Minnesota calls its LIHEAP program “EAP” — the Energy Assistance Program — administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce (Office of Energy Security) through local EAP agencies in every Minnesota county.
EAP pays a Primary Heat benefit directly to your energy vendor to help cover winter heating costs, plus a Crisis benefit for households facing shutoff or running out of fuel. EAP also funds furnace repair and replacement for eligible homeowners.
Minnesota stands out in this series for two utility-discount mandates that no other state has: a state law requiring Xcel Energy to provide a 50% electric discount on the first 300 kWh per month to LIHEAP-eligible customers, and a law requiring all investor-owned natural gas utilities to offer a Gas Affordability Program capping monthly gas payments at 6% of household income.
What Does Minnesota EAP Cover?
Primary Heat Benefit — a one-time payment per program year applied directly to your energy vendor account to help pay winter heating bills. Benefit range: $200 minimum to $1,400 maximum. Covers electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil, wood, and other heating fuels. Available October 1 through May 31.
Crisis Benefit — emergency assistance for households in an immediate energy crisis: shutoff notice, disconnected service, or low/no fuel supply. Maximum: $600. Available October 1 through July 1. Crisis benefits also help with fuel deliveries for households running out of deliverable fuel.
Heating System Repair / Replacement — EAP funds furnace repair and replacement for owner-occupied EAP-eligible households. Available through local EAP agencies. For renter-occupied households, contact your landlord first — this benefit is restricted to homeowners.
Weatherization Assistance — free home energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, sealing, heating system improvements). Income limit: 50% SMI for households of 1–18 members; 200% FPL for households of 7+ members (whichever applies). Year-round.
Minnesota EAP Income Limits 2026
Minnesota uses 50% of State Median Income (SMI) for EAP — the most restrictive SMI threshold in this LIHEAP series (most states use 60% SMI). For households of 19–20 members, 110% Federal Poverty Guidelines apply instead.
Income eligibility is based on the most recent one month of gross household income.
Official FFY26 EAP Income Guidelines (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026):
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $37,439 | $3,119 |
| 2 | $48,959 | $4,079 |
| 3 | $60,479 | $5,039 |
| 4 | $71,999 | $5,999 |
| 5 | $83,518 | $6,959 |
| 6 | $95,038 | $7,919 |
| 7 | $97,198 | $8,099 |
| 8 | $99,358 | $8,279 |
| 9 | $101,518 | $8,459 |
| 10 | $103,678 | $8,639 |
Source: Minnesota Department of Commerce official FFY26 income guidelines at mn.gov/commerce. For households of 11–20, continue the table or contact your local EAP agency.
For a national comparison of LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: Minnesota EAP has no asset test.
Categorical eligibility: Households receiving MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program — Minnesota’s TANF), SNAP, or SSI are categorically eligible for EAP and may have simplified income verification. Note: Minnesota’s TANF program is called MFIP — a unique name in this series.
Minnesota’s MFIP — TANF by Another Name
Minnesota calls its TANF/cash assistance program MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program), administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. MFIP households are categorically eligible for EAP. This is distinct from the standard “TANF” or “Cash Assistance” branding used in most other states.
Minnesota’s Two Utility Discount Mandates — Unique in This Series
Minnesota has codified two specific low-income utility discount requirements that no other state in this LIHEAP series has:
1. Xcel Energy 50% Electric Discount (since 1994) As a result of legislation passed in 1994, Minnesota requires that electric companies serving over 200,000 residential customers provide a 50% discount on the first 300 kilowatt hours consumed each month for income-eligible customers. This provision applies specifically to Xcel Energy — Minnesota’s largest utility serving 1.2 million customers in the Twin Cities metro and beyond. Average benefit: approximately $108 per household.
To qualify for the Xcel discount, you must first receive an EAP award letter. Then contact Energy CENTS Coalition — do not contact them before receiving your EAP letter. The discount is applied to your Xcel bill automatically after enrollment.
2. Gas Affordability Program — 6% Income Cap (since 2007) Legislation passed in 2007 requires all investor-owned natural gas utilities in Minnesota to provide a Gas Affordability Program that limits participants’ natural gas payments to no more than 6% of their household income per month. After that cap is met, the utility company covers the rest of your monthly gas bill.
Participating utilities include CenterPoint Energy and Minnesota Energy Resources. To access the Gas Affordability Program, you must first apply for and receive an EAP award. Then contact your gas utility or Energy CENTS Coalition to enroll. Do not contact Energy CENTS until after receiving your EAP award letter.
Program Dates
| Program | Dates |
|---|---|
| EAP Primary Heat | October 1 – May 31 |
| EAP Crisis | October 1 – July 1 |
| Applications generally available | September (before October 1 opening) |
| Weatherization | Year-round |
Apply as early as possible — EAP operates on a first-come, first-served basis and funding may run out before May 31. Applications must be received or postmarked by May 31, 2026.
Who Qualifies for Minnesota EAP
To be eligible for EAP:
- Minnesota residency as primary dwelling
- Income at or below 50% Minnesota SMI (see table above) based on the most recent one month of gross income
- Responsibility for heating costs — you pay for home energy directly or through rent
Both homeowners and renters qualify. Assets (including the home, vehicles, and other property) are not considered.
Heating system repair/replacement: Only available to owner-occupied EAP-eligible households. Renters facing a broken furnace should contact their landlord; the landlord may qualify for separate weatherization or repair programs.
How to Apply for Minnesota EAP
Step 1 — Find Your Local EAP Agency
Minnesota EAP is administered through local agencies — not through the Department of Commerce or DHS directly. Find your county’s EAP agency:
- Call the EAP agency locator at 1-800-657-3710 (Minnesota Department of Commerce)
- Visit mn.gov/commerce and navigate to the Energy Assistance Program
- Visit staywarm.org — Minnesota’s dedicated EAP information website
- Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance programs statewide
For a general process overview, see how to apply for LIHEAP. Minnesota’s EAP contacts are also listed in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
Step 2 — Apply Online, By Mail, or In Person
EAP agencies accept applications by different methods — online portals, mail, in-person appointments, and phone. Contact your local agency for their specific process. Applications are generally available starting in September before the October 1 program opening.
Electronic signatures are not accepted — sign your application manually before submitting.
Step 3 — Required Documents
- Photo ID for the applicant
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Most recent one month of gross income for all household members — pay stubs, Social Security/SSI/MFIP award letters, pension statements, unemployment statements
- Most recent heating utility bill (or fuel delivery receipt)
- Heating system documentation (for repair/replacement — homeowners only)
Step 4 — Enroll in Utility Discount Programs After Receiving Award Letter
After receiving your EAP award letter:
- Xcel Energy customers — contact Energy CENTS Coalition to enroll in the 50% electric discount
- CenterPoint Energy / Minnesota Energy Resources customers — contact your utility or Energy CENTS Coalition to enroll in the Gas Affordability Program (6% income cap)
To follow up on a submitted application, contact your local EAP agency or see how to track your LIHEAP application status.
Minnesota EAP Funding 2026
Minnesota received $125,349,065 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026, including an additional $1,804,075 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In FY 2024, Minnesota served 130,023 heating households, 44,937 winter crisis households, and 2,346 weatherization projects. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Minnesota with other states.
Additional Resources for Minnesota Families
Minnesota SNAP: Check Minnesota SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Minnesota.
Minnesota Medicaid (Medical Assistance): Check Minnesota Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Minnesota WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EAP in Minnesota?
EAP (Energy Assistance Program) is Minnesota’s name for the federal LIHEAP program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce through local county agencies. It provides a Primary Heat benefit toward winter heating costs and a Crisis benefit for emergencies, plus furnace repair/replacement for eligible homeowners.
What are the income limits for Minnesota EAP?
Minnesota uses 50% of State Median Income — the most restrictive SMI threshold in this LIHEAP series. For a household of 4, the annual limit is $71,999 ($5,999/month) for FFY26. Income is based on the most recent one month of gross income. There is no asset limit. Confirm current limits at mn.gov/commerce.
What is Xcel Energy’s 50% electric discount?
Minnesota law requires Xcel Energy — the state’s largest utility — to offer a 50% discount on the first 300 kWh consumed per month for EAP-eligible customers. The average benefit is $108/household. To access the discount, receive your EAP award letter first, then contact Energy CENTS Coalition. Do not contact Energy CENTS before your EAP award.
What is the Gas Affordability Program?
Minnesota law requires all investor-owned natural gas utilities to offer a Gas Affordability Program capping monthly gas payments at 6% of household income. Participating utilities include CenterPoint Energy and Minnesota Energy Resources. You must receive an EAP award first, then enroll through your utility or Energy CENTS Coalition.
What is MFIP?
MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program) is Minnesota’s TANF/cash assistance program, administered by DHS. MFIP households are categorically eligible for EAP. Minnesota’s MFIP is distinct from standard “TANF” branding used by most other states.
Can renters get EAP heating system repair?
No — EAP furnace repair and replacement is available only to owner-occupied households. Renters should contact their landlord for heating system issues. Renters can still receive Primary Heat and Crisis benefits.
For current Minnesota EAP information and to find your local agency, visit mn.gov/commerce or staywarm.org, or call 1-800-657-3710.