The State of Michigan has sent a letter to SNAP recipients whose heat and utility expenses are rolled into their rent, and have not received the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefit elsewhere. A sample of the letter is provided below. There will be $20.01 deposited on clients’ Bridge Card, and the funds can be withdrawn at a point-of-sale machine at a store checkout, or from an ATM (which may charge a transaction fee). Funds must be used to pay for energy bills.
Clients who receive this LIHEAP payment will automatically receive the $526 Heat and Utility Deduction. As every client’s situation is different, this may or may not result in an increase of SNAP benefits. If a client’s SNAP benefits do increase, they should see the change in August disbursement and they will receive another letter notifying them of the change.