Series
What are the requirements for applying?
Residence in the state of Michigan is not required.
Who is included in the SER group?
Is there a CASH asset limit?
The cash asset limit is $15,000.
Housing affordability is a condition of eligibility for which covered services?
Housing affordability is a condition of eligibility for State Emergency Relief (SER) and applies only to Relocation Services (ERM 303) and Home Ownership Services and Home Repairs (ERM 304). Housing affordability does not apply to other SER services. P. 1.
What comment must be added by the specialist to the DHS-1419 Decision Notice to explain that additional services are available through a MEAP provider?
A SER payment for heat or non-heat electricity service qualifies your household for additional energy services through the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). Please call 2-1-1 for a referral to a MEAP grantee to see what other assistance you may be eligible to receive
What is the minimum information needed to register an application?
- Applicant name
- Address or statement of homelessness
- DOB
*Applicants or authorized representatives signature
What clearances must be viewed, stored and documented for SER group members?
What is an SER Budget Computation Period?
The SER budget computation period is 30 days. This is referred to as the countable income period. The first day of the countable income period is the date the local office receives a signed application for SER. P. 1.
Can we make a payment towards a client’s late payment charges?
Which services are covered in this SER manual item (ERM 303)?
What application forms must be completed?
- DHS 1514, Application for State Emergency Relief
- MDHHS 1171, Assistance application and the MDHHS SER, State emergency relief supplemental form
- MI BRIDGES online application
Is there an age requirement for SER?
There is no minimum age requirement to apply for SER; however, if the applicant is an unemancipated minor, we must refer him/her to children’s services for further evaluation.
Note: Do not delay processing the SER application pending the evaluation by services staff. P. 1.
How do we determine if there is an asset co-payment?
In most cases cash assets in excess of $15,000 will result in a denial. See ERM 306, Burials, for more information on assets for burials. Pg. 1.
Who is excluded from the SER group?
Visitors in the home who do not normally live with the SER group.
• Renters who live with the SER group, provided a fair market rental rate is paid. Include the rental income in determining the SER group's eligibility.
• The SER group's landlord, provided the group pays fair market rent to live in the home.
A person physically present in the home who claims and verifies that they do not have any responsibility for meeting household emergencies.
Which services are covered under this SER manual (ERM 302)?
Payment of an arrearage to maintain or restore service for the following utilities: water, sewer or cooking gas.
A deposit
Fees for connection, reconnection, or hookup of utility services. P. 1
Is an interview required?
Does the client have to be a U.S. Citizen to receive SER services?
A person must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen to be eligible. Pg. 1.
Who can waive an income co-payment?
First Line Managers can modify an income copayment for non-energy services.
Does the SER group have to pursue potential resources to be eligible?
As a condition of SER eligibility, all the adults in the SER group must agree to take actions within their ability to make potential resources available. Potential resource means an asset or income that may be available to a client if action is taken to make this available. P. 1.
What services are covered in this SER (ERM 304) manual item?
-Home ownership services (House payments, property taxes, mobile home lot rent for owners or purchasers of mobile homes, home insurance premiums required by a mortgage or land contract)
-Energy related home repairs
How long do the clients have to return required verifications?
The due date is eight calendar days beginning with the date of application.
What is the Standard of Promptness for SER?
The SER standard of promptness is 10 business days, beginning with the date the signed SER application is received in the local office. The case record must include documentation for any delay in processing the application beyond the standard of promptness. P. 5.
Required payments are determined based on what factors?
Cooking Gas, Rent to Prevent Eviction, Rent to Relocate, Security Deposit, Moving Expenses, Mortgage/Land Contract, Home Owners Insurance, Mobile Home Lot rent.
What funding may be available when SER is not sufficient to resolve the emergency?
What is the only energy related home repair?
Repair or replacement of a non-functioning furnace is currently the only allowable energy-related home repair.