$105M to help low-income Minnesotans pay heating bills

Minnesota is getting $105 million in federal funding for an energy assistance program for low-income households.

The program pays money directly to utility companies and heating fuel vendors on behalf of low-income homeowners and renters.

Recipients of assistance must earn less than 50 percent of the state's median income, which is roughly $43,000 for a family of four, said Mike Rothman, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

"It helps pay for home heating and those folks who are struggling to make ends meet, particularly families with children, people with disabilities, a large number of seniors and veterans who apply for these funds," Rothman said.

On average, energy assistance grants will be about $500 per household, which Rothman says is slightly higher than last year's average grant.

Funding will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications can be made at one of 30 or so designated social service organizations around the state. Further information is available at 1-800-657-3710 or at the on the Department of Commerce's website.

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