ST. PAUL – As a stretch of bitter-cold temperatures impacts the region, Rep. Dale Lueck, R-Aitkin, reminds residents that heating assistance is available to those who are struggling to pay heating related bills.
“Aside from rent or a mortgage payment, the heating bill can be among one’s most expensive monthly bills, especially during a cold snap like we have seen in recent days,” Lueck said. “This only drives up our heating costs and, unfortunately, this comes at a time when many people have either been out of work or have seen their paycheck shrink. This is putting many people in a real predicament. I encourage people who are struggling to pay their heating bill to see if they qualify for heating assistance. It is also imperative to work with your local utility company to set up a payment plan that will resolve any past due bills.”
The state’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program, Lueck said, serves both renters and homeowners, providing financial assistance to pay past due energy bills to avoid disconnection, to purchase emergency fuel, or to repair or replace a homeowner’s malfunctioning furnace.
Eligibility guidelines apply and are based on the household’s past three months of income. The EAP is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The application period is open until May 31 and you can visit www.mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp to determine eligibility or to learn more about the EAP.
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