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The Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) offered by DTE Energy is designed to assist households struggling to maintain their energy services. It provides an affordable monthly payment plan, allowing participants to pay a fixed amount for utilities while the program covers any additional costs incurred. With enrollment, customers benefit from dedicated support through Customer Advocates and resources aimed at improving self-sufficiency. Key protections against service shutoffs and the waiving of late payment fees are also included, along with opportunities to reduce outstanding balances. Eligibility for the program hinges on multiple factors, including household income, which must not exceed 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate limited utility usage over the past year and must have an active account without any unauthorized charges. However, continued participation requires adherence to program rules, such as avoiding three missed payments within the year, which could result in termination from the plan. The application process has been streamlined to allow for both online and paper submissions, and assistance is available for those requiring help with the form. Through these measures, the LSP aims to ease financial burdens related to energy costs while promoting sustainable practices among 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

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Description
Program Overview The Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) provides a fixed monthly payment plan for utility bills to eligible households.
Eligibility Criteria To qualify, a household's income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, and specific natural gas and electricity usage limits must not exceed established thresholds.
Termination Policy If three payments are missed within a year, the participant will lose access to the program.
Application Process Applications can be submitted online or by mail. Incomplete applications may cause delays beyond the standard 10-day processing timeline.
Active Service Requirement Eligible households must have active utility service and cannot have unauthorized usage to qualify for the program.
Governing Law The LSP is governed by the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) guidelines, which regulate the administration of energy assistance in Michigan.

Guidelines on Utilizing Lsp Program Dte

Filling out the LSP Program DTE form is a crucial step for those seeking assistance with energy bills. This process involves gathering necessary documents and providing accurate information to ensure eligibility. After you submit the form, the processing time typically takes around 10 days, during which the organization will review your application and determine your eligibility.

  1. Gather necessary documents, including valid ID, Social Security card, and proof of income for all household members.
  2. Ensure that your ID matches the service address. If it doesn't, prepare supporting documents that validate your address.
  3. Complete all pages of the LSP application accurately. Be thorough and ensure no sections are left blank.
  4. Provide details about every member of your household, including their dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and citizenship status.
  5. Check the application checklist to ensure all requirements are met before submission.
  6. Once completed, sign and date the application. Make sure the DTE Energy account holder does this.
  7. If using a paper application, mail the completed form to the specified address: UWSEM LSP 535 Griswold Street, Ste 111-610, Detroit, MI 48226. Do not attempt to deliver it in person.
  8. If you need assistance while filling out the form, don’t hesitate to call the help line at 844.598.7967, which is available Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  9. For faster processing, consider applying online at https://lspapp.liveunitedsem.org if you have internet access.

What You Should Know About This Form

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

The Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) is a utility assistance program offered by DTE Energy designed to support eligible customers who face financial hardship. Individuals enrolled in the program benefit from fixed monthly payments for their utilities, with DTE Energy covering the difference between the set plan amount and the customer's actual monthly utility charges. Additional advantages include protection from shutoffs, no late payment penalties, and access to customer advocacy services. However, it is important to note that missing three payments within a year will lead to termination of the plan.

What are the eligibility requirements for the LSP Program?

To qualify for the LSP Program, applicants must meet several criteria. Income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, which varies based on household size. For instance, a family of four must not exceed a monthly income of $3,075. Furthermore, applicants should not have consumed more than 2,150 cubic feet of natural gas or 1,600 kilowatt-hours of electricity in the past 12 months. The applicant’s account must also show no unauthorized usage and should not have outstanding debt exceeding $4,000. A formal application must include all necessary documentation to prove eligibility.

How can individuals apply for the LSP Program?

What happens after the application is submitted?

Common mistakes

Completing the Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) Program DTE form requires attention to detail. One common mistake is failing to provide all required personal information. It is essential to list all household members, including their full names, dates of birth, and social security numbers. Many applicants overlook this step, which can lead to delays in processing or even denial of the application.

Another frequent error occurs when applicants do not sign or date the application. Without the account holder's signature, the form will be considered incomplete. This oversight can significantly extend the waiting period for assistance, as the application cannot be processed until it is properly signed.

Inaccurate income reporting also poses a challenge for applicants. Some individuals mistakenly include unverified income or exclude sources of income, such as alimony or rental payments. All household income from the past 30 days must be documented accurately. Failure to follow this requirement can result in a denial of eligibility based on income levels.

Providing documents that do not match the information on the application is another issue. For instance, the address on the ID needs to match the service address. If there is a discrepancy, additional documentation validating the address must be provided. Not addressing this requirement can lead to further complications during the application review process.

Finally, applicants often neglect to check for completeness before submission. Incomplete applications will delay the processing time, which is particularly important during the crisis season. Double-checking to ensure that each section of the form is filled out, and that all necessary documentation is included, is crucial to a smooth application process.

Documents used along the form

The Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) is essential for those seeking financial assistance with their utility bills. However, various forms and documents often accompany the LSP Program DTE form to ensure that applicants meet all requirements and that the application process runs smoothly. Below are five important additional documents that you may need to consider:

  • Application Checklist: This checklist helps applicants ensure they have completed all necessary steps before submitting their application. It includes reminders about required signatures, identification, proof of income, and other essential documents.
  • Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) Application: The MEAP application is used to apply for emergency assistance concerning energy bills. It collects comprehensive household information to assess eligibility for additional aid during the heating crisis season.
  • ID and Social Security Card: A valid ID and Social Security card are necessary to verify the identity of the applicant. These must match the service address on the utility account to confirm eligibility for the LSP.
  • Proof of Income: Applicants need to provide documentation of their household income for the previous 30 days. This may include pay stubs, child support statements, or any other financial assistance received, ensuring that all sources of income are accounted for.
  • Recent Utility Bill: Submitting a copy of the current utility bill is critical for verifying the account for which assistance is being requested. It aids in the evaluation of the applicant's needs.

Ensuring you have all these documents ready and completed can significantly speed up the application process and improve your chances of receiving assistance. Remember, being thorough and accurate in your application will help avoid delays and complications.

Similar forms

The LSP Program DTE form serves as a comprehensive resource for individuals seeking energy assistance. Various documents share similarities with this form, each addressing specific needs or requirements for assistance and eligibility verification. Here’s a list of ten documents that are similar to the LSP Program DTE form and how they align:

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Application - Like the LSP form, this application outlines eligibility criteria based on income thresholds and household size. Both facilitate access to energy assistance programs.
  • Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) Application - This document shares commonalities with the LSP form, focusing on low-income families needing utility assistance during the heating season.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Application - Similar to the LSP form’s income requirements, this application considers household income to determine eligibility for food assistance.
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Application - Focused on providing financial support, this application also assesses income levels, paralleling the LSP program’s criteria for assistance.
  • Medicaid Application - This health coverage application requires proof of income and family size, resonating with the LSP’s emphasis on income verification for eligibility.
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Crisis Intervention Application - Like the LSP form, this document provides a pathway for urgent energy assistance and includes similar eligibility assessments.
  • Rental Assistance Application - This type of application requires documentation of income and household size, making it analogous to the eligibility components in the LSP form for determining assistance levels.
  • Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Application - Similar to the LSP form, this focuses on low-income individuals’ need for essential services, assessing their financial standing in the process.
  • Utility Payment Assistance Program Application - This application mirrors the LSP in its structure and purpose, helping low-income households maintain their utility services through financial assistance.
  • Community Action Agency Services Application - This document offers access to various support services based on need, much like the LSP document's focus on providing energy assistance to qualifying households.

Each of these documents works to assist individuals by verifying their needs and qualifications for various support programs. Whether related to energy, food, or financial assistance, they collectively aim to provide necessary relief to low-income households.

Dos and Don'ts

Things You Should Do:

  • Make sure to complete all pages of the application.
  • Provide valid copies of your ID and Social Security card.
  • Include the date of birth and Social Security numbers for all household members.
  • Attach proof of your household income for the past 30 days.
  • Submit your application online for faster processing, if possible.

Things You Shouldn't Do:

  • Do not leave any pages blank; incomplete applications may delay processing.
  • Do not submit applications without a signature from the account holder.
  • Avoid providing incorrect or outdated information about your address.
  • Do not forget to include a copy of your utility bill that needs assistance.
  • Do not miss more than two payments, as this will terminate your plan.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: The LSP Program is only for people who are unemployed.
  • This is not true. The program is designed for low-income households, which means that individuals who may be working but still struggling financially can qualify. As long as your income meets the required guidelines, you could benefit from this program.

  • Misconception 2: Applying for the LSP program is a lengthy and complicated process.
  • While it does require some documentation, the application can be completed either on paper or online. Many find that submitting online provides a quicker response. Once you gather your income information and other required documents, the process is straightforward.

  • Misconception 3: If you miss one payment, you will automatically lose your plan.
  • Actually, you are allowed to miss up to three payments in a year before your enrollment is terminated. However, it's best to stay on top of your payments to maintain your eligibility and benefits.

  • Misconception 4: There are no additional benefits with the LSP program other than reduced utility bills.
  • This program comes with several advantages beyond just lowered bills. Participants can access dedicated customer advocates, receive help with self-sufficiency, and benefit from protection against service shutoffs, among other supports.

  • Misconception 5: You can apply for the program anytime without any deadlines.
  • There are indeed timelines associated with applying and receiving assistance. Applications should be submitted quickly, especially since emergency assistance is not available from June to October. It’s important to keep an eye on the deadlines to avoid missing out on necessary support.

  • Misconception 6: The program will cover any amount of outstanding utility debt.
  • The LSP program does have limits. For example, if your arrears exceed $4,000, you will not qualify for assistance. Understanding these boundaries will help you know if you are eligible to apply.

Key takeaways

Understanding how to effectively fill out and use the LSP Program DTE form is essential for those seeking assistance through the Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan. Here are some critical takeaways to guide you:

  • Eligibility Requirements: To qualify for the program, your household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
  • Fixed Monthly Payments: Upon enrollment, you will pay a fixed amount for your utilities, while the program covers the difference between this amount and your actual monthly bill.
  • Application Submission: You may apply online for quicker processing, or submit a paper application via mail. Ensure all required documents are included to avoid delays.
  • Important Documents: Valid identification, Social Security card, proof of income, and a copy of your current utility bill must accompany your application.
  • Plan Termination Risks: Missing three payments in a year will result in the termination of your enrollment in the program.
  • Customer Support: Dedicated Customer Advocates are available to help you navigate the process if you require assistance.
  • Processing Time: Be prepared to wait about 10 days for your application to be processed once it has been submitted.
  • Household Information: List all residents, including their birth dates and Social Security numbers, as everyone living with you is part of your household for this application.

By following these key points, you can ensure that your application process is as smooth and efficient as possible, providing you with the necessary assistance during challenging times.