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Energy Assistance Program changes made to help during COVID-19

Central, MN Metro, MN Northeast, MN Northwest, MN Southeast, MN Southwest, MN West Central, MN

Help with utility bills

 

In these challenging times, Minnesotans may find themselves having to choose between paying their energy bill and other necessities—food, medicine and healthcare.

Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program offers eligible residents help to pay their energy bills so they do not have to choose between life’s necessities. Since COVID-19, there have been some big changes in the Energy Assistance Program:

  1. Income eligibility is based on the last three months (not a whole year)

  2. The annual crisis maximum has increased to $1,200 instead of $600

  3. EAP can help households pay a past due bill, even without a shut-off notice

  4. EAP has enough funds & expects more from the American Rescue Plan

 

Energy Assistance Program (EAP) facts

  • Renters and homeowners are eligible
  • Assets such as the home are not considered in determining eligibility
  • Benefits range from $300 to $1,600, based on household size, income, and fuel cost
  • The average grant is about $545
  • In addition to the initial benefit, additional Crisis Funds are available to:
    • Up to $1,200 to pay a past due bill or get an emergency fuel delivery
    • Help homeowners get their broken furnace repaired or replaced

Are you eligible?

Household Size Past 3 months maximum income
1 $8,479
2 $11,088
3 $13,697
4 $16,307
5 $18,916
6 $21,525

How to apply for the Energy Assistance Program

29 local EAP service providers including Community Action Programs, counties, tribal governments and non-profits serve all areas of the state. Households contact their local Energy Assistance Program (EAP) service provider to apply.

Find your provider in one of two ways:

  1. Call 1-800-657-3710 and enter zip code
  2. Browse online list of service providers by county or tribe

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Get more general information

Downloads about Energy Assistance Program

EAP Flier - English
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EAP flier - Spanish
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EAP flier - Somali
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EAP flier - Hmong
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EAP flier - Karen
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