Energy Assistance Program adjusts policies, extends deadline

The Minnesota Department of Commerce has adjusted program policies for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program, including income eligibility and a deadline extension, according to a MDC news release.

The Department of Commerce especially encourages newly unemployed, those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, households with young children, people with disabilities, veterans and seniors to apply now until July 1.

The Energy Assistance Program adjusted program policies to make it easier for households to apply and get additional help. Some policy adjustments include:

• Income eligibility based on the past one month
• An application deadline extension to July 1
• Increasing the annual crisis benefit maximum to $1,200 (up from $600). Crisis benefits are for past due bills and emergency fuel deliveries.
• Allowing crisis benefits to pay a household’s past due bill, even without a disconnection notice.

Energy Assistance Program key facts:

• Renters and homeowners are eligible;
• Assets such as the value of your home are not considered in determining eligibility;
• Grants range from $200 to $1,400, based on household size, income and fuel cost;
• The average grant is about $500.
• In addition to the initial grant, additional funds are available to help pay a past due bill, get an emergency fuel delivery or help get a broken furnace repaired or replaced.

New applicants have until July 1 to apply. Funding is limited and administered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Households apply at their local Energy Assistance Program service provider.

• Households can find their Energy Assistance Program provider:
  • By calling 1-800-657-3710 and following the prompts to enter their zip code
  • Viewing this list of service providers by county or tribe at https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance/eap-provider.jsp .

• Find general Energy Assistance Program information at https://mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp .