Managing energy bills can be a significant challenge for many households. If you’re finding it difficult to keep up with your energy expenses, the Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) Program is designed to provide crucial assistance. This 24-month affordable payment plan is structured to help you regain control over your energy bills and ensure consistent service. By enrolling in CARE, you can access a range of benefits aimed at easing your financial burden and promoting energy efficiency.
As a participant in the CARE program, you’ll gain access to several key advantages:
- Predictable, Fixed Monthly Bills: Say goodbye to fluctuating energy bills. CARE offers a stable, fixed monthly payment amount, making budgeting easier and eliminating unexpected high bills.
- Past Due Balance Forgiveness: Worried about an existing balance? CARE includes a debt forgiveness component. By making consistent, on-time payments, your past due balance will be gradually forgiven, offering a fresh start towards financial stability.
Beyond financial assistance, CARE members may also qualify for complimentary in-home energy efficiency upgrades through the Helping Neighbors Program. These upgrades are designed to reduce your energy consumption, leading to long-term savings on your utility bills. To discover more about these energy-saving opportunities, reach out to 877-448-9433 or explore ConsumersHelpingNeighbors.com.
Enrollment in the CARE program is for a fixed duration of 24 months from your enrollment date. Upon completion of the program, re-enrollment necessitates a validation process to ensure continued eligibility and support.
Determining Your Eligibility for the CARE Program
To be considered for the CARE Program, prospective participants must fulfill specific eligibility requirements:
- DHHS Referral (SER): Eligibility is primarily determined by receiving an energy-related State Emergency Relief (SER) referral from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), confirming income eligibility.
- Account Balance Threshold: The total outstanding balance on your Consumers Energy account must be less than $4,000 to qualify for the program.
- Active Consumers Energy Account: Applicants must be active residential Consumers Energy account holders or the legally recognized spouse of the account holder.
- No History of Fraud or Theft: Accounts must be free of unresolved issues related to energy theft or fraudulent activity.
Streamlining Your CARE Enrollment
The CARE enrollment period typically commences in October each year and operates on a first-come, first-served basis due to program capacity. If you are facing past due balances and require immediate bill assistance, the first step is to apply for State Emergency Relief (SER). During your SER application, you have the option to select a Navigator agency from a provided list. These agency navigators are invaluable resources, offering support in the CARE enrollment process and connecting you with additional self-sufficiency services. For local assistance, simply dial 2-1-1 to be connected with resources in your area.
To expedite your CARE program application, it is advisable to gather the necessary documentation beforehand. Please ensure you have the following documents readily available:
- Your most recent Consumers Energy bill for account verification.
- Social Security cards for the applicant and Social Security numbers for all household members.
- A valid driver’s license or government-issued photo ID of the applicant.
- Proof of gross income for all household members received in the 30 days preceding your application date (prior to deductions).
Exploring Alternative Assistance Programs
If the CARE Program doesn’t align with your specific circumstances, Consumers Energy provides other assistance programs to support customers.
Year-Round Shut-Off Protection Plan
This plan offers continuous protection against service shut-offs throughout the year.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Income must meet established guidelines, set at 200% of the poverty level.
- A down payment of 10% of the total account balance is required upon enrollment.
Seasonal Winter Protection Plan (November 1 – March 31)
The Winter Protection Plan is specifically available during the colder months to ensure vulnerable customers maintain essential energy services.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Available to Senior Citizens aged 65 years or older.
- Income must meet guidelines, capped at 150% of the poverty level.
- A down payment is necessary for enrollment in this plan.
For more detailed information about the CARE program or to discuss your eligibility and enrollment, please contact Consumers Energy directly at 877-448-9433. Their customer service representatives are equipped to guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have about managing your energy bills.
