Households that received Energy Assistance in 2019 will automatically receive an application in the mail for the EAP 2020 program year.
The Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program administered through the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The program provides financial assistance to help with household winter heating bills. Both homeowners and renters may apply. A household must complete the application process to determine eligibility and the amount of their utility assistance. Financial assistance payments are made directly to the household’s utility company.
Qualification and calculations for the amount of program assistance is determined by:
- the household income; last 3 months gross income of all household members age 18 and older
- the number of household members
- the amount of heat used in the home, from the heat source; 12 month consumption information if available
Verification of the last three months of household income is needed to apply. Generally, income guidelines are 50% of the State of Minnesota Median Income.
Maximum Energy Assistance Program Income Guidelines
for Fiscal Year 2019
| Based on 50% SMI or 110%* of federal poverty guidelines, whichever is greater. | ||||||
| Household Size | Annual Income | 3 month Max. Guidelines | Household Size | Annual Income | 3 month Max. Guidelines | |
| 1 | $25,983 | $6,495 | 11 | $73,453 | $18,363 | |
| 2 | $33,978 | $8,494 | 12 | $74,952 | $18,738 | |
| 3 | $41,973 | $10,493 | 13 | $76,451 | $19,112 | |
| 4 | $49,698 | $12,492 | 14 | $77,950 | $19,487 | |
| 5 | $57,963 | $14,490 | 15* | $79,882 | $19,970 | |
| 6 | $65,958 | $16,489 | 16* | $84,634 | $21,158 | |
| 7 | $67,457 | $16,864 | 17* | $89,386 | $22,346 | |
| 8 | $68,956 | $17,239 | 18* | $94,138 | $23,534 | |
| 9 | $70,455 | $17,613 | 19* | $98,890 | $24,722 | |
| 10 | $71,954 | $17,988 | 20* | $103,642 | $25,910 | |
The Energy Assistance Program also provides
- Education to consumers regarding home energy efficiency and safety.
- Automatic application to Semcac’s Weatherization Assistance Program.
- Crisis help for utility disconnections or necessary fuel deliveries.
- Emergency heating system repair or replacement (to owner-occupied EAP eligible households, only).
To receive assistance a household must apply for the Energy Assistance Program. Call 1-800-944-3281 for an application, or use our Semcac Message Center.
If you have additional questions or concerns for the Department of Commerce, please visit their website, here.
- To view a list of EAP service providers, listed by county, visit this page on their website.