Checked October 13, 2026
Help paying bills in Michigan
Behind on your electric, gas or rent in Michigan? Here are the real programs, who to call, and what to do first. All free.
Do these 3 things first
- Call your utility and ask to join the Winter Protection Plan (November 1 to March 31). Seniors 65+ qualify at any income.
- Apply for State Emergency Relief (SER) on MI Bridges if you have a past-due bill, a shutoff notice, or need fuel.
- Dial 2-1-1 to find MEAP energy help in your county.
Help with electric and gas bills
State Emergency Relief (SER)
Helps pay part of past-due heat and electric bills, keep service on, or turn it back on. Available all year (busiest November through May). You don't have to already get state benefits. Apply on MI Bridges or at your local MDHHS office.
Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
Bill help plus budgeting and energy-saving services through local agencies. Call 2-1-1 or your utility to see what's available near you.
Home Heating Credit
A Michigan Treasury credit to help pay heating costs, even if you don't owe taxes. Forms come out in mid-to-late January, and the claim is due by September 30. Treasury: 517-636-4486.
Got a shutoff notice?
The Winter Protection Plan runs November 1 to March 31. You qualify if you're 65+ (any income), get food assistance, Medicaid or state cash help, or earn at or below 150% of the poverty level. Low-income customers pay about 7% of their yearly bill each month plus part of any past-due amount. Seniors on the plan can't be shut off for non-payment during the winter. A doctor's note for a medical emergency can stop a shutoff for up to 21 days, with extensions up to 63 days. If your utility won't help, call the Michigan Public Service Commission.
If your utility won't help: Michigan Public Service Commission · 1-800-292-9555
Behind on rent
Facing eviction? State Emergency Relief can pay back rent to stop an eviction if you have court papers (a summons, judgment or eviction order). A notice to quit isn't enough. It can also help with a security deposit and first month's rent if you must move. Yearly limits are low (about $410 for 1 person, up to $1,040 for 6+), so dial 2-1-1 for other help too.
Food, health care and phone
Food Assistance (SNAP), Medicaid, cash help and SER
Apply for all of them in one place.
Lifeline (phone or internet discount)
A federal discount on one phone or internet plan if you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI or meet income rules.
Lower the bills you pay every month
A 60-second check of your phone, car insurance, bank fees and credit. Free options first.
Make a plan for the next few months
Once the emergency is handled, see where your money goes and which bills to pay from each paycheck. The Budget Starter is free. The Debt Freedom Planner adds your debt-free date and a spending tracker.
Dealing with it right now? The Hard Month Kit ($9) has printable call scripts, a hardship letter and a bill priority worksheet.
We sell the planner. It never changes the advice on this page. How we make money.
Watch out for scams
Real help programs never charge a fee to apply. Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto, and never give your login or PIN to anyone who calls you. Report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
- MPSC: Be Winterwise
- MDHHS SER manual: relocation (Oct. 1, 2026)
- Energy assistance programs 2025–26 (Country Lines)
- MPSC contact
Program details change. Confirm with the program before you rely on a date or amount.
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