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. Application deadline May 31, 2024.

No, not every year, but every heating season. The heating season is from Oct. 1 through May 31.

No. Apply as soon as you can. Your application will be processed in the order it was received.

If you received Energy Assistance last year, you will receive one in the mail sometime in September. Otherwise, it is available October 1st pick up in a county office, download from our website, or one can be mailed out to you.

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.

Yes, unless the application says RECERTIFICATION on the front page, just to the right of the words 2023-2024 MINNESOTA ENERGY PROGRAMS APPLICATION, you are required to submit the income information, with an exception of change in received income. Recertification applications are only mailed to those with fixed incomes and even they must resubmit the information every 3 years.

Income information and bills. Income information 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 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 will need to fill out the verification of income and expenses worksheet. You can print the form from our website, or you can call us to get one mailed to you.

You can mail in your info, email it to eap@mnvac.org, drop it off, or fax it. Please make sure your name is clearly printed on the documents. It will be put with your file.

Cross out any inaccurate information and write in the correct information or call 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. Regardless of when the application is completed, grants and award letters will not be sent until funds become available.

We do not know exactly when funds will arrive. Our best guess is mid-November or later, as it has been the past few years. Households can visit our website for more information.

When we receive your application, we mail out a confirmation letter 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. If you do not receive your letter, you can call us at 507-345-6822 and we can look it up.

You will receive a letter requesting further information if it is required to complete your application. Once you are approved, you will receive a letter in the mail notifying you.

We do not currently have funds available to assist with disconnection notices. Please check you’re your local Salvation Army or County HS for emergency assistance.