Help With Heating Bills Available Through State and Federal Assistance Programs

JACKSON, Mich., March 24  /PRNewswire/ -- As Michigan faces a challenging economy, Consumers Energy is alerting low-income residents they can receive heating bill assistance by applying for a Michigan Home Heating Credit (HHC), a State of Michigan Earned Income Credit, and a Federal Earned Income Tax Credit.

The average Michigan Home Heating Credit is $145, the average State Earned Income Credit is $190, and a Federal Earned Income Credit can be as much as $4,824, depending on income eligibility.  It's not necessary to file a Michigan tax return in order to apply for a Home Heating Credit.  In order to receive the Earned Income Credits, applicants are required to file state and federal income tax forms.

"There is money available in the Michigan Home Heating Credit program to help low-income residents with their energy bills. Unfortunately, many eligible people do not take advantage of this program," said Debra Harmon, who coordinates Consumers Energy's customer assistance programs.

The Home Heating Credit Claim form (MI-1040CR-7) is available wherever other tax forms are provided. You also may get Home Heating Credit forms from the Michigan Department of Treasury at [phone], at http://www.michigan.gov/treasury.  Home Heating Credit forms are also available at Consumers Energy bill payment offices; or by calling Consumers Energy at [phone]; or at http://www.consumersenergy.com/

The Department of Treasury offers help in filling out the forms.  Information on that service is available by calling [phone].  Also, the Accounting Aid Society is again partnering with Consumers Energy to conduct tax workshops to assist low-income residents.  The workshops include help in filing Home Heating Credit applications.  The workshops are held on Saturdays, March 28 and April 4 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Consumers Energy's service centers in Pontiac and Royal Oak.

The deadline to file for a Home Heating Credit is September 30, 2009.  However, applicants are encouraged to file now for that credit.  The deadline for the state and federal Earned Income Credits is April 15, 2009.

Consumers Energy's website includes an Energy Answers section with a complete list of payment assistance programs, as well as "100 ways to save on your energy bill."  That website address is:  http://www.consumersenergy.com/energyanswers   Consumers Energy customers anticipating problems paying their energy bill should contact a customer service representative toll-free at [phone] for information about payment options and assistance programs.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to almost 6.5 million of the state's nearly 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our Website at http://www.consumersenergy.com/ 

DATASOURCE: Consumers Energy



CONTACT:  Dan Bishop, [phone] or Jeff Holyfield, +1-517/788-2394



Web Site:  http://www.consumersenergy.com/ 

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