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Fill Out Your Dte Application Form

The DTE Application form is a crucial document for those seeking assistance through the Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) offered by DTE Energy. This program helps eligible individuals manage their energy bills by allowing them to pay based on their income. If you believe you qualify, please take the time to fill out the application form by clicking the button below.

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Understanding the DTE Application form is crucial for anyone looking to access the Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) offered by DTE Energy. This program enables eligible households to make manageable monthly payments based on their income levels, significantly easing the burden of energy costs. To qualify, applicants must meet specific federal and state criteria, primarily revolving around income not exceeding 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, and their energy usage over the past year must align with average expectations for residential customers. The application process involves several straightforward steps: filling out the form, submitting a copy of the applicant's Social Security card, and providing identification and proof of income for all household members. It's essential to act quickly, as applications are processed on a first-come-first-served basis. The form is structured to ensure all necessary sections are completed prior to mailing, requiring items such as recent energy bills and various forms of income verification. Keep in mind, the information provided not only determines eligibility but may also be verified with state and federal agencies. Gathering these documents ahead of time will streamline your application process, paving the way for potential financial relief in managing energy expenses.

Dte Application Example

WE CAN HELP YOU!

DTE ENERGY OFFERS A LOW INCOME SELF- SUFFICIENCY PLAN (LSP)

This program allows you to make affordable monthly payments based on your income. The remaining portion of your bill is paid monthly with your energy assistance funds.

The federal and state eligibility criteria are:

■Income is equal to or less than 150% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines

■Energy consumption (electric and gas) over the past 12 months is compatible with average annual usage for a residential customer

To begin or continue your service, follow these simple steps:

1. Fill out the enclosed application; applicant MUST enclose a copy of their Social Security card

2.Provide proof of a valid identiication for all individuals living in your household

3.Provide proof of income of all individuals living in your

household

4.Mail all documents in the self- addressed envelope provided

What do you need to do to enroll or re-enroll?

New and continuing LSP program participants must submit an application to take advantage of the program.

Your completed application must be received as soon as possible; enrollment is on a irst-come-irst-served basis.

For more information, contact

United Way for Southeastern Michigan at

844-598-7967 or visit LiveUnitedSEM.org/LSP

LOW INCOME SELF-SUFFICIENCY PLAN (LSP) APPLICATION 2015-16

BEFORE MAILING, CHECK TO BE SURE THAT:

Each section in this application form has been carefully completed ; primary DTE account holder has signed at bottom of page one

Copy of MOST RECENT DTE bill is enclosed

Supporting documents proving identity are enclosed for each household member listed in Section 2 *Driver’s License

*State ID

*Birth Certiicate

*Voter’s Registration Card

*School ID

*Health Insurance Card

Social Security Number Requirement is met:

*Social Security Numbers for all members of the household, AND *Social Security Card for applicant, OR

*IRS Tax Transcript displaying full Social Security number, OR *Medicare Card displaying full Social Security number, OR

*Statement from Social Security Administration displaying full Social Security number, OR

*Receipt of Application for Social Security Card from Social Security Administration displaying Social Security number

Supporting documents are enclosed to prove earned income and expenses are enclosed for all earning members in the household.

Options include:

*Paystubs: All paystubs for the past 30 days. NO PAYSTUBS OLDER THAN 60 DAYS ACCEPTED

*Letter from employer dated within the last 60 days. Letter must include amount of income received per month, must be on company letterhead signed by a supervisor

*Health insurance premium payments, child support payment statements, union dues deductions

Supporting documents are enclosed to prove unearned/ixed income for the household.

Options include:

*SSI, Social Security, RSDI, SSDI, SDA and/or Pension statement *Child support statement from the court or website *Unemployment award letter dated within the last 60 days *Adoptions subsidy/Direct Care pay stubs

*Proof of alimony or spousal support

Self-employed household members who earned less than $10,000 last year (before taxes) have signed the Self- Employment Declaration Form; self-employment income of over $10,000 must include federal or state tax forms or Self-employment Proit Loss Statement

If there is ZERO income for all household members, sign and date the No Income Declaration Form. Mail the completed application, along with all necessary supporting documentation within the next 7 days:

Mailbox for UWSEM LSP

535 Griswold Street, Ste. 111-610

Detroit, MI 48226

*Address is used for mail only - no walk-in applications accepted at above address

Have questions or concerns regarding your eligibility? Need help completing this form?

Call toll free 844-598-7967 (Mon-Fri 9-5), or visit LiveUnitedSEM.org/LSP

SECTION 1: PRIMARY ACCOUNT HOLDER ADDRESS INFORMATION

First Name:

Middle Initial:

Last Name:

Social Security No.:

Birth Date:

DTE Energy Acct No.:

(12‐digit number at top right corner of bill)

DTE Energy Service Address:

City:

State:

ZIP:_

County:

3.Mailing Address (if different from above, or P.O. Box) Street Number & Name:

City:	State:		ZIP:_

4. Phone Number/Contact Information
Primary Phone:		□ Cell Phone		 Permission to text updates
Secondary Phone:		□ Cell Phone		 Permission to text updates
Email Address:

5.Place a check in front of the ONE PRIMARY REASON you are applying for energy assistance at this time:

□Low‐income household

□Job loss

□Medical hardship

□Other (explain):

Previous energy assistance received in prior 12 months?  Yes  No

If Yes,: Date of assistance:

Amount of Assistance: $

Name of Agency:

Utility Provider:

Applied for/received the Home Heating Credit in the last 6 months? □ Yes, month received

□ No

Were you referred by Welfare Rights Organization?  Yes

 No

Have you, or do you currently, receive benefits from DHS?

 Yes

 No

Do you:  Rent

 Own

SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT ‐ Please sign and date below. Otherwise, this application will be incomplete. I understand failure to provide the information requested may result in denial of my application. I also understand that United Way will certify all information contained in this application and the information is the sole means for determining my eligibility for enrollment and participation in DTE Energy's Low Income Self‐Sufficiency Plan (LSP). I also understand that I have eight (8) business days to provide all verifications and supporting documents requested and failure to provide them may result in denial of my application. I affirm the information provided is true and subject to verification, and that information for all household members can be shared. If any information I provide is false, I may be denied eligibility for the Low Income Self‐Sufficiency Plan. I authorize United Way and utility vendors to request and receive information from other parties as necessary to reach a determination for my eligibility. I understand that my customer information will be shared with state and federal agencies to meet the energy assistance guidelines. Additionally, a representative may call at my home and may contact other people in order to verify my eligibility for enrollment.

Signature of Applicant

Date

Page 1 of 8

SECTION 2: HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION

IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Examples of identity verification required for EACH household member listed below are copy of driver's license; state ID; passport; Social Security card; birth certificate; Permanent Resident or Alien Registration Receipt Card; or voter registration card.

	Relation to	Social Security
Name (full name)	Applicant	Number	Date of Birth		Check all that Apply

				□ Pregnant
1.				□ US citizen/legal alien
1.				□	Full‐time student
				□	Full‐time student
				□ Disabled
				□ Pregnant
2.				□ US citizen/legal alien
2.				□	Full‐time student
				□	Full‐time student
				□ Disabled
				□ Pregnant
3.				□ US citizen/legal alien
3.				□	Full‐time student
				□	Full‐time student
				□ Disabled
				□ Pregnant
4.				□ US citizen/legal alien
4.				□	Full‐time student
				□	Full‐time student
				□ Disabled
				□ Pregnant
5.				□ US citizen/legal alien
5.				□	Full‐time student
				□	Full‐time student
				□ Disabled
				□ Pregnant
6.				□ US citizen/legal alien
6.				□	Full‐time student
				□	Full‐time student
				□ Disabled
				□ Pregnant
7.				□ US citizen/legal alien
7.				□	Full‐time student
				□	Full‐time student
				□ Disabled
				□ Pregnant
8.				□ US citizen/legal alien
8.				□	Full‐time student
				□	Full‐time student
				□ Disabled
				□ Pregnant
9.				□ US citizen/legal alien
9.				□	Full‐time student
				□	Full‐time student
				□ Disabled
(If more space is needed, please attach separate sheet)

Page 2 of 8

SECTION 3: HOUSEHOLD INCOME WORKSHEET

1.Employment Income: Is anyone in your household employed (including any adult and/or child care provider payments received)?  No  Yes  If Yes, it is necessary to complete the income validation table below and include PROOF of INCOME in your return envelope with your application.

Examples of proof of income required for EACH household member listed below are copy of most recent check stub (past 90 days); wages (W‐2 form); federal tax forms (1040, 1040EZ, etc.); Michigan state tax forms (MI‐1040, etc.); unemployment statement/letter; Social Security statement/letter for this year; pension statement; Workers' Compensation statement; alimony or spousal support statement/letter; disability statement; interest, annuity or dividend statement; rental income receipt; DHS FIP papers.

Name (first and last)	Employer’s Name	How Often Paid	Gross Earnings
			(before taxes)

		□ Weekly
1.		□ Every other week	$
1.		□ Twice a month	$
		□ Monthly
		□ Seasonal/Temp/Contractual
		□ Weekly
		□ Every other week
2.		□ Twice a month	$
		□ Monthly
		□ Seasonal/Temp/Contractual
		□ Weekly
3.		□ Every other week	$
3.		□ Twice a month	$
		□ Twice a month
		□ Monthly
		□ Seasonal/Temp/Contractual
		□ Weekly
4.		□ Every other week	$
		□ Twice a month
		□ Monthly
		□ Seasonal/Temp/Contractual
2. Unearned Income: Does anyone in your household receive any unearned income?  No			 Yes If Yes,

please complete the income validation table below and include PROOF of INCOME in your return envelope.

Examples of Unearned Income are Social Security benefits; pension/retirement benefits; veteran's benefits; military allotments; DHS FIP cash assistance; Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Workers' Compensation; child support; tribal payments; adoption subsidy; disability benefits; unemployment compensation; rental income; Section 8 energy subsidy payments.

Name (first and last)	Income Source	How Often Received	Amount Received
1.			$

2.			$

3.			$

Page 3 of 8

3. Self‐employment Income: Is anyone in your household self‐employed?  No  Yes If Yes, complete the income validation table below, as well as the SELF‐EMPLOYMENT DECLARATION OF INCOME FORM on page 5, and return in the provided envelope with your application.

	Type of Work		Gross Monthly
Name (first and last)	or Business	Business Name & Address	Income (pre‐tax)
1.			$

4. No income: If no one in your household currently receives income, check this box and then complete the NO INCOME DECLARATION FORM on page 6 and return in the provided envelope with your application.

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

INCOME EXPENSES – Does your household pay any of the following expenses?  No		 Yes If Yes, check
all that apply and ATTACH PROOF.

Name (first and last)	Expense		Monthly Amount
	□ Health Insurance Premiums
1.	□ Union Dues		$
	□ Court‐Ordered Child Support		$
	□ Court‐Ordered Child Support
	□ Out‐of‐Pocket Child Care Costs (limited)

2.	□ Health Insurance Premiums
2.	□ Union Dues		$
	□ Union Dues
	□ Court‐Ordered Child Support
	□ Court‐Ordered Child Support
	□ Out‐of‐Pocket Child Care Costs (limited)

Page 4 of 8

SELF‐EMPLOYMENT DECLARATION OF INCOME FORM

Complete this section for each self‐employed person listed in Section 3 on page 4 of the application.

Full name of this self‐employed person:

Their current address:

Their Social Security number:

Gross annual income (before taxes) received for this work last year: $

Description of work performed:

SELF‐EMPLOYED PERSON LISTED ABOVE MUST SIGN HERE: I understand that (1) if my actual earnings are different from those reported above, I might be required to report any changes to United Way, and (2) I must include a 1099 tax form from last year with this application if my gross annual income from this work was more than $10,000 (before taxes).

Signature of self‐employed member of household	Date

Full name of this self‐employed person:

Their current address:

Their Social Security number:

Gross annual income (before taxes) received for this work last year: $

Description of work performed:

Signature of self‐employed member of household

Date

!Make a copy of this sheet if there are more than two self‐employed persons in this household "

Page 5 of 8

NO INCOME DECLARATION FORM

Complete this section if you checked the box in Section 3 on page 4 of the application

stating that no one in your household currently receives any income.

Full name of applicant:

Current address:

Social Security number:

APPLICANT MUST ATTEST TO THE FOLLOWING BY SIGNING BELOW:

No member of this household receives any earned income (employment or self‐employment) or unearned income (Social Security benefits, pension/retirement benefits, veteran's benefits, military allotments, DHS FIP cash assistance, Supplemental Security Income [SSI], Workers' Compensation, child support, tribal payments, adoption subsidy, disability benefits, unemployment compensation, rental income, Section 8 energy subsidy payments). I understand that I might be required to report any changes to United Way if this changes.

Signature of Applicant

Date

Page 6 of 8

BASIC NEEDS ASSESSMENT

The following assessment will be used to help United Way determine any supportive services for which you may be eligible. Your responses to these questions have no bearing on your final eligibility determination for this LSP program. Please check ONE ITEM in each category that best describes your household situation.

Household	□	No income
Income	□	Insufficient income and/or spur‐of‐the‐moment or unsuitable spending
	□	Can meet basic needs with support; proper spending
	□	Able to meet basic needs and manage debt without support
	□	Income is sufficient & well managed; has additional income, allowing monetary funds to be saved
Level of	□	No job
Employment	□	No job
Employment	□	Temporary, part‐time or seasonal employment; inadequate pay; no benefits
	□	Employed full time; inadequate pay; few or no benefits
	□	Employed full time with adequate pay and benefits
	□	Maintains permanent employment with adequate income and benefits
Housing	□	Homeless or threatened with eviction
Status	□	Homeless or threatened with eviction
Status	□	In transitional, temporary or substandard housing; current rent/mortgage payment is
	□
		unaffordable (over 30% of income)
	□	Housing is safe and stable, but only somewhat adequate
	□	Housing is safe and adequate, but subsidized
Food	□	Housing is safe and adequate, and unsubsidized
Food
Availability	□ No adequate amount of food or the means to prepare it; household depends on other
Availability		sources of free or low‐cost food items
		sources of free or low‐cost food items
	□	Household receives some form of nutritional government assistance (for example, food stamps)
	□	Usually able to meet basic food needs, but occasionally needs assistance
	□	Can meet basic food needs without assistance
	□	Can choose to purchase any food items the household desires
Safety	 Residence is not safe; immediate level of danger is extremely high; possible CPS involvement
	□ Current level of safety is unsatisfactory; brief protection is needed; level of danger is high
	□ Current level of safety is minimally adequate; ongoing safety planning is essential
	□ Environment is safe but future of such is unclear; safety planning is key
	□ Environment is apparently safe and stable
Disability	□ CRISIS – chronic symptoms affect housing, employment, social interactions, etc.; unable to meet
and Life Skills		basic needs for daily living
	□	VULNERABLE – sometimes has chronic symptoms affecting housing, employment, social inter‐
		actions, etc.; can meet a few but not all basic daily living needs without some form of assistance
	□	SAFE – occasionally experiences chronic symptoms affecting housing, employment, social
		interactions, etc.; able to meet most but not all basic daily living needs without assistance
	□	BUILDING CAPACITY – condition controlled by services or treatment; able to meet all basic needs
		for daily living without support
	□	THRIVING – no identified disability; able to provide beyond basic daily needs for self and family
Family	□	Insufficient support from family or friends; some form of abuse/neglect is present
	□
Relations	□	Family/friends offer support but lack ability or resources to properly help; family members do not
	□
		relate well with each other; there exists potential for conflict or neglect
	□	Receives some support from family/friends; household members seek to change negative
		behaviors and practice communicating and supporting each other
	□	Strong, support from family or friends; household members support each other’s efforts

 Support network is expanding; household is in a stable state and members communicate openly

! Continued on next page "

Page 7 of 8

BASIC NEEDS ASSESSMENT (continued)

Transportation	□	No access to public or private transportation; may have vehicle that is inoperable
	□	Transportation is available but unreliable, unpredictable and/or unaffordable; may have car but
		no insurance, license, etc.
	□	Transportation is available and reliable, but limited and/or inconvenient; drivers are licensed and
		minimally insured
	□	Transportation is generally accessible to meet basic travel needs
	□	Transportation is readily available and affordable; car is adequately insured
Health Care	 No medical coverage, and there is an immediate need
	□ No medical coverage; quite challenging to access needed medical care; some household members
		experience poor health
	□ Some household members (e.g. children) have medical coverage
	□ All household members can get medical care when needed, but budget may be strained
	□ All household members are covered by affordable, adequate health insurance
Adult Literacy	 Literacy problems are serious barriers to gaining adequate employment (for example,
		no diploma or GED)

□Currently enrolled in literacy or GED programs; sufficient command of the English language

□Household members over 18 have high school diploma/GED

□Need additional education/training to improve employment situation or are resolving literacy problems to function effectively

Have completed education/training programs to gain employment; no literacy problems

ARE YOU READY FOR COACHING?

To get a sense of how ready you are to work with a coach to obtain the support and skills you need to become financially stable and reach your goals, check the box in front of each statement below that describes you.

I am interested in improving my financial situation over the next one to three years.

□I want to learn new financial skills.

□I want an honest, outside perspective.

□I'm ready to commit some thought, time and energy to managing my finances.

□I could use someone to help me focus, challenge me, and hold me accountable to my commitments and goals.

□I realize that my success depends on my willingness to take action.

□I am a person who is motivated by a deadline or the need to report my progress.

□I am willing to make changes to have the life I want.

If more than four of these statements describe you, you are ready for coaching!

For Office Use Only – Please do not write in this area!!

 2015/2016	G:		E:		ARR:

Referral Partner:

Page 8 of 8

Get Dte Application PDF Form

Form Characteristics

Fact Name	Description
Eligibility Criteria	Applicants must meet income requirements not exceeding 150% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and demonstrate compatible energy consumption over the past 12 months.
Required Documentation	Each applicant must include a copy of their Social Security card, proof of identity for all household members, and documentation of income.
Application Submission	Applications can be submitted by mail using a self-addressed envelope provided in the application materials. Timeliness is crucial as processing is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additional Resources	Contact United Way for Southeastern Michigan at 844-598-7967 for assistance or visit LiveUnitedSEM.org/LSP for more information.
Address for Submission	Completed applications and required documents should be mailed to Mailbox for UWSEM LSP, 535 Griswold Street, Ste. 111-610, Detroit, MI 48226.
Governing Law	This program operates under Michigan state law, and applicants must be aware of state requirements for energy assistance programs.

Guidelines on Utilizing Dte Application

To enroll in the Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) offered by DTE Energy, applicants should complete the necessary application form, ensuring all required documentation is included. Once the completed application is received, processing will begin. Timely submission is crucial, as the program operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Below are the steps to successfully fill out and submit the DTE application form.

Obtain the Application Form: Acquire the DTE application form and ensure you have the most recent version.
Complete the Primary Account Holder Information: Fill in your first name, middle initial, last name, Social Security number, birth date, and DTE Energy account number. Include your service address, city, state, ZIP code, and county.
Provide a Mailing Address: If different from your service address, include your mailing address, along with the city, state, and ZIP code.
Contact Information: Fill in your primary and secondary phone numbers, and provide your email address if applicable. Indicate if you give permission to receive text updates.
Indicate the Need for Assistance: Check the primary reason you are applying for energy assistance from the provided options and answer any related questions regarding past assistance received.
Complete Household Information: List all household members, providing their names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and applicable identification. Attach the necessary proof of identity for each member.
Document Income: Indicate employment status and provide proof of earned and unearned income for all household members, including recent pay stubs, benefit statements, and any other supporting documents.
Sign the Application: Ensure that the primary DTE account holder signs and dates the bottom of the first page to validate the application.
Compile Supporting Documents: Gather all required documents, including the most recent DTE bill, proof of identity, proof of income, and any other necessary forms.
Mail the Application: Place the completed application and all supporting documents in the self-addressed envelope provided and mail them to the specified address for United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

After submitting your application, it's essential to follow up if you have any questions about your eligibility or require assistance in completing the form. You may contact the United Way for more information.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP)?

The Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) offered by DTE Energy assists eligible households in managing their energy bills more affordably. Participants make payments based on their income, while the remaining balance is covered by energy assistance funds. To qualify, your income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level guidelines, and your energy usage must align with average annual consumption for residential customers.

How do I apply for the LSP?

To apply for the LSP, complete the enclosed application form. Be sure to include a copy of your Social Security card and provide proof of identification for everyone in your household. Additionally, you must submit documentation proving your household's income. Mail all completed forms and documents in the self-addressed envelope provided. Ensure your application is submitted promptly, as approval is based on a first-come, first-served basis.

What supporting documents are required to complete the application?

When completing the application, include several supporting documents. These should include a copy of your most recent DTE Energy bill, proof of identity for each household member (such as a driver’s license or birth certificate), documentation of income (like pay stubs or an employer letter), and if applicable, Self-Employment Declaration forms or No Income Declaration forms. Verify that all documents are current and sent within the 7-day timeframe to avoid delays.

How can I verify my eligibility for the LSP?

If you have questions about your eligibility, contact United Way for Southeastern Michigan at 844-598-7967 or visit LiveUnitedSEM.org/LSP. They can help clarify the eligibility criteria and assess whether your household qualifies based on the provided income, usage history, and other factors.

What happens if I miss the application deadline?

It is critical to submit your completed application as soon as possible. If you miss the deadline, your application may be denied or delayed, which means you could miss out on receiving assistance. Act quickly to ensure all documentation is submitted within the expected timeframe to secure your spot in the program.

Common mistakes

Filling out the DTE Application form can be straightforward, but mistakes often happen. One common mistake is not including a copy of the Social Security card. This document is essential for processing your application. If it’s missing, the application will be considered incomplete, which might lead to delays or denial of benefits.

Another frequent error involves providing incorrect or incomplete identification documents. Applicants need to submit valid identification for every individual in the household. Forgetting to include supporting documents such as drivers’ licenses or birth certificates can slow down the application process. Each household member’s identity must be verified for eligibility.

Proof of income is crucial as well. Many applicants either provide insufficient documentation or fail to include the right types of income verification. For instance, using old paystubs or missing documentation related to unearned income can lead to complications. Remember, paystubs should be from the past 30 days, and all necessary forms related to any benefits received must be included.

In addition, some applicants forget to sign the application, which renders it incomplete. The signature is a commitment to the accuracy of the information provided. Without it, not only will the application not be processed, but it could also lead to misunderstandings regarding the applicant's intentions.

Lastly, mailing the application without double-checking all documents can result in further errors. It’s easy to overlook whether all supporting documents have been included. Taking a moment to review everything before sending ensures that the application has the best chance of being approved. It is wise to follow the checklist provided in the application.

Documents used along the form

When applying for the DTE Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP), several accompanying documents may be required. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose, helping to establish your eligibility and provide a clear understanding of your situation. Below is a brief overview of the forms and documents you may need to submit along with your application.

Proof of Identity: This document verifies the identity of individuals living in your household. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, state ID, passport, Social Security card, birth certificate, and voter registration card.
Proof of Income: To demonstrate your financial situation, provide recent pay stubs, employer letters, or other relevant income documents that reflect the income of all household members.
No Income Declaration Form: If no household members have any income, this form must be completed and submitted to confirm your financial status.
Self-Employment Declaration Form: Self-employed individuals earning less than $10,000 in the previous year should complete this form, while those earning more must submit federal or state tax documents.
Social Security Documentation: Include documentation that verifies each household member's Social Security number. This may consist of a Social Security card, IRS tax transcript, or a statement from the Social Security Administration.
Most Recent DTE Bill: A copy of your latest electric or gas bill is essential to confirm your DTE account status and previous energy usage.
Proof of Expenses: Documentation showing monthly expenses such as health insurance premiums or child support payments might be required to offer a complete financial picture.
Additional Income Statements: If receiving any unearned income such as Social Security or child support, you will need to submit recent statements or award letters that show the amount and frequency of payments.
Household Information Form: This form gathers detailed demographic information about each member of the household to determine eligibility.
United Way Contact Information: Keep handy the contact information for the United Way, which can assist in your application process if you have any questions or need help.

By ensuring that all necessary documents are included with the DTE Application form, applicants can help facilitate a smoother process. Properly organizing and submitting these forms can significantly increase the chances of a successful application and assist in obtaining needed assistance more swiftly.

Similar forms

The DTE Application form has similarities with several other documents used for various assistance programs. Here’s a list highlighting those similarities:

Application for Assistance Form: Similar in structure, both documents require personal details and proof of income, ensuring applicants qualify for financial aid.
Income Verification Form: Both require documentation of income sources to verify eligibility for assistance programs, focusing on financial security.
General Enrollment Application: These forms gather comprehensive personal and financial information to assess program eligibility and service continuation.
Social Security Benefits Application: Like the DTE form, this includes personal details and requires proof of income, essential for determining benefits.
Rental Assistance Application: Information related to household income and composition is similarly required to qualify for rental aid, reflecting financial need.
Unemployment Benefits Application: This also demands details about past income and current financial status, ensuring the applicant meets eligibility criteria.
Medical Assistance Form: Both forms require detailed personal information along with documentation to support the need for assistance, focusing on health-related costs.
Food Assistance Program Application: This application shares similar requirements regarding household income and identity verification to determine eligibility for food aid.
Utility Discount Application: Like the DTE form, this application requests proof of income and identity, aimed at providing financial relief on utility bills.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the DTE Application form:

Always double-check that you have completed each section of the application.
Enclose a copy of your Social Security card before mailing the application.
Provide proof of a valid identification for all household members listed.
Add the most recent DTE bill with your application.
Ensure a signature is included at the bottom of the first page.

Things to avoid:

Do not submit paystubs older than 60 days.
Avoid leaving any sections of the application blank.
Do not forget to mail the application within the specified time frame.
Never provide false information, as this can lead to denial of your application.

Misconceptions

Misconception 1: You don’t need to provide proof of income.

Many people believe that they can simply fill out the application without supporting documents. However, all applicants must submit proof of income, including recent pay stubs or income statements, to qualify for the LSP program.

Misconception 2: Only low-income households are eligible.

While the program is intended for low-income participants, the guidelines specify that income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. This means some households that are not traditionally perceived as low-income may still qualify.

Misconception 3: The application can be submitted online.

The LSP application must be mailed to a specific address. There are no options for online submissions or in-person applications at the provided address. Using the self-addressed envelope is mandatory.

Misconception 4: You can submit the application without a Social Security card.

The application requires a copy of the applicant's Social Security card. This document is essential for verifying identity and eligibility.

Misconception 5: All household members don’t need to provide identification.

Each person living in the household must provide proof of identity. Acceptable documents include driver’s licenses, birth certificates, or other forms of ID that establish their identity.

Misconception 6: You can apply any time without concern for deadlines.

Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, and applications should be submitted as soon as possible. Delays can lead to missing out on assistance.

Misconception 7: You can use outdated documents or pay stubs.

Only recent pay stubs, dating from the past 30 days, will be accepted. Similarly, all other documentation must be current, as older documents may render the application invalid.

Misconception 8: The application process is uncomplicated and quick.

The process can be lengthy and requires careful attention to detail. Missing documents or incomplete sections can delay enrollment. It is crucial to double-check that everything is filled out properly before mailing to avoid unnecessary complications.

Key takeaways

Completing the DTE Application Form for the Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) is essential for those seeking energy assistance. Here are key takeaways to make the process clearer and smoother:

Understand the Eligibility Criteria: To qualify, your income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and your energy usage should align with the average for a residential customer.
Gather Required Documentation: You must provide proof of identity, income, and Social Security numbers for all household members.
Complete All Sections of the Application: Ensure every section is filled out thoroughly. Incomplete forms could lead to denial.
Make Sure to Sign: The primary account holder's signature is necessary on the application. Without it, the application will be incomplete.
Include Recent DTE Bills: Attach a copy of your most recent DTE bill with your application to verify your current account status.
Check Income Documentation Requirements: You’ll need to submit various proof of income documents, such as pay stubs, employment letters, or benefit statements.
Submit the Application Promptly: Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Timely submission increases your chances of approval.
Mail Supporting Documents Together: Send all required documents in the self-addressed envelope provided to ensure nothing is left out.
Contact for Assistance: If questions arise or help is needed, don’t hesitate to call the United Way for Southeastern Michigan at 844-598-7967.

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