Minnesota Makes $111 Million Available for Home Heating Assistance

Minnesota announced October 26 that about $111 million in federal funding is available through its Energy Assistance Program to help eligible households keep their homes warm this winter. The program can help pay heating bills, prevent or respond to energy disconnections, arrange fuel delivery, and address certain heating-system emergencies.

Benefits can be as high as $1,400, with additional help for certain emergencies. Eligibility depends on household income and size, and both renters and homeowners may apply. Payments go to the utility or fuel supplier rather than directly to the household.

For Redwood County residents, United Community Action Partnership (UCAP) is the listed local provider. Call 507-537-1416 for Energy Assistance information. UCAP also has an office at 164 E. 2nd Street in Redwood Falls. Applications and income guidelines are available on UCAP's website. The statewide deadline for the 2026-27 season is May 31, 2027.

Why it matters: Winter bills can strain household budgets, and people do not need to wait for a shutoff notice to ask about eligibility.

State announcement: https://www.commerce.mn.gov/commerce/news/?id=17-771191
Local applications: https://www.unitedcapmn.org/programs/housing/energy-assistance/