available per fiscal year, up to the SER cap. You must apply for SER before receiving MEAP services.
What you'll need
- Photo ID
- Proof of household income
- A shut-off or past-due notice, or a deliverable-fuel statement
- Most recent energy bills
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-844-464-3447
What to say when you call
“Hello, I'm calling to ask about State Emergency Relief — Energy & Heat (LIHEAP) + MEAP. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need photo id, proof of household income, a shut-off or past-due notice, or a deliverable-fuel statement — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
annual
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Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.