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The federal government doubled the appropriation for Low Income Heating Assistance money this year, meaning Minnesotans who meet certain income guidelines will have access to $144.5 million in heating assistance money. In addition to this program, there are several other short and long term assistance programs available to help homeowners get through the winter. Consumers who expect to have problems paying their heating bills should contact their energy provider as soon as possible. Most utility companies in Minnesota offer bill paying options and help with energy conservation. There are no minimum income requirements for some of these forms of assistance. Contact information for Minnesota’s utilities and energy providers is available on this web site. Energy Assistance Program Low income households may be eligible for the Energy Assistance Program. The Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. EAP is designed to assist with energy bills, primarily in the form of grants to the energy provider on the behalf of the household. Funding is limited for this program, so consumers are encouraged to sign up early. Weatherization Program The Minnesota Department of Commerce administers this federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Energy. The program assists households by doing energy conservation audits and safety inspections, as well as assessing furnaces and air quality for low income households throughout the state. The program also works with both regulated and non-regulated utilities in expanded partnerships for additional conservation measures for eligible families. HeatShare from the Salvation Army HeatShare provides emergency assistance with heating and utility bills on a year-round basis. Funds are used for natural gas, oil, propane, wood, electricity and emergency furnace repairs. Celebrating 25 years of keeping Minnesotans warm, HeatShare is a voluntary nongovernmental program of The Salvation Army. The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) The Minnesota Family Investment Program, or MFIP, is the state's welfare reform program for low-income families with children. MFIP helps families meet their basic needs while working to achieve economic self-sufficiency. MFIP assistance payments include both cash and food assistance. MFIP participants are also provided employment services and work supports. In addition, MFIP families may be eligible for crisis funds through the MFIP Consolidated Fund that can be used to pay utility bills. Families can apply for these services at their local county human services office. Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Loans Minnesota Housing offers affordable home improvement programs to residents of Minnesota that can be used for energy efficiency projects. There are three opportunities for loans. The Fix-up Fund is a statewide program that offers affordable, low-interest fixed rate loans that can be used for energy efficiency improvements. The Community Fix-up Fund (CFUF) is available to help communities address their home improvement needs and objectives (including energy efficiency) under geographically targeted initiatives. The Rehabilitation Loan program assists low income homeowners in financing basic home improvements that directly affect the safety, habitability, energy efficiency or accessibility of their homes. Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program The UI Program provides temporary benefits to qualified persons out of work through no fault of their own. The purpose of the program is to help maintain the economic stability within a community. The UI fund is financed entirely by a special tax paid by employers. |
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