Americans can still get $250 in January energy bill credits — see if you qualify now

As winter energy costs climb, some Americans are getting a welcome break on their utility bills. A new January wave of energy assistance programs is delivering automatic credits and flexible payment options for eligible households. In Michigan, qualifying residents could see an average $250 credit applied directly to their bills. The programs aim to help vulnerable households manage winter energy costs without requiring tax filings.


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Who qualifies for the $250 energy bill credit?

Many Michigan residents can benefit from the Home Heating Credit (HHC), which opened for applications on January 1. The program provides an average $250 credit that is automatically applied to eligible customers’ energy bills, as per a report by The US Sun.

To qualify, customers must receive service from Consumers Energy and have a household income below 110% of the federal poverty line. Importantly, residents do not need to file taxes to receive the credit, making it more accessible for those with limited resources. State officials are encouraging all eligible customers to apply as winter heating needs increase.

Consumers Energy described the initiative as part of its broader effort to support customers struggling with rising costs, as per a report by The US Sun.

“We are committed to ensuring these much need[ed] dollars are available to our customers most in need,” Consumers Energy’s Senior Executive Director of Customer Experience and Programs Brian Lewis said.
“By connecting our most vulnerable customers with the resources to stay on top of their energy bills we are advancing energy equity for all Michiganders.”

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What other payment help is available in Michigan?

Beyond the Home Heating Credit, Consumers Energy also offers the Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) program. CARE is a 24-month payment plan that provides customers with an affordable, fixed monthly bill, as per a report by The US Sun.


The program can also cover past-due balances while participants make regular monthly payments. To qualify, customers must be Consumers Energy gas or electric customers with income at or below 60% of the state’s median income. The account must be tied to a primary residence, and applicants cannot have unresolved bankruptcy, fraud, or theft issues.

Customers who already receive other forms of state assistance are automatically eligible. Those enrolled in CARE may also qualify for no-cost, in-home energy efficiency upgrades designed to lower future energy expenses.


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Is emergency energy assistance available?

Additional relief is available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services via the State Emergency Relief (SER) fund. SER provides one-time payments to eligible customers who are behind on their energy bills, as per a report by The US Sun.

Households earning up to 150% of the federal poverty line may qualify. For customers whose utilities have been shut off, the state can pay up to $600 for electric or gas services. All-electric households may receive up to $900 toward shut-off amounts, offering critical help during extreme winter conditions.

Together, these programs aim to reduce the risk of service interruptions while helping families stay warm during the coldest months of the year.

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FAQs

Do you need to file taxes to get the $250 credit?
No. Eligible Michigan customers can receive the Home Heating Credit without filing taxes.

Can past-due energy bills be covered?
Yes. Programs like CARE and SER can help pay overdue balances for qualifying households.