Help for Paying Fuel Bills in the State of Minnesota
- The Energy Assistance Program in Minnesota provides payment directly to energy suppliers on behalf of households that cannot pay their bills. The program also supplies information to consumers about how to use their home heating energy safely and efficiently. It can also speak to energy suppliers on consumers' behalf regarding more affordable payment plans or a temporary lowering of costs. It provides funds to eligible renters who pay for heat or electricity, as well as to homeowners.
- For 2010-11, Minnesota has set limits per household size based on income during the three months preceding an application for energy assistance. A family is ineligible for the program if its three-month income puts it on pace for an annual income of greater than 50 percent of the state median income per household size. Examples of limits for the program are $7,395 over the past three months for a family of two, $9,135 for a family of three, $10,875 for a family of four and $12,615 for a family of five. Income guidelines can change annually.
- In accordance with federal guidelines for Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program, the state gives priority regarding budgeting and benefits to families with the highest home energy costs in relation to income. In fiscal year 2010, the minimum benefit in Minnesota was $100, the maximum was $1,200 and the average was $600, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program served 153,000 families between October 1, 2009, and May 31, 2010.
- For Minnesota families who have lost heating---or are on the verge of doing so---because of an inability to pay their bills, emergency crisis assistance is available. This component of the program pays up to $500 immediately upon processing of the application. Recipients must be eligible for regular energy assistance and must either have an overdue energy bill or an elderly resident and a likely inability to pay as determined by the state. Alternatively, recipients must make payments on a cash basis with their vendor, be unable to pay for another delivery and have a fuel tank that is less than 20 percent full.
- For low-income families that do not qualify for the Energy Assistance Program, or need more assistance, charitable organizations might be able to help. Reach Out for Warmth is a state-established program that provides emergency energy assistance and furnace repair. HeatShare, administered by the Salvation Army, provides money for gas and electric bills, along with furnace repair. It gives special consideration to the elderly and disabled. Other groups in Minnesota are cooperatives run by Agralite Electric, Benco Electric, Kandiyohi Power and Minnesota Valley.
