Energy Assistance Program (EAP)

EAP provides a financial help with heating costs to households who qualify, crisis assistance for shut off and no fuel emergencies, energy-related repairs (ERR) for home heating systems and referrals to weatherization and other human service providers.

Households can apply for energy assistance from Oct. 1 through May 31.

You need to apply every program year, which is October 1st – May 31st every year.

No. You do not have to owe anything to be eligible for Energy Assistance. Apply as soon as you can while funding is available. Your application will be processed in the order it was received unless you have an energy emergency.

Ways to Apply

• Online: Visit www.mn.gov/home
• By Phone: Call 507-345-6822 to request that an application be mailed to you.
• Visit www.mnvac.org to get a blank application
• In Person: Apply at any of our 9 office locations.

You can mail your application to 706 N Victory Dr, Mankato, MN 56001. You can also drop it off in any of our county office locations, fax it to 507-345-2414, or email it to eap@mnvac.org.

We are not able to reproduce the pre-printed application. A blank application can be mailed to you or you can download a copy of the application online or apply online.

Unless your application indicates it is a RECERTIFICATION application and income has not changed, you will need to provide income documentation.   Recertification applications are only mailed to those with fixed incomes and even they must resubmit the information every 3 years. All other applications do require proof of income from the prior calendar month that you signed the application regardless if the income is same as last year. 

You will need to submit income for the last calendar month prior to the date the application was signed. So if the application was signed in September, we would need income from August. We are required to look at pay dates on your paycheck and document gross income. If able, please also submit most recent copies of your heating & electric bills. 

Yes, everyone in the household ages 1 and up will need to provide their Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to provide documentation of acceptable alternatives.

You may need to fill out the Verification of Income and Expense (VIE) form if you have been unemployed for longer than 6 months or our Affidavit Declaring Change in Income if you lost a job within the last 6 months. The forms are located on our website or you can contact us with further questions.

You can mail your application to 706 N Victory Dr, Mankato, MN 56001. You can also drop it off in any of our county office locations, fax it to 507-345-2414, or email it to eap@mnvac.org.

Cross out any inaccurate information and write in the correct information or contact your local office. 

Applications are processed in the order they are received. Generally, it will take between 60 and 90 days to process a complete application. 

Funding is currently unavailable. Funding should be available sometime in November 2025 2026 when the new program year begins. Please contact us for further information.

When we receive your application, we send out a confirmation letter either via email or mail according to your contact preference letting you know what date your application was received and what to expect this program year for Energy Assistance. Typically, this could take up to a week or two to receive in the mail.

You will receive a letter via email or mail according to your contact preference requesting further information if it is required to complete your application. Once you are approved, you will receive an approval letter via email or mail notifying you.

Funding is currently unavailable. Make sure your energy bills are in a household member’s name. Contact your energy vendor to arrange a payment plan. If you are still facing a disconnection, please contact us at 507-345-6822

Due to the high number of applications we have received, we are unable to return calls regarding application status.
To check the status of your application, please visit www.mnvac.org. Click Programs, then Energy, and then Energy Assistance Program.
Enter your Household Number (found on your “We Received Your Application” letter) or the phone number you used when applying for the program.
You can also call 507-345-6822 and select Option 2 for heating or electric bills, then follow the prompts to check your application status.
Thank you for your patience as we work through the large volume of applications.

Funding is currently unavailable. Make sure your energy bills are in a household member’s name. Contact your energy vendor to arrange a payment plan. If you are still facing a disconnection after November 1, please contact us at 507-345-6822.