LIHEAP Benefits Extended in COVID-19 Response

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LIHEAP Benefits Extended in COVID-19 Response

April 22, 2020

SAINT PAUL, MN – To ensure that newly unemployed and other financially challenged households can get help quickly, the Minnesota Department of Commerce has adjusted program policies for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program. The result of these changes – changes such as income eligibility and a deadline extension - will allow even more Minnesotans to receive help.

“Newly unemployed Minnesotans may not be aware of the Energy Assistance Program,” said Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley. “The Energy Assistance Program can help those behind on their energy bills, or help pay for home heating and furnace repairs for income-qualified households.”

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

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