​​​​​​Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (L​IHEAP​)

LIHEAP helps pay home heating costs. Households with the lowest incomes and highest energy costs receive the greatest benefit.

  • Energy Assistance Program Income guidelines are based on 50% of the state median income or 100% of federal poverty guidelines whichever is greater.
  • Size of grant is based on household size, income, fuel type and energy usage.
  • Households with the lowest income and highest fuel costs receive the highest grants.
  • Program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Human Services and administered by the state Department of Commerce.
  • Funds are available for renters and homeowners.

Program Benefits​

  • Provides direct payment to the energy supplier.
  • Educates consumers about how to use home heating energy efficiently and safely.
  • Advocates with energy suppliers and human service providers on behalf of consumers.
  • Offers crisis help for utility disconnections and necessary fuel deliveries.
  • Provides emergency heating system repair or replacement.

How to Apply​

For information on how to apply, click h​ere​.

Eligibility Guidelines

Maximum eligible income* ​

To determine eligibility, the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program uses the past three months of household income prior to signing the application and/or last year's federal tax forms for self-employment income.

​Minnesota Energy Assistance Program Maximum Income Guidelines (2018-2019)​

 Household​​ Size  *Annual 
Income		3-Month
Income		1-Month Income​
 1$25,983$6,495
$2,165
 2$33,978$8,494
$2,832
 3$41,973$10,493
​$3,498
 4$49,968$12,492
​$4,164
 5$57,963$14,490
$4,830​
 6$65,958$16,489
$5,497
 7$67,457$16,864
​$5,621
 8$68,956$17,239
​$5,746
 9$70,455$17,613
$5,871
Ove​r 10For additional household size income requirements, contact your community action office. To identify that telephone number, call our Customer Information Center at 612-372-4680 or toll-free at 1-800-729-6164.​

*Based on 50% of State Median Income or 110% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, whichever is greater.

Other Helpful Emergency Assistance Links​