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State Emergency Relief Application: Eviction & Energy Assistance

By on March 2, 2015 in Front Page Announcement Only

In case MiBridges is not cooperating, here is the paper DHS 1514 Application for State Emergency Relief.  This is for past due and shut off notices for electric company payments and for Court Summons level eviction prevention payments.  All other SER forms are obsolete and the DHS worker will have to deny the application.  If the client does not sign it, it will also b denied.   I could not locate the interactive application, online.  If you have it, please share!

I just tried to print it and the print was too large.  You can get this at your local DHS office from the lobby navigator.  Otherwise, I can email it to you, if you  ask me.

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Two Bridge card reductions, Utility assistance changes

By on October 18, 2013 in Food, Resources

 

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.

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THAW Eligibility

By on December 11, 2012 in Household, Resources, Utilities

Thanks to Kristen Whiston, WSU SSW Intern @ Hannan House, for compiling the eligibility information for THAW.

Eligibility for THAW

Valid Michigan drivers License or State I.D.

Account must be in the applicant’s name and he/she must live at the service address.

Account must be residential, not commercial.

Account must have a past due balance, shut off notice, disconnected service, or have an immediate need for deliverable fuel.

Account balance cannot exceed $4000 for combined acounts or $2000 for single accounts

A bill/invoice is required for deliverable fuel vendors.

If currently in shut-off status, applicant must obtain a State Emergency Relief (SER) “Decision Notice” from Michigan Department of Human Services (except seniors).

Applicant must have paid $225 on single/$450 on combined accounts within the past six months.

Applicant must pay unauthorized usage charges.

Proof of household income is required.  Households with zero income are not eligible.

Income Requirements

To be eligible for THAW assistance income must be at or below 200% of the current Federal Poverty Level (see chart below).

Family Size/Income
1 Person/$22,340
2 Person/$30,260
3 Person/$38,180
4 Person/$46,100
5 Person/$54,020
6 Person/$61,940

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