Utilities
MICHIGAN HOMEOWNERS ASSISTANCE FUND (MIHAF)
Are you a homeowner experiencing financial hardships?
The Homeowner Assistance Fund was established to mitigate hardships associated with the coronavirus pandemic by providing funds to prevent homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosure, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacements of homeowners experiencing financial hardship during the pandemic.
Just go to this link to begin the application. You can receive up to a $25,000 grant per household to pay:
Delinquent mortgage/housing expenses, including property tax and insurance escrow shortages
Delinquent land contract payments, mobile home consumer loan payments, or mobile home park lot payments
Delinquent property taxes
Delinquent condominium/homeowners' association fees
Delinquent homeowner's insurance,
Delinquent utilities, gas, electric, water, sewer
Delinquent internet broadband services
Apply today! Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF)
If you need any assistance, contact their customer support line directly at (844) 756-4423.
THAW: The Heat and Warmth Fund
Do you need energy assistance?
THAW works with agencies across Michigan to provide emergency energy and utility help to households facing financial difficulties. THAW has multiple utility assistance programs available which are open to income-eligible Michigan residents. However, before seeking THAW assistance, we encourage you to contact your utility provider to see what options may be available to you.
Grants to households are approved at the discretion of THAW staff and our agency partners. Find out about Individual Programs below.
For utility bill help, call THAW at 800-866-THAW (8429)
Low Income Household Water Assistance Plan (LIHWAP)
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Plan (LIHWAP) provides up to $650 in direct payment assistance for household accounts in arrears or disconnect status, and/or assistance with reconnection fees when services have been disconnected.
You can also qualify for an additional $350 through a State Emergency Relief (SER) Program. Click here to apply.
Tap Into the DWSD Lifeline Plan
Detroit's first-ever income-based water affordability plan
The new DWSD Lifeline Plan is developed based on research and feedback from water affordability experts and advocates. Water advocates have long said water should be 1.8% of the average household income. The Lifeline Plan offers qualifying customers a fixed monthly rate that meets the standard recommended by water affordability experts and erases past debt – for good.
The average Detroit household (three people) uses between 2,300 and 3,000 gallons of water per month. The DWSD Lifeline Plan provides income-eligible enrolled Detroiters up to 4,500 gallons of water every month at a fixed rate based on their household income. Any water used above 4,500 gallons in a month will result in a total bill higher than the fixed rate based on the amount of additional water used.
The DWSD Lifeline Plan’s three tiers:
If you receive SNAP/FAP benefits – You pay $18 a month for water, sewer, and drainage services;
If you are a low-income household (non-SNAP/FAP) – You pay $43 a month for your total DWSD bill; or
If you are a moderate-income household (non-SNAP/FAP) – You pay $56 a month for your total DWSD bill.
Income-eligible Detroit households include:
The 2,500 households currently enrolled in WRAP (Water Residential Assistance Program) will be auto-enrolled in the new plan beginning today;
The 19,000-plus households who were previously in WRAP can immediately qualify and will be contacted by Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency;
Low income-eligible households; and
Households receiving SNAP/FAP benefits.
Qualifying residents can enroll beginning July 1 by calling Wayne Metro to enroll now at 313-386-9727 or apply at www.waynemetro.org.
DWSD 10/30/50 Payment Plan
The 10/30/50 Plan was developed by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) for Detroit residents and businesses that experience difficulty in paying past due water and sewerage bills. There are no income restrictions to qualify. The plan affirms DWSD’s commitment to assist our customers with a payment plan that provides solutions to avoid service interruption.
Eligibility requirements to enroll:
The account must be in the resident’s or business’s name;
Customer makes a down payment of 10%, 30% or 50% of the past due balance:
Percentage is based on the number of payment plans the customer entered in the last 18 months; first time is 10%, second time 30%, third time or more 50%;
The balance of the past due amount is equally spread over a 6-24 month period which the customer pays in addition to the normal monthly bill (months are determined by the balance owed); and
All payments must be made in full and on time to stay in the plan.
You may apply for the DWSD 10/30/50 Plan online through the Customer Service Portal or call DWSD at 313-267-8000. If you are not registered on the Customer Service Portal, watch this video to learn how to register. If your name is not on your account, please call 313-267-8000.