Qualifying State Residents Can Get Help With Heating Bills

PONTIAC, Mich., Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- During February, which Governor Snyder has designated Keep Michigan Warm Month, Consumers Energy is alerting qualifying Michigan residents that state and federal programs are available to help with heating bills. 

Last year, more than 484,000 Michigan residents received a combined total of almost $67 million in aid through the Home Heating Credit program, which is funded by the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  Last year's average credit was $138.  Due to federal funding cuts, that's expected to be lower this year.  Though the deadline to file is Sept. 30, 2012, residents are encouraged to file early.       

"Qualifying Michigan residents can get help with their heating bills through a Michigan Home Heating Credit and a federal Earned Income Credit," said Whitney Skeans, Consumers Energy's customer assistance coordinator.  The Home Heating Credit can be used for all types of primary heating fuel, including natural gas, propane and purchased firewood.  You do not need to file a state tax return to apply.   

Home Heating Credit forms (MI-1040CR-7) are available at the following locations: most public libraries, Secretary of State branch offices, Department of Human Services branch offices, or linked from Consumers Energy's "Energy Answers" section on its website:  www.consumersenergy.com/energyanswers.

The federal Earned Income Credit is another refundable federal income tax credit available to qualifying low-income taxpayers.  It must be filed during tax season.  For income guidelines, contact your employer, call the Internal Revenue Service at [phone], or visit www.irs.gov.        

The Michigan Department of Treasury can answer questions about both forms; information is available by calling [phone]. Downloadable forms and booklets can be found at:  www.michigan.gov/taxes

Additionally, Consumers Energy employee-volunteers are hosting Accounting Aid Society volunteers to assist southeast Michigan residents with the Home Heating Credit applications each Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM until April 14 at the utility's handicapped-accessible Pontiac service center, 1030 Featherstone at Opdyke Road. Other locations for tax filing assistance through the Accounting Aid Society can be found at:  http://accountingaidsociety.org or statewide through the Michigan VITA site at:  http://www.michiganeic.org/freetaxprep

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million of the state's nearly 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.