Utilities & heating · MN
Minnesota LIHEAP: help paying the heating and cooling bill
How Minnesota runs LIHEAP, who to call, and when applications open.
Written and checked by Jason Burns, Editorial Steward · Checked August 26, 2026
What this program is, in plain English
LIHEAP in Minnesota pays part of a heating or cooling bill straight to the utility company, and can pay an emergency crisis benefit when a shut-off notice has already arrived. Director, Office of Energy Assistance Programs runs the program in Minnesota and takes applications through local community action agencies. Call before you apply and ask two things: the date applications open this year, and whether a crisis or emergency benefit is open right now, because that one is usually decided within 48 hours. Funds are limited and stop when the money runs out, so applying in the first weeks matters more than anything else you can do.
Who qualifies
- You are 60 or older.
- Income limit: Not yet verified — call to confirm
What to have ready
- Photo ID for everyone in the household
- Social Security numbers for everyone applying
- Proof of all income for the last 30 days
- Proof of address, such as a lease or a utility bill
- Your most recent heating and electric bills
- A shut-off or disconnection notice if you have one
How to apply
This program is run by Director, Office of Energy Assistance Programs. Processing times vary by state.
Timing matters
We are not a government agency. These links go straight to the agency that runs the program. Applying is always free.
Every program on this site is free to apply for. Anyone who asks you to pay to apply, or to “unlock” a government benefit, is a scam — hang up and call Senior Medicare Patrol or 211.
Report something wrong on this page
Sources
- Program page — mn.gov
- Source of record — acf.hhs.gov
- Director, Office of Energy Assistance Programs — mn.gov
- Legal authority: 42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq. (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Act)
Checked August 26, 2026 by Jason Burns (Agency URL fetched and returned 200 during the state layer build.). Licensed under the Citation License 1.0.
Related programs
- LIHEAP Home Energy AssistanceHelps pay heating and cooling bills, and can stop a shut-off in an emergency.
- Lifeline Phone and Internet DiscountTakes at least $9.25 a month off a phone or internet bill, more on tribal lands.
- Arkansas LIHEAP: help paying the heating and cooling billHow Arkansas runs LIHEAP, who to call, and when applications open.
- South Carolina LIHEAP: help paying the heating and cooling billHow South Carolina runs LIHEAP, who to call, and when applications open.
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