Governor Expands Eligibility For Heating Assistance

Governor Mark Dayton has taken executive action to expand eligibility for Minnesota’s heating assistance program because of the ongoing shortage of propane.

His administration estimates the Governor’s action will expand eligibility for the program to an additional 120,000 households. The State Commerce Department says that will likely translate into an additional 30,000 to 40,000 Minnesotans applying for heating assistance this winter. Officials say the change means households of four people earning less than $52,370 per year would be eligible, while household of two with earnings below $35,612 per year would qualify. The governor earlier took action to increase heating assistance crisis payments from $500 to $1000 dollars for Minnesota households using propane or heating oil.