Judy and I gave a presentation at DHS to let Adult Services know more about service coordination.
We learned that a recent small cut to Bridge card amounts was due to a change in a credit that determines Bridge card amounts. The credit is from a heat and utility standard.
Another Bridge card reduction will take place on November 1st. A stimulus is due to end, then. DHS could not say how much, but it will be a more significant cut.
Some good news: DHS will accept proof of a past due notice, now. Some not great news: Also, DHS will not make electric and heat utility payments under State Emergency Relief (SER) during a non-crisis period from June 1 through October 31. Bet they will be swamped at DHS on November 1st! They still need us to have members apply for SER, and get a Denial Notice, for members to take to other resources & to see if they are eligible for any other assistance. DHS is still able to get a two week hold on utility shut off dates.
We have Consumers Energy here. We can apply for authorization to get holds using an assigned ID. If you have Consumers, just email a request to whitney.skeans@cmsenergy.com – this comes from Alan Long at Consumers Energy.
I was concerned about members with health related needs for electricity, including air conditioning! However, DHS Adult Services may have funds for members past due bills.