Payment Assistance Programs
SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY offers a variety of payment
plans and assistance programs to help customers with their gas bills.
The most important thing is to contact SEMCO ENERGY
as soon as you know you cannot pay your entire gas bill. We will
work with you to set up a suitable payment plan or advise you of
assistance agencies in your area.
For more information, contact a SEMCO ENERGY Customer
Service Representative at 1-800-624-2019, call
the Department of Human Services Energy Hotline
at 1-800-292-5650. The programs listed below are
in effect for the Winter 2006-2007 heating season:
WINTER PROTECTION PLAN
CONTACT: SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY.
EFFECTIVE DATES: November 1-March 31.
ELIGIBILITY: You may qualify for the plan if you
have a household income at or below 200 percent of poverty level
shown in the income guideline listed on the chart below. You may
also qualify if you are 65 or older or you receive assistance from
DHS, including food stamps, SSI or Medicaid.*
WINTER PROTECTION PLAN
FORM
| HOUSEHOLD SIZE |
MAXIMUM INCOME |
One |
$19,600 |
Two |
$26,400 |
Three |
$33,200 |
Four |
$40,000 |
Add $6,800 for each additional household member
*PROVISIONS:
- Customers must apply through the Gas Company for the program,
and must demonstrate having made application for state assistance.
- You may sign up beginning November 1 by paying a minimum of
1/12th of any past due amount.
- If you qualify, you will pay 6% per month of your estimated
annual heating bill during the heating season plus a portion of
your arrears.
- When the protection period ends March 31, your payment amount
will change. You must pay your full monthly bill plus part of
the amount you owe from the winter months in equal installments.
You may also choose to pay the remaining heat season balance or
pre-enrollment balance and go on the Budget
Payment Plan.
HOME HEATING CREDIT
CONTACT: SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY, Local Area
Agency on Aging office, Department of Human Services or the Michigan
Department of the Treasury. This program runs from January through
September.
ELIGIBILITY: Income Guidelines listed below.
PROVISIONS: An energy draft is issued to the customer
by the State of Michigan to be used for payment of heating bills.
Additional benefits may be available if the customer is age 65 or
older, deaf, blind or has another disability. The customer does
not have to file a state tax return to be eligible for this program.
Information regarding usage needed for the application is on your
monthly bill starting in January 2007.
HOME HEATING CREDIT CLAIM
FORM
EXEMPTIONS |
INCOME
CEILING |
One |
$10,786 |
Two |
$14,529 |
Three |
$18,271 |
Four |
$22,014 |
Five |
$25,757 |
Six |
$29,500 |
For each exemption over six, add $3,740
EARNED INCOME CREDIT
CONTACT: Internal Revenue Service (www.irs.gov)
/ Tax Preparer or U.S. Treasury Department
ELIGIBLITY: Work full or part time. You must file
a tax return.
PROVISIONS: Those who qualify will owe less in
taxes and may get a refund.
CONSOLIDATED VENDOR WARRANT PROGRAM (CVW)
CONTACT: Department of Human Services (DHS)
ELIGIBILITY: DHS clients.
PROVISIONS: This program can aid in the payment
of utility bills. Contact your local DHS office for qualification
guidelines.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY PROTECTION
CONACT: SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY.
ELIGIBILITY: All customers.
PROVISIONS: If you have a qualifying, documented
temporary medical emergency, you could be protected from energy
shut-off for nonpayment of your bill for up to 21 days. You must
provide written proof from a doctor that a medical emergency exists.
STATE EMERGENCY RELIEF (SER)
CONTACT: Department of Human Services (DHS)
ELIGIBILITY: Low-income customers.
PROVISIONS: This program is available year-round
to low-income households and provides help with heating bills and
restoring gas service. You do not have to be a DHS client to be
eligible.
HOME WEATHERIZATION
CONTACT: Community Action Agency (CAA).
ELIGIBILITY: Low-income homeowners and renters.
PROVISIONS: Customers can get help winterizing
their residences. Services include caulking, insulation, and weather
stripping. These weatherization services can help you reduce your
energy use and lower your utility bills.
LINK UP/LIFELINE
CONTACT: Local telephone carrier.
PROVISIONS: If your household obtains assistance
from state or federal programs, or qualifies as low-income, your
household may be eligible for the Lifeline/Link Up Program, which
offers basic residential telephone service at reduced rates. For
more information please go to the Michigan Public Service Commission
Website: www.michigan.gov/mpsc.
MILITARY PROTECTION
CONTACT: SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY
PROVISIONS: If the customer of record with the
utility is called to full time active military service by the President
of the United States or the Governor of Michigan during a declared
national or state emergency or war, you may apply for shutoff protection
for up to 90 days, and extensions may also be requested. Verification
of your active duty status may be required.
|
