Food stamp recipients in Detroit are again in jeopardy of losing or having their assistance reduced if they do not qualify for state’s home heat tax credit.
“Many have already have had their food stamps reduced or eliminated because they did not obtain the tax credit,” said Joon H. Sung, deputy chief counsel, litigation of the Civil Law Group of Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc. (LAD).
The tax credit is funded through the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Moving forward, all low-income households, both home owners and renters, may apply for the tax credit, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury, which is responsible for determining eligibility and processing payments.
Food stamp recipients who do not pay for their heating separately from their rent will have their benefits substantially reduced if the cost of heating is not included in the calculation of those benefits.
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