Utilities
Department of Health and Human Services
First, complete an SER Application at MI Bridges
Address: 22 Center Street, Ypsilanti
Phone: (734) 481-2000
Website: Department of Health and Human Services
Hours: Monday -Friday 8:00am-5:00 pm ( walk-ins accepted during normal hours)
Eligibility determined by income. Not intended for repeated or long-term assistance.
Assistance with utilities, home repairs, relocation assistance, home ownership, and burial costs.
Utility requests are only accepted November – May.
For Preventing Shut-off LONG TERM
Phone: 1-800-545-8046
Will help reduce unpaid balances by providing a personal payment plan, agency referrals, and follow-up. To be eligible for enrollment you must have:
An unpaid balance greater than $300.00
No record of illegal usage
A household income at or below 200% of federal income eligibility guidelines
Shut-off prevention options:
- Must re- enroll every year
- Assistance with money-saving home weatherization may be available to those who qualify. Weatherization includes caulking, weather stripping, insulation, and programmable thermostats. For more information, call our Energy Efficiency Contact Center at (866) 796-0512.
Friends In Deed
Address: 1196 Ecorse Rd - Ypsilanti
Phone : (734) 484-4357 Call between 9:30am-12pm Monday through Friday
Website: Friends In Deed
Washtenaw County Residents ONLY- No walk in's
Needs decision notice from SER, proof of income and shut off notice
Assistance depends on availability of funds-NO guarantee.
The Heat and Warmth Fund
Provides energy assistance and other services to customers who are past due or disconnected. To learn more, call (800) 866-THAW (8429).
In the event of receiving a denial letter, you may be able to receive emergency assistance with utilities by contacting the agencies listed above by having this information ready:
a. Denial letter from DHS
b. Rent and/or Utility Bill
c. Proof of Income
d. Copy of Lease
Help on lowering your costs
Home Energy Consultation and free energy saving products, sign up here:
Website: DTE
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
To be eligible for this benefit program, you must need financial assistance with home energy costs.
A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as SNAP, SSI, TANF, may be automatically eligible.
Sign up here: LIHEAP
Or call 1-866-674-6327
MEAP
MEAP (Michigan Energy Assistance Program) is a statewide program providing assistance with energy bills. United Way can provide MEAP assistance statewide. You can also dial 2-1-1 for all other types of assistance — including food, housing and rent. To be enrolled in MEAP, you must be approved for State Emergency Relief (SER) first. You will need documentation including your most recent utility bill, ID, and pay stubs/benefit statements for all household members.
Salvation Army-Ann Arbor
Address: 100 Arbana St - Ann Arbor
Phone : (734) 668-8353
Website: Salvation Army
Requires an approved SER
Helped offered with a denied SER available depending on if funds are available
Need proof of income, ID and shut off notice.
SOS Resource Center
Hours M 9-1 and Thrs & Fri 9-5.
Can assist with emergency food, diapers (once a month on a Thurs or Fri), emergency fare deal tokens, utility assistance, MI Bridges navigation.
Rental assists start with HAWC.