MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - A new law that recently passed said the state would only help residents with utilities between the months of November and May, which left many people out in the cold during the month of October.

A letter was sent out saying that categorically they were not eligible for utility assistance.

"Depending on the timing they may be able to wait until November 1st to apply to DHS, but unfortunately people cannot wait that long, and they need assistance, because otherwise their utilities will be shut off," said Darla Jackson, Human Services Specialist of Meridian Township.

If residents need assistance, they would need to apply to the State Department of Human Services.