Payment Plans & Assistance | Consumers Energy

Finding it Hard to Pay Your Bill?

These payment assistance programs offer the help you need.

Find Helpful Payment Assistance Programs

Many in our community are struggling. We might be able to help. Answer a few simple questions and we’ll suggest financial assistance programs that could be a good fit for you.

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I may need help in the future, and am looking at my options for help.

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I need help with budgeting and would like to even out my payments or pay off my balance over time.

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I am a Veteran

I am dependent on energy for medical care

I am 65 or older

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Suggested Programs for You

CARE Program

The Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) Program is an affordable payment plan that offers monthly payments at a fixed, affordable rate. Plus, if you make payments on time your past due balance will be gradually forgiven.

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Home Heating Credit Program

If your income is at or below 110% of the federal poverty level, you may apply for a Home Heating Credit from the State of Michigan to help pay winter heating bills (includes rented apartments and mobile homes).

Learn More

Helping Neighbors Program

The Helping Neighbors Program will provide a free expert energy assessment of your home. You may also be eligible for free energy upgrades like insulating pipes, installing free LED bulbs, showerheads and kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators.

Learn More

You may also qualify for a special Veteran Only programs:

Active Duty Shut-Off Protection

2-1-1 will link you with local agencies providing energy assistance

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Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF)

Emergency utility payment assistance for temporary financial issues.

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Other programs you might be interested in:

211 for Local Resources

2-1-1 will link you with local agencies providing energy assistance

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Shutoff Protection Plan

Year-round protection from shut-off for qualifying customers.

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Budget Plan

Get a consistent payment year-round and avoid unexpected high bills.

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Discover Energy Saving Programs and Tips

Behind on Your Bill? Explore These Payment Plans

The CARE Program

See if You’re Eligible

An Affordable Payment Plan
If you need help with your energy bill, the Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) Program may be right for you.

As a CARE member, you will get these benefits:

Your monthly payments will be at a fixed, affordable rate.
Any past due balance you might have will be forgiven over time as a reward for on time payments.

Learn about eligibility and the enrollment process.

Please note that this program is only available if you have received a State Emergency Relief (SER) energy payment. See information about the State Emergency Relief Program on our One Time Assistance Programs page.

Payment Arrangements

Get Started

Pay Off Your Balance on Your Own Schedule

Finding it hard to make your payments on time? With a payment arrangement, you can pay off your balance little by little on a schedule that best fits you.

How it works:
First, you put an initial down payment towards your balance. Then, the rest of your balance is split between even payments over time. Payments can be made weekly, bi-weekly and monthly.

Eligibility, payment amounts and length of the payment arrangement plan depend on these factors:

Length of service
How many times shut off notices were received in a 12-month period
Number of times service was turned off due to missing a payment
Number of payment arrangement defaults in a 12-month period
Number of payments returned for non-sufficient funds

The Budget Plan

About the Budget Plan

Get a Consistent Payment Year-Round
If your past due balance is less than $75, consider our Budget Plan. The Budget Plan helps you avoid high bills during times of higher energy use.

The Budget Plan may be a good option for you if:

You want a bill that you can predict each month
You have a past due balance of no more than $75
You haven’t defaulted on your payment more than two times in the last year

Programs for Active Duty Military

If you are currently serving in the military, we recommend:

Shut-off Protection – Active Duty in the Military: If you (or your spouse) are the main contact for your account and are called to full-time active military service, you may request protection from disconnection. This protection may last for up to 90 days. You may also request an extension by reapplying.
- If you (or your spouse) are the customer of record and you’re called to full-time active military service, you may apply for shut-off protection for up to 90 days. After 90 days, you may request to extend this extension by reapplying.
  - You must verify your active duty status.
  - At the end of active duty, you must let us know of your change in status.
  - You still will need to pay for the energy you used while you were in this program.
  - We will set up a payment plan for all past due amounts to be paid within one year.
  - To join, call us at 800-477-5050.

More resources:
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund: Provides eligible wartime veterans and their families in Michigan with temporary energy assistance for emergencies or hardships.

Programs for Seniors

As a senior citizen, you qualify for the following assistance:

Winter Protection Plan: Pay part of your charges through winter months while being protected from a service disconnect during the season.
Electric Senior Citizen Bill Credits: This income assistance credit is designed to help seniors on fixed incomes.
- The Electric Senior Citizen provision helps you with your electric bill with an added credit of $4.00 to your bill each month. Qualifying customers must meet age requirements and be the head of the household.
- If you are eligible to receive the Electric Income Assistance credit, you will no longer receive the Electric Senior Citizen credit.

More resources:

Area Agency on Aging Association of Michigan: Local agencies that are located within communities around the state that provide a variety of senior services and activities.
Elder Law of Michigan: Older adults and people with disabilities can get help paying for the cost of basic needs like food, medicine, healthcare, utilities, housing and taxes.

Do you have a life-threatening medical condition or need life support?

Critical Care Program: If you are on life support or have a life-threatening medical condition, you can be protected from a shut-off. Please complete the Medical Certification Form to get started. Please note, if you have life support shut-off protection, you need to re-enroll every year.
- PLEASE NOTE: Backup generators and transportation services are not part of this program. Being in this program does not mean your electric power will be restored sooner than others.
Medical Emergency Protection: If you have a qualifying, documented medical emergency, you can be protected from an energy service shut-off for up to 21 days.
- Send us written proof from a doctor or a notice from a public health official that service shutoff will make an existing medical condition worse with this form. Once you’ve filled out the form, call us at 800-477-5050.
- For the complete details, see Consumer Standards and Billing Practices For Electric and Gas Residential Service.
Third Party Notification: We’ll send a copy of any shut-off notice you receive to a third party, with your written authorization. This third party may be a consenting friend, relative or agency.
- Your third-party contact is not responsible for paying your bill but may act as a liaison between you and Consumers Energy. To set up Third Party Notifications, call us at 800-477-5050.

Do I qualify for assistance?

We partner with several agencies across the state who provide energy assistance. Check your income below to see if you’re eligible for an energy assistance program.

Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL):

Number of Household Members	110% FPL HHC (Annual)	150% FPL SER, CARE, WPP, RIA (Monthly)	200% FPL WAP, SPP, Helping Neighbors (Monthly)
1	$16,566	$1,883	$2,510
2	$22,484	$2,555	$3,407
3	$28,402	$3,228	$4,303
4	$34,320	$3,900	$5,200
5	$40,238	$4,573	$6,097
6	$46,156	$5,245	$6,993
For each additional person add	$5,918	$673	$897

* Some non-profit agencies might provide assistance to households with a higher income level. Please contact the agency for details.

Residential Income Assistance Credit –

If you are below 150% of the federal level, you may qualify for additional assistance credits toward your monthly gas and electric bill.

To determine eligibility, complete the Residential Income Assistance Credit Self Attestation form and return to energyassistance@cmsenergy.com or fax to 517-325-8227.

Third Party Notification

We’ll send a copy of any shut-off notice you receive to a third party, with your written authorization. This may include a consenting friend, relative or agency.
Your third-party contact is not responsible for paying your bill but may act as a liaison between you and Consumers Energy. To set up Third Party Notifications online, go to https://www.consumersenergy.com/privacy/third-party-notification. You can also call us at 800-477-5050.

Michigan Energy Assistance Program