The first signs of winter are setting in—cooler nights, longer mornings, and a growing concern about how to keep homes warm without breaking the budget. For many older adults, that first heating bill of the season can be a wake-up call. But this year, new support is available to help households manage energy costs before the real cold sets in. Across the Midwest, utilities and state agencies are expanding their programs to ease the burden on residents with limited incomes.
One of the largest efforts comes from Michigan, where eligible households can receive a $250 credit to help cover heating costs this winter.
Starting January 1, customers can file a claim through the Michigan Department of Treasury to apply for the credit.
The process is simple, and there’s no need to file taxes in order to qualify.
What makes Michigan's program special
Consumers Energy, the state’s largest energy provider, has partnered with state agencies to create multiple layers of assistance, ensuring that help is available for different income levels and situations.
"We are committed to ensuring these much-needed dollars are available to our customers most in need."
The scope of assistance is impressive.
Last year, Consumers Energy helped over 137,000 Michiganders obtain nearly $69 million from a variety of sources to pay energy costs.
That's real money helping real families stay warm through Michigan's notoriously harsh winters.
Also read: 5 things that drain the most electricity in your home
Understanding your assistance options
The credit works alongside the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to make energy aid more accessible across Michigan.
It is applied to customer bills for those whose income is below 110% of the federal poverty level.
The application process is straightforward, and customers do not need to file a state income tax return to receive it.
Customers can file a claim through the Michigan Department of Treasury starting January 1.
The CARE program: Long-term payment relief
For those needing more substantial help, the Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) program offers a different approach.
CARE is a 24-month affordable payment plan that gives qualifying customers a fixed monthly bill and pays down past-due balances while customers make regular monthly payments.
To qualify for CARE, customers must meet household income guidelines at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) and be current Consumers Energy customers.
The program also freezes any past-due balances while you make regular monthly payments, giving you a chance to get back on track.
Also read: The thermostat war just got more expensive: Smart strategies to stay warm without breaking the bank
Emergency help through SER
When you're facing an immediate shutoff notice, the State Emergency Relief (SER) program provides crisis intervention.
The new thresholds for customers at 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) are as follows: Electric and gas customers—the state pays the shut-off amount with a $600 cap for each. All-electric households—the state pays the shut-off amount with a $900 cap.
Your action plan: Don't wait for the bills to pile up
The key to maximizing these programs is being proactive.
Customers in need of assistance with their energy bill can call 2-1-1 to be connected to nonprofit organizations in their area who can help process applications.
The 2-1-1 service is free and connects you with local nonprofits that understand the application processes for each program.
Start by gathering the documents you'll need: recent utility bills, proof of income for all household members, and identification.
If you're already receiving other state assistance like SNAP or Medicaid, you may automatically qualify for some programs.
Don't wait until you receive a shutoff notice to ask for help.
Contact your utility company or propane supplier as soon as you know you will be unable to pay your bill on time.
Do not wait for a shutoff notice or put yourself in a situation where you might run out of fuel.
Also read: Beat winter's hidden dangers: Your complete guide to staying safe when temperatures drop
Understanding the bigger picture
While Michigan's programs are particularly comprehensive, energy assistance exists nationwide through the federal LIHEAP program.
If you live outside Michigan, contact your local utility company or call 2-1-1 to learn about programs in your area.
Many states have similar protections for seniors and multiple assistance programs, though the details vary.
Quick steps to get Michigan energy assistance
- Call 2-1-1 to connect with local assistance organizations
- Apply for the credit starting January 1 (no tax filing required)
- Contact Consumers Energy directly at (877) 448-9433 for CARE program information
- Don't wait for a shutoff notice—reach out as soon as you anticipate trouble paying bills
Moving forward with confidence
Michigan's approach to energy assistance recognizes that staying warm shouldn't be a luxury for anyone, especially seniors living on fixed incomes.
With multiple programs available and special protections built in, help is designed to be accessible when you need it.
The programs are funded through a combination of federal dollars, state resources, and utility company contributions, meaning they're stable funding sources you can count on.
Whether you need a one-time credit to help with this winter's bills or a longer-term payment plan to get back on track, options exist.
The most important thing is simply to reach out when you need help. Taking that first step can make all the difference in staying safe and comfortable through the winter.
Read next:
- Energy assistance programs are throwing some seniors a lifeline this winter
- How one thermostat setting can lower bills and stop mold in its tracks
- Want to have lower energy bills this winter? Try these tricks to help your savings!
What's your experience been with energy assistance programs in your area? Have you found helpful resources or faced unexpected challenges?
Share your insights in the comments below—your experience could help a neighbor stay warm this winter.
Primary Source
https://www.the-sun.com/money/15378381/michigan-automatic-energy-bill-credit-january-liheap-program/
Consumers Energy connects customers to programs that offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: Beginning January 1, qualifying customers may also be eligible for a Home Heating Credit (HHC) by filing a claim through the Michigan Department of Tr...
Excerpt: Beginning January 1, qualifying customers may also be eligible for a Home Heating Credit (HHC) by filing a claim through the Michigan Department of Treasury.
https://www.wnem.com/2025/10/15/con...ograms-that-offset-bills-ahead-winter-season/
Consumers Energy connects customers in need to programs to offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: Beginning January 1, qualifying customers may also be eligible for a Home Heating Credit (HHC) by filing a claim through the Michigan Department of Tr...
Excerpt: Beginning January 1, qualifying customers may also be eligible for a Home Heating Credit (HHC) by filing a claim through the Michigan Department of Treasury.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rel...t-bills-ahead-of-winter-season-302583957.html
Consumers Energy connects customers in need to programs to offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: Beginning January 1, qualifying customers may also be eligible for a Home Heating Credit (HHC) by filing a claim through the Michigan Department of Tr...
Excerpt: Beginning January 1, qualifying customers may also be eligible for a Home Heating Credit (HHC) by filing a claim through the Michigan Department of Treasury.
https://www.theportlandbeacon.com/s...ograms-to-offset-bills-ahead-of-winter-season
Consumers Energy connects customers to programs that offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: The credit, which on average is $250, is applied to customer bills whose income is below 110% of the federal poverty level.
Excerpt: The credit, which on average is $250, is applied to customer bills whose income is below 110% of the federal poverty level.
https://www.wnem.com/2025/10/15/con...ograms-that-offset-bills-ahead-winter-season/
Consumers Energy connects customers in need to programs to offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: The credit, which on average is $250, is applied to customer bills whose income is below 110% of the federal poverty level.
Excerpt: The credit, which on average is $250, is applied to customer bills whose income is below 110% of the federal poverty level.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rel...t-bills-ahead-of-winter-season-302583957.html
Consumers Energy connects customers in need to programs to offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: The credit, which on average is $250, is applied to customer bills whose income is below 110% of the federal poverty level.
Excerpt: The credit, which on average is $250, is applied to customer bills whose income is below 110% of the federal poverty level.
https://www.theportlandbeacon.com/s...ograms-to-offset-bills-ahead-of-winter-season
Consumers Energy connects customers to programs that offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: Customers do not need to file taxes to be eligible for the credit, according to Consumers Energy.
Excerpt: Customers do not need to file taxes in order to be eligible for the credit.
https://www.wnem.com/2025/10/15/con...ograms-that-offset-bills-ahead-winter-season/
Consumers Energy connects customers in need to programs to offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: Customers do not need to file taxes in order to be eligible for the credit.
Excerpt: Customers do not need to file taxes in order to be eligible for the credit.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rel...t-bills-ahead-of-winter-season-302583957.html
Consumers Energy connects customers in need to programs to offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in...
Excerpt: Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rel...t-bills-ahead-of-winter-season-302583957.html
Consumers Energy expands help for winter heating bills
Cited text: “By connecting our most vulnerable customers with the resources to stay on top of their energy bills we are advancing energy equity for all Michigande...
Excerpt: Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/consumers-energy-expands-help-winter-080159314.html
Consumers Energy Providing $5 Million to Help Customers with Heating Bills after Cold Snap
Cited text: Last year, Consumers Energy helped over 137,000 Michiganders to obtain nearly $69 million from a variety of sources to pay energy costs.
Excerpt: Last year, Consumers Energy helped over 137,000 Michiganders to obtain nearly $69 million from a variety of sources to pay energy costs.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rel...-heating-bills-after-cold-snap-302371631.html
Michigan | The LIHEAP Clearinghouse
Cited text: You do not need to file a state income tax return to receive the Home Heating Credit.
Excerpt: you do not need to file a state income tax return to receive the Home Heating Credit.
https://liheapch.acf.gov/profiles/Michigan.htm
Consumers Energy | The LIHEAP Clearinghouse
Cited text: You do not need to file a state income tax return to receive the Home Heating Credit.
Excerpt: you do not need to file a state income tax return to receive the Home Heating Credit.
https://liheapch.acf.gov/Utility/MI/consumers.htm
Consumers Energy connects customers to programs that offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: CARE is a 24-month affordable payment plan that gives qualifying customers an affordable fixed monthly bill and pays down past due balances while cust...
Excerpt: CARE is a 24-month affordable payment plan that gives qualifying customers an affordable fixed monthly bill and pays down past due balances while customers make regular monthly payments.
https://www.wnem.com/2025/10/15/con...ograms-that-offset-bills-ahead-winter-season/
Consumers Energy connects customers to programs that offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: “By connecting our most vulnerable customers with the resources to stay on top of their energy bills, we are advancing energy equity for all Michigand...
Excerpt: To qualify for CARE, customers must meet household income guidelines at or below 60% State Median Income (SMI)
https://www.wnem.com/2025/10/15/con...ograms-that-offset-bills-ahead-winter-season/
Consumers Energy connects customers in need to programs to offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: Must be a Consumers Energy electric or gas customer · Must meet household income guidelines at or below 60% State Median Income (SMI) ... Account addr...
Excerpt: To qualify for CARE, customers must meet household income guidelines at or below 60% State Median Income (SMI)
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rel...t-bills-ahead-of-winter-season-302583957.html
Consumers Energy connects customers to programs that offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: The following new thresholds for customers at 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) go into effect immediately, according to Consumer Energy: Electr...
Excerpt: The following new thresholds for customers at 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) go into effect immediately: Electric and gas customers: state pays shut-off amount with a $600 cap for each.
https://www.wnem.com/2025/10/15/con...ograms-that-offset-bills-ahead-winter-season/
Consumers Energy | The LIHEAP Clearinghouse
Cited text: Enrollment information is available at this website: https://www.consumersenergy.com/content.aspx?id=7386 · Winter Protection Plan Protects low-income...
Excerpt: Winter Protection Plan protects low-income customers and all seniors age 65 and older from service shutoff December 1 - March 31.
https://liheapch.acf.gov/Utility/MI/consumers.htm
Consumers Energy connects customers to programs that offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: As a CARE program participant, customers may also be able to get no-cost, in-home energy efficiency upgrades to help reduce energy costs through Consu...
Excerpt: As a CARE program participant, customers may also be able to get no-cost, in-home energy efficiency upgrades to help reduce energy costs through Consumer Energy's Helping Neighbors Program.
https://www.wnem.com/2025/10/15/con...ograms-that-offset-bills-ahead-winter-season/
Consumers Energy connects customers to programs that offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: “If you think you need help, if you’ve done all the steps to reduce your energy usage, but you still have bills that you’re struggling with, reaching ...
Excerpt: Customers in need of assistance with their energy bill can call 2-1-1 to be connected to nonprofit organizations in their area who can help process applications.
https://www.wnem.com/2025/10/15/con...ograms-that-offset-bills-ahead-winter-season/
Consumers Energy connects customers to programs that offset bills ahead of winter season
Cited text: Customers in need of assistance with their energy bill can call 211 to be connected to nonprofit organizations in their area who can help process appl...
Excerpt: Customers in need of assistance with their energy bill can call 2-1-1 to be connected to nonprofit organizations in their area who can help process applications.
https://www.wnem.com/2025/10/15/con...ograms-that-offset-bills-ahead-winter-season/
Michigan Energy Assistance Program
Cited text: Be Proactive - Contact your utility company or propane supplier as soon as you know you will be unable to pay your bill on time. Do not wait for a shu...
Excerpt: Contact your utility company or propane supplier as soon as you know you will be unable to pay your bill on time.
https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/energy-assistance
Michigan | The LIHEAP Clearinghouse
Cited text: LIHEAP FY 2025 Benefit Heating: $1 minimum, $2,205 maximum Crisis: $800 Winter maximum · LIHEAP Households Served in FY 2024 Heating: 434,124 Year-rou...
Excerpt: LIHEAP FY 2025 Benefit Heating: $1 minimum, $2,205 maximum
https://liheapch.acf.gov/profiles/Michigan.htm
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