The Michigan LIHEAP program is an energy assistance program that helps low-income Michigan families to pay their heating and utility bills. Through the program the state of Michigan has been able to ensure that all Michigan households have access to heat sources especially in the cold winter months. This program is administered through the Michigan Department of Human services, which has local offices spread across the entire state of Michigan.

In order to qualify for the Michigan LIHEAP applicants need to meet a set of eligibility requirements. These eligibility requirements are mainly based on the income, residence and the applicant’s participatory status in other social service programs such as SNAP, TANF and SSI.

If you meet the basic eligibility requirements for the Michigan LIHEAP, you should go ahead and apply for participation in the program. Applying for the Michigan LIHEAP program is an easy process that requires you to book an appointment at your local Michigan LIHEAP office and provide the required verification documents on the actual appointment.

Upon successful completion of the process, you will start receiving the benefits of the program, which includes but is not limited to:

• Home heating credits

• Admission to the Michigan weatherization program, and

• State emergency relief

It must be noted that the benefits of the program are not a guarantee and are purely based on the allocation of funds by the federal government.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Michigan LIHEAP program, you must meet a set of eligibility requirements. These eligibility requirements are mainly based on the income, residence and applicant’s participation in other social service programs such as SNAP, SSI and TANF and are highlighted below:

Michigan LIHEAP-Income Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Michigan LIHEAP program, applicants need to have an income that is either less than or equal to the specified maximum. These income guidelines are highlighted on the following link: www.michigan.gov/dhs/ (Michigan LIHEAP Income Eligibility Guidelines). The income calculations are based on the gross taxable income and the household size of the applicants.

Michigan LIHEAP- Residential Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the program, Applicants to the Michigan LIHEAP program must be residents of the state of Michigan and US nationals or registered legal aliens.

Participation in Other Programs

Applicants that are already participating in other social service programs, such as SNAP, SSI and TANF are automatically eligible for the Michigan LIHEAP program.

LIHEAP Application Instructions

You can apply for participation to the Michigan LIHEAP program by contacting and booking an appointment with your Michigan LIHEAP program available on this link: www.michigan.gov/dhs/ (Michigan LIHEAP Local Offices). During the appointment you should carry important verification documents such as proof of identity, income and residence. At the interview a program representative will verify your documents and ask you questions aimed at establishing your eligibility to the program.

You can also fill and submit an online application available on this link: www.mibridges.michigan.gov/access/ (Michigan LIHEAP Online Application Portal)

Upon successful completion of the application process, you will start enjoying the benefits of the program.