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Minnesota winters are notoriously severe, making reliable heating a matter of survival rather than comfort. For many residents, the cost of keeping a home warm can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the state has built a robust safety net of utility relief programs designed to keep the heat on.
This guide explores the specific financial assistance options, legal protections, and statutory rights available to Minnesotans. Whether you are a homeowner, renter, or living on a fixed income, understanding these programs is the first step toward energy security.
The cornerstone of utility relief in Minnesota is the Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, this federally funded program helps eligible households pay for heating costs, regardless of the fuel type used. It is not a loan; it is a grant that is paid directly to your energy provider.
How the Funding Works
The EAP is funded through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). While the state oversees the funds, local Service Providers—such as Community Action Partnerships (CAP) and tribal governments—handle the actual applications. These local agencies are your primary point of contact.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is primarily based on your household size and income. The program looks at your gross income (before taxes) from the month prior to your application. For the 2025-2026 program year, the income limits are based on 50 percent of the State Median Income.
2025-2026 Monthly Maximum Income Guidelines:
The "Primary Heat" Benefit
The main benefit provided by EAP is the "Primary Heat" grant. The average benefit is approximately $550, but grants can range up to $1,400. The exact amount depends on your household's specific energy burden, income level, and fuel costs from the previous year. This money is applied directly to your account with your electric, gas, or delivered fuel company.
Crisis Assistance for Emergencies
In addition to the standard grant, EAP offers Crisis Assistance. This fund provides up to $600 in extra help for households facing immediate emergencies.
You may qualify for Crisis funds if:
Many Minnesotans believe they cannot be disconnected in the winter. This is a partial misconception. The Cold Weather Rule (CWR) protects you from disconnection between October 1 and April 30, but only if you take specific actions. You must establish and keep a payment plan to remain protected.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
The law, codified in Minnesota Statute 216B, requires utility companies to work with you. However, you cannot simply stop paying your bill. You must contact your utility to set up a plan. If you ignore the notices, your service can still be disconnected, even in freezing temperatures.
The "10 Percent Rule"
For low-income households, the law provides a mathematical safety net. If your household income is at or below 50 percent of the state median income, the utility cannot ask you to pay more than 10 percent of your monthly income toward your utility bill. This cap ensures that your payments remain affordable relative to your actual budget.
Protections for Different Utility Types
If you heat with natural gas, you may be eligible for a Gas Affordability Program (GAP). These state-mandated programs are designed to help you pay off debt while keeping current bills manageable. To qualify, you generally must first be approved for EAP.
Key Features of GAP
Provider-Specific Details
While heating is the primary concern, electricity is vital for running furnace fans and medical equipment. Several programs address these specific needs.
Xcel Energy Power On and Medical Affordability
Xcel Energy offers the Power On program for general electric affordability. For those with medical needs, the Medical Electric Affordability Program (MEAP) is available.
Minnesota Power CARE Program
Residents in northern Minnesota served by Minnesota Power can access the CARE program.
Medical Emergency Statutes
Under Minnesota law, a utility must reconnect or continue service if a medical emergency exists.
Minnesota’s eleven federally recognized Tribal Nations operate their own energy assistance programs. These programs assert tribal sovereignty and are tailored to the specific needs of their members.
Distinct Features of Tribal Programs
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers a permanent solution to high energy bills. Unlike EAP, which pays bills, WAP fixes your home to reduce energy consumption.
What Does WAP Do?
Priority Groups
Due to high demand, WAP maintains a waiting list. Priority is strictly given to:
When government grants are used up and statutory protections end, charitable programs serve as a final safety net.
Salvation Army Heat Share
Heat Share is a voluntary fuel fund administered by the Salvation Army. It is funded by donations from the public and utility customers.
Reach Out for Warmth (ROFW)
Administered by local CAP agencies, Reach Out for Warmth helps households that might be slightly over the income limit for EAP but are still in financial distress. It acts as a bridge for the "working poor" who struggle with energy costs but do not qualify for federal aid.
Roughly 30 percent of Minnesotans rent their homes. State law provides specific protections regarding utilities for tenants.
The 68-Degree Rule
Landlords are legally required to maintain a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit in rental units from October 1 to April 30. This applies to units where the tenant does not control the thermostat. A landlord cannot lower the heat to unsafe levels to save money.
Shared Meters
If you live in a building where multiple units share a single utility meter:
Minnesota’s utility relief landscape is complex but comprehensive. The key to navigating it is early action. Do not wait for a disconnection notice to seek help.
Action Steps:
By leveraging these resources, you can ensure that your home remains safe and warm throughout the Minnesota winter.
Eligibility is based on your household's gross income from the previous month. For the 2025-2026 program year (October 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026), a household of four can earn up to $71,999 annually (or roughly $5,999 per month) and still qualify. These caps are based on 50% of the state median income, so even middle-income families may be eligible for Minnesota utility relief programs.
Yes. You do not need to own a home to qualify. Renters whose heat is included in their rent can still receive payments, which are often sent directly to the landlord or management company to lower your monthly costs. If you pay your electric or gas bill directly to a provider like Xcel Energy or CenterPoint, the Energy Assistance Program grant is credited to your account.
No. This is a common misconception. The Cold Weather Rule protects you from disconnection between October 1 and April 30 only if you set up and keep a payment plan with your utility company. You must contact your provider immediately to request CWR protection; if you ignore your bills or break the payment agreement, your service can still be disconnected during winter.
While applications are open until May 31, 2026, funding availability can fluctuate due to federal budget delays or government shutdowns (as seen in late 2025). However, you should apply immediately regardless of news reports. Applications are processed on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Once your application is in the system, you are in line to receive funds as soon as they are released.
You may qualify for additional Crisis Benefits (up to $600) on top of your primary grant. If you are facing a medical emergency, have a disconnect notice, or your fuel tank is below 20%, indicate this strictly on your application or call your local Community Action Agency immediately. Crisis funds are prioritized to restore service or prevent immediate loss of heat.
Yes. The Energy Related Repair (ERR) program helps eligible homeowners repair or replace broken heating systems. This benefit is separate from your bill payment grant. If your furnace is unsafe or not running, call your local EAP provider immediately—do not wait for the general application process, as emergency heating repairs are treated with urgency to ensure safety.
Typically, the Energy Assistance Program focuses strictly on heating and electricity. However, for water bill assistance, you should check for the availability of the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) or local equivalents. While EAP won't cover water, applying for it is often the first step to qualifying for other "whole home" assistance benefits.
Under normal conditions, initial processing takes 30–60 days. However, during peak times (early winter) or federal funding delays, this timeline can extend. You will receive a notification letter by mail once your application is processed. To avoid delays, ensure you include proof of income for all household members when you first submit your application.
Yes. If you exceed the EAP income limits, you can apply for Reach Out for Warmth (ROFW), a state-fuel fund, or HeatShare, a voluntary program administered by the Salvation Army. Additionally, check with your specific utility provider (e.g., Minnesota Power, Great River Energy) for their own "affordability programs" or "rate discounts" which often have slightly different criteria than federal grants.
Households with mixed citizenship status can often still apply. At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen (such as a permanent resident) to apply. The benefit amount is generally prorated based on the number of eligible household members. Non-eligible members are not reported to immigration authorities for public charge purposes through this specific application.
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