Minnesota

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs

Agency
Minnesota Department of Commerce
Type
Federal Resource
Phone
Application Period
Income Limit
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs.

Images & PDFs

FFY2013 EAP Policy Manual

FFY2013 EAP Policy Manual

A comprehensive policy manual detailing the guidelines and procedures for the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Federal Fiscal Year 2014.

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FFY21 EAP Policy Manual

FFY21 EAP Policy Manual

A comprehensive guide detailing the policies and procedures for the Energy Assistance Program in Minnesota, aimed at helping low-income individuals with their home energy needs.

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FFY24 EAP Annual Training

FFY24 EAP Annual Training

This resource outlines the schedule and purpose of the annual training for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) in Minnesota, including details on service providers.

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Low Income CIP Program Assessment

Low Income CIP Program Assessment

A comprehensive report evaluating the process of low-income CIP programs in Minnesota, created for the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

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Impact Reports

Energy Assistance Programs and Their Role in Financial Stability

11/10/2020 | Coverage: national

This report from NASCSP highlights how energy assistance programs like LIHEAP help maintain financial stability for low-income families across the nation.

Source: National Association of State Community Services Programs

Coverage Area: national

The Impact of LIHEAP on Minnesota Households

8/15/2021 | Coverage: state

This report analyzes the benefits of LIHEAP in Minnesota, illustrating how it supports low-income households by reducing their energy burdens.

Source: Minnesota Department of Human Services

Coverage Area: state

The Necessity of LIHEAP in an Era of Rising Costs

5/22/2022 | Coverage: national

This American Psychological Association report discusses the psychological and financial pressures low-income families face and how LIHEAP mitigates these issues.

Source: American Psychological Association

Coverage Area: national

Program Timeline

CARES Act Funding for LIHEAP

3/27/2020

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated additional funding for LIHEAP to help families affected by the pandemic.

Bill: CARES Act
Party: Bipartisan

Expansion of LIHEAP Services

9/1/2014

The program expanded to include services such as energy efficiency and weatherization assistance.

Party: Democratic

Increased Funding Allocation

6/1/2000

The federal government increased the funding for LIHEAP, addressing rising energy costs.

Party: Bipartisan

LIHEAP Reauthorization

10/1/1990

LIHEAP was reauthorized to expand its funding and reach, allowing more families to access assistance.

Party: Bipartisan

Creation of LIHEAP

1/1/1981

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was established to assist low-income households in meeting their immediate energy needs.

Bill: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act
Party: Bipartisan

FAQ

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households in Minnesota pay for heating and cooling costs. The program provides assistance to eligible households to ensure they can maintain a safe and healthy living environment throughout extreme weather conditions.

Reference: https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/energy-assistance/liheap/

Eligibility requirements apply and benefits may vary based on funding and household size.

To be eligible for LIHEAP, applicants must meet specific income criteria based on their household size. Generally, households with income at or below 50% of the state median income may qualify. Other factors, such as household composition and energy costs, may also influence eligibility.

To determine if you are eligible for LIHEAP, please check the following criteria:

  • Your household income must be at or below 50% of the state median income.
  • You must be a resident of Minnesota.
  • You need to provide documentation of your income.
  • You must have a utility bill or a heating cost statement.

If you meet all these criteria, you may qualify for LIHEAP assistance.

Reference: https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/energy-assistance/liheap/

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