Low-Income Programs

A state-earned income refundable credit is available for working individuals and families who meet requirements for a federal earned income credit. Claiming the Michigan Earned Income Credit requires filing a federal 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ form. After the federal Earned Income Credit is approved, complete and submit the MI-1040 form. To learn more, contact the Michigan Department of Treasury at (517) 373-3200.

This program provides free energy efficiency upgrades to single-family and multifamily customers. EEA works in partnership with 32+ organizations to help identify customers most in need. For more information, visit dteenergy.com/eeassistance.

A federal earned income tax credit is available based on income level and number of qualifying child dependents. To apply, you must file a federal income tax return with Schedule EIC. You can receive part of the credit in your paycheck by completing a W5 form with your employer for Advanced EIC or you can apply for the credit at tax time. To learn more, contact the IRS at (800) 829-3676.

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).

Low-income customers, at or below 110% of the federal poverty level, may be eligible for a home heating credit for the 2024 tax year to help pay winter heating bills. The Home Heating Credit tax form must be completed no later than September 30 each year. Ask your local tax preparer or seek free assistance from the Accounting Aid Society at (866) 673-0873 or (313) 556-1920.

The Michigan Lifeline program is for landline voice telephone service only. This Lifeline program makes basic local telephone (landline) service more affordable for income-eligible individuals and families in Michigan with an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.

The Federal Lifeline program makes voice (wireless or wireline service) and broadband service more affordable for income-eligible individuals and families under the same qualifications listed above. If you qualify, you may receive a discount for monthly telephone and/or broadband service from your wireline, wireless, or broadband provider.  Additionally, Lifeline benefits are limited to one per household, not per person.

Visit fcc.gov/lifeline for more information.

Michigan 2-1-1 is a free confidential service linking people with local community-based organizations across the state to help with energy assistance, rent payment, child and elder care, emergency shelters, job training, counseling and other needs. To learn more, call 211 or visit mi211.org.

The Michigan Community Action member service network provides energy assistance and home weatherization to reduce energy use and lower utility bills to income eligible customers. All services to qualified applicants are free. For more information, call (517) 321-7500.

If you are below 150% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for a $8.50 per month credit on your electric account and/or a $13.50 per month credit on your gas account.

To determine eligibility for the Residential Income Assistance credit, the following documentation is required for income verification and can be submitted using our Document Submission Portal. Allow for 48 -72 hours for processing of documentation.

1. Identification for all members of the household who are 18 years or older including the DTE account holder (Valid ID and Social Security Cards are both required):
   • Valid Michigan or government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License, City-Issued Photo ID, State ID, Passport, etc). Note: Due to COVID and delays in renewing licenses, etc, IDs that expired after February 2020 will be accepted at this time.
   • Social Security Cards for all members in the household regardless of the age including the DTE account holder.
2. Proof of income for all members of the household 18 years or older including the DTE account holder (choose from one of the following):
   • Two (2) most recent copies of paychecks or pay stubs.  Pay stubs greater than 60 days old will not be accepted.
   • Unemployment compensation benefit check stubs or benefit statements
   • SSI Statement for current year
   • MDHHS Benefit Letter
   • Copy of HHC Energy Draft for current year.  Note: We will accept a copy of an HHC Energy Draft if gas is with another utility provider.

If qualified and enrolled, income must be verified every 12 months to continue receiving the credit.

The Salvation Army provides energy assistance and other services to low-income customers. Find a Salvation Army center near you.

State Emergency Relief is available for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. You can call United Way of Southeastern Michigan at 211 or (844) 211-4994 or United Way of Jackson County at (517) 741-0202 if you need further assistance.

The State Emergency Relief program provides immediate help to households at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level and that have a past-due energy bill.

When funding resumes, apply online through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at michigan.gov/mibridges, or contact one of our community partners to get help applying.

To learn more about foreclosure prevention assistance for Wayne County residents call (877) 693-6199.