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The Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) offered by DTE Energy provides an essential support system for eligible households struggling to manage their utility costs. This program allows participants to enroll in a fixed monthly payment plan, ensuring that they pay a consistent amount for their utilities while DTE covers any difference between this fixed amount and the actual monthly bill. In addition to predictable billing, the LSP program offers several key benefits, including access to dedicated Customer Advocates, protection from utility shutoffs, and the elimination of late payment charges. To qualify, applicants must meet specific income guidelines, which require that their household income does not exceed 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Furthermore, applicants must have an active utility service and cannot have outstanding arrears exceeding $4,000. The application process is straightforward, with options to apply online for faster processing or submit a paper application by mail. However, applicants must ensure they provide complete information and necessary documentation, such as proof of income and identification, to avoid delays. With strict guidelines, including a limit on missed payments, the LSP program is designed to promote self-sufficiency and stability for low-income households.

Lsp Program Dte Example

LOW INCOME

SELF-SUFFICIENCY PLAN (LSP)

AN AFFORDABLE MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN

Enroll in DTE Energy’s LSP plan.

Once enrolled you will pay a ixed monthly amount for your utilities, and the program will pay the difference between the plan amount and your monthly bill.

Other program beneits include access to dedicated Customer Advocates, self-suficiency supports, protection from shutoff, no future late payment charges and the reduction of your outstanding balance.

Any three missed payments during the year will result in plan termination.

To qualify, income must be equal to or less than 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines (see chart below).

~You must not have used more than $2,150 in natural gas in the prior 12 months, $1,600 in electricity or $3,750 in both natural gas and electricity.

~Applicant must have an active service and no unauthorized usage.

~Arrears must not exceed $4,000.

If you have access to the internet, web application submissions are preferred for faster eligibility determination; apply online at https://lspapp.liveunitedsem.org

HOW TO APPLY:

Fill out paper application or Web application

Paper applications can be mailed to United Way for Southeastern Michigan (starting with page 3)

Mailbox: UWSEM LSP

535 Griswold Street, Ste 111-610

Detroit, MI 48226

No walk-in applications accepted at above address

Need help completing this form?

Call: 844.598.7967 (Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) or visit LiveUnitedSEM.org/LSP

FAMILY

MAXIMUM MONTHLY

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

SIZE

(150% POVERTY LEVEL)

 

 

 

1

$1,508

 

 

2

$2,030

 

 

3

$2,553

 

 

4

$3,075

 

 

5

$3,598

 

 

6

$4,120

 

 

7

$4,643

 

 

8

$5,165

 

 

*For each additional household member over 8 add $522.50

PLEASE ALLOW 10 DAYS FOR APPLICATION PROCESSING

1

LOW INCOME

SELF-SUFFICIENCY PLAN (LSP)

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

pMust be 18 years or older to apply

pAll pages of the application must be completed & returned to United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

pApplication must be signed and dated by the DTE Energy account holder.

pAccount holder must provide valid copies of their ID and Social Security Card.

pAddress on ID must match the service address of the account. If not, you

must provide another document validating the address for the account holder/applicant.

pInclude all household members date

of birth and full social security numbers.

pProof of all household income,

the previous 30 days of check stubs, child support, unemployment, cash assistance, (FIP), adoption subsidy/direct care, worker’s compensation, alimony, interest annuities or dividends, self-employment

pInclude a copy of your utility bill that you are seeking assistance for.

Any incomplete applications will delay the 10-day processing period.

2

Michigan Energy Assistance Program

LOW INCOME

MEAP Application

SELF-SUFFICIENCY PLAN (LSP)

Household Information

I hereby make application for the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). I understand that there may be a delay in processing ifthere is missing information. The MEAP crisis season runs from November 1 through May 31 therefore emergency assistance may not be available June 1 through October 31.

Attach extra pages if you need to include additional members. List everyone who lives in your home, including adults and children temporarily absent due to illness or employment. People are considered members of your household if they sleep and keep their belongings in your home. Be sure to include the date of birth and citizenship status for each member.

Name

Name

Name

Name

Name

Name

Relationship to You

Social Security Number

Disabled?

Date of Birth

Citizen?

Veteran?

SELF

 

o Y o N

 

oY oN

oY oN

Relationship to You

Social Security Number

Disabled?

Date of Birth

Citizen?

Veteran?

 

 

o Y o N

 

oY oN

oY oN

Relationship to You

Social Security Number

Disabled?

Date of Birth

Citizen?

Veteran?

Relationship to You

 

o Y o N

 

oY oN

oY oN

Social Security Number

Disabled?

Date of Birth

Citizen?

Veteran?

 

 

o Y o N

 

oY oN

oY oN

Relationship to You

Social Security Number

Disabled?

Date of Birth

Citizen?

Veteran?

 

 

o Y o N

 

oY oN

oY oN

Relationship to You

Social Security Number

Disabled?

Date of Birth

Citizen?

Veteran?

 

 

o Y o N

 

oY oN

oY oN

Household Address (Service Address)

Address (Numbers & Street Name, Apt., etc.)

City

 

 

 

State

County

Zip Code

Mailing Address, if different than above

Address (Numbers & Street Name, Apt., etc.)

City

State

County

Zip Code

Additional Information Needed

Is anyone in the household: pregnant? 18 years old and in high school?

 

 

 

o Pregnant o 18 yrs/high school o No

 

 

 

Home Heating Credit (HHC): Have you applied for or received the HHC (Energy Draft)

 

o Yes, month received_____________ o No

in the last 6 months?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you or do you currently receive benefits from Department of Health and

 

o Yes

o No

Human Services (DHHS)?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you received energy assistance from another agency or through a provider-

 

o Yes, who was the provider(s):___________

sponsored program since October 1?

 

 

 

 

o No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do you heat your home?

o Natural Gas

o Propane

 

o Wood

o No heat Obligation

(Select One)

o Fuel Oil

o Electric Heat*

 

o Coal

o Other:___________

 

*Electric heat sources include solar panel, boilers, radiators, or baseboard heating, but DO NOT include space heaters

Emergency Need: Check the service(s) that you are

o

Household Heating $_________

 

If this is a prepaid account, amount in the account $_______

requesting and the amount needed to resolve the

 

*If deliverable fuel, percentage remaining in tank ________%

emergency for 30 days.

 

 

o

Electricity (non-heating) $_____________________

 

 

 

 

If this is a prepaid account, amount in account $ _________

*Payment for deliverable fuel will not be made if, at the time of delivery, it is confirmed that you have more than 25 percent of fuel remaining in your tank.

3

 

Electric (non-heat) Provider Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOW INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name and address of company/energy provider

 

 

Account number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SELF-SUFFICIENCY PLAN (LSP)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service Address

 

 

Name on account

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Has your electricity been turned off?

 

 

o Yes, Date service was turned off: __________

o No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you received a past due or shut off notice for your electricity?

 

o Yes, when is service scheduled to be turned off: __________

 

 

 

 

 

o No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Household Heating Provider Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name and address of company/energy provider

 

 

Account number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service Address

 

 

Name on account

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Has your heat been turned off or have you run out of your

 

o Yes, Date heat was turned off or fuel ran out: __________

 

 

o No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

only heating fuel source?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you received a past due or shut off notice for your heat or are

 

o Yes, number of days until fuel runs out or date service is scheduled

 

you at risk of running out of your household heating fuel?

 

to be shut off: __________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Household Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does your household have any income?

 

o Yes, Total monthly Income $___________

o No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please check all sources of income that your household expects to receive in the next 30 days

 

 

 

 

 

o Social Security

 

o Disability Benefits

 

o Employment/earned income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

 

o Self-employment Income

o Worker’s Compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o Pension/retirement benefits

 

o Unemployment

 

o Money from family/friends

 

 

o Veteran’s Benefits/Military

 

o Child Support

 

o Other (ex: lottery winnings) please

 

Allotments

 

 

 

 

list:________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

oTribal payments (Energy Assistance/LIHEAP, tribal GA, casino/gambling profit sharing, land claims, etc.)

oRental income or a land contract, mortgage or other payment payable to a household member

Person with income

Type of income

(if employed name of employer)

Gross monthly Income

(Amount before taxes and

expenses)

How often received?

(Weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc.)

Have there been any changes or do you expect a change in your

household income in the next 30 days?

o No

o Yes, Please briefly explain below:

4

 

Income Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOW INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check all expenses that apply to your household and the following information. Attach proof for each.

 

 

 

 

SELF-SUFFICIENCY PLAN (LSP)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How often paid?

Covers what time period?

 

o Health insurance premium

Amount

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o Court ordered child support

Amount

 

 

How often paid?

 

Covers what

time period?

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o Actual child care costs paid by an employed household

 

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

member, not DHHS

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o Unusual employment related

Amount

 

 

Explain Expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

expenses

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Requirement

Please sign below after reading the following information, otherwise this application will be considered incomplete

By requesting assistance through MEAP, you may be referred to, or required to, participate in additional services such as budgeting assistance, energy audits, or other programs that will help your household pay energy bills and understand energy consumption.

I understand I have eight calendar days to provide all verifications requested and failure to provide the above information may result in denial of my application. I understand giving false information can result in referral to the prosecutor for fraud. I understand that my application may be one of those chose for a complete investigation. An agency or department representative may call at my home and may contact other people in order to verify my eligibility for assistance.

I authorize my energy company to release by phone, fax, email or their computer website all available information about my account.

I authorize the assisting agency or provider to release my name and address to the local weatherization operator as part of the Weatherization Referral system. I authorize the department to release case and payment information to the Department of Health and Human Services, its affiliates and/or contracted agencies, for the purpose of research, study and evaluation of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP).

I authorize United Way for Southeastern Michigan to share the information contained in this application with agencies that can provide additional energy assistance and services, and I grant authorization to those agencies to share information back to United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I SWEAR OR AFFIRM THAT THIS APPLICATION HAS BEEN EXAMINED BY OR READ TO ME. IF I AM A THIRD PARTY APPLYING ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER PERSON, I SWEAR THAT THIS APPLICATION HAS BEEN EXAMINED BY OR READ TO THE APPLICANT. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THE FACTS ARE TRUE AND COMPLETE.

Signature of applicant or head of household

Date

Signature of spouse

Date

Address (Numbers & Street Name, Apt. etc.)

Signature of agency representative

Date

Current phone number

Identification of applicant or authorized representative

Request for Review

If you believe any action of the agency is incorrect, or if the decision to approve or deny your application is not made within 10 (ten) days of the application date, you have the right to request a hearing. A request for a hearing must be in writing, signed by you or your authorized representative, and received by the agency making the eligibility determination within 90 days following the date of this form.

5

In addition to utility assistance, United Way can also provide LSP customers with additional services

and resources to help meet their basic needs. Your answers to the questions below WILL help us direct you to additional services that may beneit you and your household. Your answers to these questions WILL NOT inluence your eligibility for utility payment assistance in any way.

SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1.United Way can offer LSP customers the following services and resources. Please select all options which you would be willing and able to participate in.

qI would like to participate in a Facebook group with other LSP customers, where I can share and receive information about resources in my community

qI am interested in receiving one-on-one inancial coaching and community referrals from a LSP Care Coordinator over the phone

qI would like to be referred to my local Community Action Agency for in-person services and resources

qI am interested in receiving services through the Family Independence Initiative, by meeting with peers in-person and online on a regular basis to work towards my goals

qI will call United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline if I need anything

2.Email address: __________________________________________________________________

I authorize United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM) to send text messages to my cell phone to convey information regarding additional services.

qYes

qNo

3.If your household has no income, are you able to make the monthly ixed payment required for enrollment at LSP?

qYes. Please explain. ________________________________________________________________________

qNo. Please refer me to other programs.

qNot applicable. My household has income.

4.What language do you most often speak?

qEnglish

qSpanish

qArabic

qOther ____________

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

5.Does your household’s monthly income cover your basic needs other than electric and gas utilities? (including SSI, disability, and other forms of government or family assistance)

qAlmost Always True

qSometimes True

qRarely True

qDon’t Know

6.My household has the ability to set aside a portion of my income on a monthly basis?)

qAlmost Always True

qSometimes True

qRarely True

qDon’t Know

6

HOUSING STATUS

7.Does your household need assistance to be able to stay in your current housing OR to ind and maintain other, safer, or more stable housing?

q Yes q No

q Don’t Know

8.Are you able to stay in your current housing for the near future? q Yes

q No

q Don’t Know

FOOD AVAILABILITY

9.Is your household currently able meet its basic food needs? That is, are the members of your household able to purchase and prepare adequate amounts of healthy food?

q Almost Always True q Sometimes True q Rarely True

q Don’t Know

10.If you have children in your household, do they receive free or reduced price lunch at school? q Yes

q No

q Don’t Know

q No Children in the Household

11.Can any members in your household easily walk, drive, or take the bus to your local grocery store/food pantry? q Yes

q No

TRANSPORTATION

12.Is your household able to meet your basic travel needs? Basic travel needs include the ability to get to work, school, appointments, religious services, and grocery shopping.

q Almost Always True q Sometimes True q Rarely True

q Don’t Know

13.If you, or someone in your household, uses a car, is it insured? q Yes

q No

EMPLOYMENT

14.Which of the following categories best describes your employment status? q Employed, working 40 or more hours per week

q Employed, working 1-39 hours per week q Not employed, looking for work

q Not employed, not looking for work q Retired

q Disabled, not able to work

7

15.If you are currently employed, does your job provide you with beneits?

qYes

qNo

qDon’t Know

CHILD CARE

16.Does your household have child care available when needed? q Almost Always True

q Sometimes True q Rarely True

q No Children in the household q Don’t know

17.Is your household able to cover the costs for the child care available? q Almost Always true

q Sometimes True q Rarely True

q No Children in the household q Don’t know

HEALTHCARE COVERAGE

18.Are members in your household able to get adequate medical care when needed? q Almost Always True

q Sometimes True q Rarely True

q Don’t Know

19.Are members in your household covered by an affordable health insurance plan(s)? q Almost Always True

q Sometimes True q Rarely True

q Don’t Know

EDUCATION

20.Does anyone in your household need to obtain a GED (a general equivalency diploma)? q Yes

q No

q Don’t Know

21.Is anyone in your household interested in a job training or certiication program? q Yes

q No

q Don’t Know

22.Is anyone in your household interested in receiving English as Second Language (ESL) programming? q Yes

q No

q Don’t Know

8

File Breakdown

Fact Name Details
Program Name Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP)
Monthly Payment Participants pay a fixed monthly amount for utilities, with DTE Energy covering the difference between the plan amount and the actual bill.
Eligibility Criteria Income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines.
Energy Usage Limits Applicants must not have used more than $2,150 in natural gas or $1,600 in electricity in the past 12 months.
Application Process Applications can be submitted online or via paper. Online applications are preferred for quicker processing.
Application Address Paper applications should be mailed to United Way for Southeastern Michigan, 535 Griswold Street, Ste 111-610, Detroit, MI 48226.
Household Income Limits For a household of one, the maximum income is $1,508; for a household of eight, it's $5,165. Additional members increase the limit by $522.50 each.
Application Processing Time Applicants should allow 10 days for processing once the application is submitted.
Missed Payments Three missed payments within a year will lead to termination of the LSP plan.
Governing Law The program is governed by the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) regulations.

Guide to Using Lsp Program Dte

Filling out the LSP Program DTE form is an important step toward securing assistance for your utility bills. Once you complete the form, it will be submitted for processing. Make sure to provide accurate information to avoid delays. Follow the steps below to fill out the form correctly.

  1. Start by gathering all necessary documents, including your ID, Social Security card, and proof of income.
  2. Complete all pages of the application, ensuring that every section is filled out accurately.
  3. Include your household information, listing everyone who lives in your home, along with their dates of birth and Social Security numbers.
  4. Provide your current service address and, if different, your mailing address.
  5. Indicate if anyone in the household is pregnant or if any members are 18 years old and in high school.
  6. Answer questions about your home heating source and any emergency needs you may have.
  7. Detail your household income, listing all sources and the total monthly income.
  8. Check all relevant expenses and provide proof for each expense listed.
  9. Sign and date the application, ensuring it is signed by the DTE Energy account holder.
  10. Make copies of all documents for your records before mailing the application to United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

After submitting your application, allow up to 10 days for processing. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out for help.

Get Answers on Lsp Program Dte

What is the LSP Program DTE form?

The Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) is a program designed to assist eligible households in managing their utility bills. By enrolling in this program, participants agree to pay a fixed monthly amount for their utilities. The program covers the difference between this fixed amount and the actual monthly bill. Additional benefits include protection from service shutoff, access to dedicated customer advocates, and no late payment charges.

Who is eligible to apply for the LSP Program?

To qualify for the LSP Program, applicants must meet several criteria:

  • Household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
  • Natural gas usage must not exceed $2,150, electricity usage must not exceed $1,600, and combined usage must not exceed $3,750 in the past 12 months.
  • The applicant must have an active utility service without unauthorized usage.
  • Outstanding arrears should not exceed $4,000.

It is important to gather all necessary documentation, including proof of income and identification, before applying.

How can I apply for the LSP Program?

Applicants can apply for the LSP Program in two ways:

  1. Online: It is recommended to apply through the web application for faster processing. Visit this link to start your application.
  2. By Mail: Complete a paper application and send it to the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. The mailing address is:
    • United Way for Southeastern Michigan
    • Mailbox: UWSEM LSP
    • 535 Griswold Street, Ste 111-610
    • Detroit, MI 48226

For assistance with the application, you can call 844.598.7967, available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What happens if I miss payments while enrolled in the LSP Program?

It is crucial to stay current with your payments while enrolled in the LSP Program. If you miss three payments within a year, your enrollment in the program will be terminated. This can result in losing the benefits provided by the program, including protection from shutoff and assistance with your outstanding balance.

Common mistakes

Filling out the LSP Program DTE form can be straightforward, but mistakes often occur. One common error is failing to complete all pages of the application. Incomplete applications will delay processing and may result in denial. Ensure every section is filled out thoroughly before submission.

Another mistake is not providing valid identification. The account holder must include copies of their ID and Social Security card. If the address on the ID does not match the service address, additional documentation is necessary. This step is crucial to verify identity and residency.

Many applicants overlook the requirement to include all household members' information. Each member's date of birth and Social Security number must be listed. Missing this information can lead to processing delays, so double-check that everyone is accounted for.

Proof of income is also frequently mishandled. Applicants must submit documentation for all sources of income received in the last 30 days. This includes pay stubs, child support, and other financial support. Failure to provide this documentation can result in application denial.

Some individuals forget to sign and date the application. This is a critical step; without a signature, the application will be considered incomplete. Ensure that the account holder signs and dates the form before sending it in.

Lastly, applicants often neglect to check their application for errors before submission. Simple mistakes, such as typos or incorrect figures, can cause significant delays. Taking a moment to review the application can prevent unnecessary complications in the process.

Documents used along the form

The LSP Program DTE form is an important document for those seeking assistance with their utility bills. However, it is often accompanied by several other forms and documents that help streamline the application process and ensure that applicants meet all requirements. Here are four key documents that are frequently used alongside the LSP Program DTE form:

  • Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) Application: This application is necessary for individuals seeking additional energy assistance beyond the LSP program. It collects household information and income details to determine eligibility for further support, especially during the crisis season from November 1 to May 31.
  • Application Checklist: This checklist outlines all the required documents and information that applicants need to submit with their LSP application. It includes items like proof of income, identification, and utility bills. Following this checklist helps prevent delays in processing the application.
  • Proof of Income Documentation: Applicants must provide valid proof of their household income, which can include pay stubs, child support statements, or other financial documents. This information is critical for determining eligibility for the LSP program and must be current, typically covering the last 30 days.
  • Utility Bill: A copy of the utility bill for which assistance is being requested is essential. This document verifies the applicant's current utility expenses and helps the agency assess the amount of assistance needed.

Understanding these additional documents can make the application process smoother and increase the chances of receiving the needed assistance. Each document plays a vital role in ensuring that applicants receive the support they require to manage their utility expenses effectively.

Similar forms

The LSP Program DTE form is similar to several other documents that assist individuals with utility payments and financial support. Here are seven documents that share similarities with the LSP Program DTE form:

  • Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) Application: Like the LSP form, the MEAP application helps low-income households secure assistance for their energy bills. Both require detailed household income information and documentation to determine eligibility.
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Application: This federal program also provides energy assistance to low-income families. Similar to the LSP form, it assesses income levels and household size to qualify applicants for aid.
  • Utility Bill Assistance Application: Many utility companies offer their own assistance programs. These applications often require similar information regarding income and household members, much like the LSP form.
  • Food Assistance Program Application: This application assesses eligibility for food assistance based on income and household size. Both forms require personal and financial information to determine eligibility for support.
  • Rental Assistance Application: Rental assistance programs often require documentation of income and household composition. This mirrors the requirements of the LSP Program DTE form in terms of financial verification.
  • Child Care Assistance Application: This application evaluates eligibility for financial support for child care costs. Similar to the LSP form, it requires detailed income information and documentation from the applicant.
  • Health Insurance Marketplace Application: This application assesses eligibility for health insurance subsidies based on income and household size. It shares the same focus on financial documentation and household information as the LSP form.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the LSP Program DTE form, there are specific actions to take and avoid to ensure a smooth application process. Below is a list of dos and don'ts to guide you.

  • Do ensure you are at least 18 years old to apply.
  • Do complete all pages of the application before submission.
  • Do sign and date the application as the DTE Energy account holder.
  • Do provide valid identification and a Social Security card.
  • Do include the date of birth and Social Security numbers for all household members.
  • Do attach proof of income for the past 30 days.
  • Don't submit an incomplete application, as this will delay processing.
  • Don't forget to include a copy of your utility bill for which you are seeking assistance.
  • Don't use the application if your arrears exceed $4,000.

Following these guidelines will help ensure your application is processed efficiently and effectively.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the LSP Program DTE form can lead to confusion and missed opportunities for assistance. Here are seven common misunderstandings:

  • Anyone can apply for the LSP program. Only individuals with a household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level can qualify.
  • Missed payments do not affect enrollment. If you miss three payments within a year, your enrollment in the program will be terminated.
  • Proof of income is not necessary. You must provide proof of all household income for the past 30 days to complete your application.
  • Application processing takes a long time. While it may take up to 10 days, incomplete applications can delay this process significantly.
  • All household members do not need to be listed. You must include everyone who lives in your home, including temporary absences due to illness or employment.
  • Late payment charges will apply. Once enrolled in the LSP program, you will not incur future late payment charges.
  • You can submit your application in person. The program does not accept walk-in applications; submissions must be mailed or done online.

Understanding these points can help you navigate the application process more effectively and ensure you receive the assistance you need.

Key takeaways

Here are some key takeaways about filling out and using the LSP Program DTE form:

  • Enroll in the LSP plan: Once enrolled, you'll pay a fixed monthly amount for your utilities.
  • The program covers the difference between your plan amount and your actual monthly bill.
  • Access to dedicated Customer Advocates is available for enrolled participants.
  • Protection from shutoff is a significant benefit of the program.
  • Be mindful that three missed payments will lead to termination of your plan.
  • To qualify, your income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
  • Ensure all household members' information, including Social Security numbers, is complete on the application.
  • Online applications are preferred for faster processing; visit the provided website to apply.
  • Applications should be fully completed and sent to the United Way for Southeastern Michigan to avoid delays.

Taking these steps will help ensure a smoother application process and maximize the benefits of the LSP Program.