Michigan dept of Health and Human Services bust myth: Need only strikes in winter Low-income households face utility shut-off notices year-round

June 17, 2010

ESCANABA, Mich. - Michigan's troubling economic climate has caused an unprecedented number of families to seek help putting food on their tables or paying their bills. But that hardship is not just happening in the winter. Low-income residents are also facing utility shut-off notices in the summer - situations that put them and their families at risk when the temperatures rise. This is just one of the many myths that are tarnishing the purpose of the welfare system, which is why the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is continuing its statewide campaign in Escanaba to bust those myths with facts, Director Ismael Ahmed said today.

"Those myths have caused a stigma that may prevent some people who truly need help, especially families with young children and the elderly, to come forward," Ahmed said. "We want to put an end to that because the safety net helps families get back on their feet."

MDHHS representatives and partners dispelled myths at the event today as part of the department's "Welfare 101: busting myths about welfare" campaign. The campaign was launched on April 1 in an effort to reduce widespread negative perceptions and show how valuable the welfare system is for so many Michigan residents, as well as to the state's economy.

Among the myths busted during today's event:

Myth:  People only need assistance with their utility bills in the winter.

Fact:  Need doesn't only strike when the temperatures dip. Low-income residents need help paying their energy bills year-round.

In June, MDHHS launched a new online application for energy-related State Emergency Relief (SER) to increase access to low-income residents who are in need year-round.

The SER program provides immediate help to individuals and families facing conditions of extreme hardship or for emergencies that threaten health and safety. It's designed to maintain low-income households normally able to meet their needs, but that occasionally need help when unexpected emergencies arise.

In April, the MDHHS handled more than 29,000 energy-related SER cases statewide, totaling more than $12.8 million in payments.

The online application is available at www.michigan.gov/mibridges for eligible low-income residents who have had their utilities shut off, are facing a shut off, or are low on fuel, such as oil, propane or coal.

Nearly 200 community partners statewide have computers people case use to access the application, which adds to the 60 computer stations MDHHS has in about 30 offices.

"Our goal is to assist customers in need, so that they may acquire the funds necessary to retain their electric service," said Jodi Pineau, customer care manager with the Upper Peninsula Power Company. "Steps in reaching this goal include working with customers proactively to establish payment plans, provide agency referrals, and advise customers with critical health conditions on how to maintain their service."

Over the past several years, the U.P. 2-1-1 Call Center has seen an increase in calls regarding energy assistance, said Terry Thomma, administrative services manager and 2-1-1 supervisor for the Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress.

"Many of the calls received through the call center are from individuals looking for help with utility bill assistance," Thomma said. "Although a majority of these calls come in the winter months, U.P. 2-1-1 still receives calls throughout the summer. U.P. 2-1-1 call specialists direct these callers to their local MDHHS office to apply for emergency energy assistance."

Today, the need is great and MDHHS welfare programs can ease the burden on a temporary basis, said Barbara Anders, MDHHS' financial and quality services deputy director.

She agreed with the need to educate people about these programs. "It's more important than ever before to do your part to educate the skeptics," she said. "Be vigilant and make sure you don't fall into this trap yourself."

MDHHS officials anticipate the online energy assistance applications will be as successful as its online food assistance application, which has garnered more than 106,000 applicants since the option was launched in August 2009. The effort has successfully increased access to food and created an economic impact through clients' buying power.

Already, almost 1.8 million people in Michigan receive food assistance - a figure that's growing by about 30,000 people per month. The additional direct food benefits put into communities have a local economic impact because every $5 in food benefits generates about $9.20 in economic activity in communities, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates.

To raise awareness about the new online application, the department and energy companies will run radio spots and newspaper ads this summer.

The message? "If you're having trouble paying your energy bills, don't sweat it," Ahmed said. "You may qualify for emergency energy assistance."

Partners in attendance included: Partners in attendance will include: Michigan's Coordinated Access to Food for the Elderly; Upper Peninsula Power Company; Delta County Commission; Delta County Area Chamber of Commerce; Delta County Family Court; Six County Employment Alliance, The Job Force Board (MWA); Marquette Branch Prison; Dickinson/Iron County Salvation Army; Delta County Great Start; Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency; Delta County Salvation Army; and United Methodist Church.

For the truth about welfare, please visit the MDHHS website at www.michigan.gov/welfare101. Follow MDHHS on Twitter @MichiganDHS or become a fan at www.facebook.com/MichiganDHS.