Need help paying utility bills? We can help you with that.
Energy Assistance
MEAP (Michigan Energy Assistance Program) is a statewide program providing assistance with energy bills. United Way can provide MEAP assistance statewide. You can also dial 2-1-1 for all other types of assistance — including food, housing and rent.
To be enrolled in MEAP, you must be approved for State Emergency Relief (SER) first. You will need documentation including your most recent utility bill, ID, and pay stubs/benefit statements for all household members.
If you’ve already applied for utility assistance through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services SER application and would like to additionally apply for affordable payment plans, including DTE Energy’s LSP program, Consumer’s Energy’s CARE program and Semco Energy Gas Company’s Monthly Assistance Program (MAP), please click here.
Step one: APPLY FOR STATE EMERGENCY RELIEF (SER)
Choose United Way for Southeastern Michigan as your referral provider, using referral provider number 216993-004, to access additional support services, such as LSP, budget coaching and other resources.
To qualify for SER, you must meet a number of requirements. In general, eligibility is based on the number of individuals in your household, your monthly income and your countable cash assets over $50. Some assets such as homestead, one vehicle, personal and household goods are excluded.
STEP TWO: APPLY FOR MEAP
Documents needed for MEAP:
- Most recent utility bill
- SER approval letter
Once United Way has received your application, please allow 10 business days for processing.
Water and Sewer Assistance
United Way can provide assistance for water bills for Oakland County residents only.
If you live in Wayne County or Macomb County, click below to learn more about water bill assistance in your county.
Live elsewhere? Dial 2-1-1 to find a local assistance program.
Oakland County Water Bill and Plumbing Repair Assistance
Two programs are available to help Oakland County residents with their water bill — the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) and the Hardship Assistance Program.
Apply for water Assistance
Documents needed for WRAP and the Hardship Assistance Program (Oakland County only) :
- Pay stubs/benefit statements or SER approval letter for the last 30 days
Have unanswered questions about MEAP, WRAP or the Hardship Assistance Program? Dial 2-1-1 24 hours a day/seven days a week, or for more information, call 844-211-4994 toll free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Once United Way has received your application, please allow 10 business days for processing.
In a county not listed above? Dial 2-1-1 to be connected to your nearest WRAP provider!
Have unanswered questions about MEAP or WRAP? Dial 2-1-1 24 hours a day/seven days a week or for more information, call 1-844-211-4994 toll free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.