Michigan delivers federal LIHEAP funding through three distinct programs — a structure unlike any other state in this series. Rather than a single LIHEAP program, Michigan uses:
- State Emergency Relief (SER) — Michigan’s crisis program, federally funded through LIHEAP; for energy emergencies including heating, electricity, and home repairs
- Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) — supplemental bill payment and self-sufficiency services for low-income households, applied for through local Community Action Agencies and MEAP grantees
- Home Heating Credit (HHC) — a Michigan Department of Treasury program for basic maintenance benefits, available to all 110% FPL households starting January 1 each year
Understanding which program to apply for first — and in what order — is the critical starting point for Michigan residents seeking energy assistance.
Michigan’s Three-Program LIHEAP Structure
Program 1: State Emergency Relief (SER) — Crisis First
SER is Michigan’s crisis intervention program, supported in part by federal LIHEAP funds. SER provides financial assistance to Michigan residents facing extreme hardship or emergencies that threaten health and safety — including energy-related services such as heating fuel, electricity, and home repairs.
Apply for SER first if you have an energy emergency — a shutoff notice, past-due bill, or low fuel supply. Apply at newmibridges.gov (MI Bridges online portal) or at your local MDHHS office.
SER crisis caps for 2026: $600 for gas/electric shutoffs; $900 for all-electric households.
Income limit for SER crisis: 150% FPL.
As of October 1, 2025, Michigan changed its rules: households are no longer required to apply for SER prior to applying for MEAP in most cases. However, households with an energy crisis (shutoff notice) typically still apply for SER first, as SER can resolve the immediate emergency.
Program 2: Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
MEAP provides supplemental bill payment assistance and self-sufficiency services through a network of local grantees (Community Action Agencies, Wayne Metro, United Way chapters, and others). MEAP works alongside SER rather than replacing it.
MEAP heating benefit maximum: $2,205 per household.
Income limit for MEAP: 60% of State Median Income (SMI) — more generous than SER’s 150% FPL threshold. Households with incomes between 150% FPL and 60% SMI qualify for MEAP but not for SER crisis assistance.
Apply for MEAP through a local MEAP grantee (Community Action Agency or nonprofit). Find your grantee at michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/weatherization.
Program 3: Home Heating Credit (HHC)
The Home Heating Credit is administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury — not MDHHS. The HHC provides basic maintenance energy benefits to all low-income Michigan households, starting January 1 each year. The average HHC benefit is approximately $250.
Key HHC facts:
- Income limit: 110% of the Federal Poverty Level (the strictest income threshold in Michigan’s energy assistance system)
- You do not need to file a state income tax return to receive the HHC — you file the HHC form separately
- Apply through the Michigan Department of Treasury; file Form MI-1040CR-7
- Available starting January 1 each year for the current heating season
Michigan LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Michigan’s three programs use three different income thresholds — unique in this series:
Home Heating Credit (HHC) — 110% FPL:
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~$1,378 |
| 2 | ~$1,864 |
| 3 | ~$2,351 |
| 4 | ~$2,838 |
| 5 | ~$3,325 |
| 6 | ~$3,811 |
| Each additional | +$488/month |
SER Crisis — 150% FPL:
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~$1,881 |
| 2 | ~$2,546 |
| 3 | ~$3,213 |
| 4 | ~$3,878 |
| 5 | ~$4,544 |
| 6 | ~$5,209 |
| Each additional | +$666/month |
MEAP — 60% State Median Income (SMI):
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (approx. 60% Michigan SMI) |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~$2,756 |
| 2 | ~$3,603 |
| 3 | ~$4,449 |
| 4 | ~$5,295 |
| 5 | ~$6,141 |
| 6 | ~$6,988 |
Figures are approximate. Confirm all current limits at newmibridges.gov or with your local MEAP grantee. MEAP also uses 60% SMI for weatherization for households of 1–6; households of 7+ use 200% FPL.
For a national comparison of LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: Michigan LIHEAP has no asset test for most households.
Categorical eligibility: Households receiving FIP (Family Independence Program — Michigan’s TANF), SSI, SNAP, Medicaid, or the Home Heating Credit are categorically eligible for MEAP. The single MEAP application covers the full program year once approved.
FIP — Michigan’s TANF Program Name
Michigan calls its TANF/cash assistance program FIP (Family Independence Program), administered by MDHHS. FIP households are categorically eligible for MEAP. Michigan also uses SDA (State Disability Assistance) as a separate disability-based program — SDA approval is also accepted as documentation for MEAP.
Michigan SNAP is called the Food Assistance Program (FAP) locally, delivered on the Michigan Bridge Card (Michigan’s branded EBT card, distinct from a standard EBT card name). FAP/Bridge Card approval is confirmed in MEAP eligibility documentation.
Opt-Out Electric Utilities — A New Michigan Wrinkle for 2026
As of October 1, 2025, investor-owned electric utilities, municipally-owned utilities, or cooperative electric utilities that do not opt into the Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF) are NOT eligible for MEAP through the standard MEAP grantee process. These opt-out utilities must instead provide their own program similar to MEAP, and must notify residential customers of available assistance.
If your electric utility is an opt-out utility, contact your utility directly to learn about their equivalent energy assistance program.
How to Apply for Michigan LIHEAP
Step 1 — Apply at MI Bridges for SER (Crisis) or Start with MEAP Grantee
For a heating or utility crisis: Apply at newmibridges.gov (MI Bridges online portal) or call your local MDHHS office at 855-275-6424. SER resolves immediate emergencies (shutoff notices, running out of fuel).
For MEAP bill payment assistance: Contact a MEAP grantee in your area — typically a Community Action Agency or nonprofit such as Wayne Metro, United Way, or Superior Watershed Partnership. Find your grantee at michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/weatherization/state-map-of-weatherization-operators.
For a general overview of the application process, see how to apply for LIHEAP. Michigan’s MDHHS contact is also in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
Step 2 — Apply for Home Heating Credit Starting January 1
File Form MI-1040CR-7 with the Michigan Department of Treasury starting January 1. No state income tax return required. Average benefit: ~$250. Income limit: 110% FPL.
Step 3 — Required Documents
- Photo ID for the applicant
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income — pay stubs, MDHHS benefit award letters (FAP, FIP, Medicaid, SDA), Veterans benefit letters
- Most recent utility bill (gas, electric, or other heating source)
- Shutoff notice or low-fuel documentation (for SER crisis)
- Cash assets over $50 must be listed (excluding home equity and one vehicle)
Step 4 — Self-Sufficiency Services
MEAP grantees also help eligible households develop an Energy Security Plan and connect to utility-specific programs such as:
- DTE Energy Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) — 24-month affordable payment plan
- Consumers Energy CARE (Customer Assistance for Residential Energy) — enrollment through MEAP grantees
- Affordable payment plan enrollment with Consumers Energy, DTE, Semco, and Upper Peninsula Power
Once approved, follow up at how to track your LIHEAP application status.
Michigan LIHEAP Funding 2026
Michigan received $183,316,283 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026, including an additional $4,596,342 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In FY 2024, Michigan served 434,124 heating households, 129,420 year-round crisis households, and 1,280 weatherization projects — the second-highest heating enrollment of any state in this series, behind only New York. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Michigan with other states.
Additional Resources for Michigan Families
Michigan SNAP (Food Assistance Program / Bridge Card): Check Michigan SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Michigan.
Michigan Medicaid: Check Michigan Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Michigan WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 to connect with local nonprofits for MEAP, SER, CARE, and other energy programs across Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Michigan LIHEAP work?
Michigan delivers federal LIHEAP funding through three programs: SER (crisis intervention, 150% FPL, apply at MI Bridges), MEAP (supplemental assistance, 60% SMI, apply through local grantees), and Home Heating Credit (basic benefit, 110% FPL, apply through Michigan Treasury starting January 1). Most households with an energy emergency apply for SER first.
What is SER in Michigan?
SER (State Emergency Relief) is Michigan’s crisis program, partially funded through LIHEAP. It provides emergency financial help for heating, electricity, and home repair emergencies. Apply at newmibridges.gov or your local MDHHS office. Crisis caps: $600 for gas/electric, $900 for all-electric households.
What is MEAP in Michigan?
MEAP (Michigan Energy Assistance Program) provides supplemental bill payment assistance and self-sufficiency services through local Community Action Agencies and grantees. Income limit: 60% of State Median Income. Maximum benefit: $2,205. Apply through your local MEAP grantee.
What is the Home Heating Credit?
The Home Heating Credit is a Michigan Treasury program providing basic maintenance energy benefits averaging ~$250 per household to those at or below 110% FPL, available starting January 1 each year. File Form MI-1040CR-7. No state income tax return required.
What is FIP in Michigan?
FIP (Family Independence Program) is Michigan’s TANF/cash assistance program. FIP households are categorically eligible for MEAP. Michigan’s SNAP is called the Food Assistance Program (FAP), delivered via the Michigan Bridge Card.
For current Michigan LIHEAP/MEAP information, visit newmibridges.gov, michigan.gov/mdhhs, or call 855-275-6424.