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Effective: August 1, 2009 |
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30.25ar2 - Residence-Related Needs (Archive) |
Archived: April 1, 2010 |
This section provides information on programs to assist people with residence-related needs.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Telephone Assistance Programs.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income people pay heating costs (including furnace repair and heating that is included in rent ) and reduce home energy consumption through conservation and weatherization activities.
The amount of help LIHEAP provides depends on the type of services and the household's size and income. To be eligible for LIHEAP, people must meet income and other eligibility requirements.
l People may apply for LIHEAP at the LIHEAP agency serving their county (some agencies serve several counties) between October 1 and May 31.
Note: Mail applications may be available for some households beginning August 1, at the discretion of the LIHEAP agency.
l See Income and Excluded Income for information on how to treat LIHEAP funds received by a client.
For more information on other Energy Assistance Programs in Minnesota see the Office of Energy Security (OES) Web site and click on "Low Income Assistance."
Publicly assisted housing is government-owned and -operated or subsidized housing for low income people, including families, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. The availability of public housing aid varies among communities.
The amount of aid depends on income and family size. Normally, eligible people pay 30% of their adjusted gross income toward the total amount of their rent and utilities.
People must complete an application and meet the eligibility requirements of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the local public housing agency (PHA). People may apply at any PHA office.
Some communities have a joint effort between government and private rental property owners to rehabilitate dwelling units to provide rental subsidies for low income people. Local residents and people displaced by public action may receive preference for vacancies.
Telephone companies are authorized to provide two federally funded and one state-funded telephone service discount programs designed to promote universal service by providing low-income people with new telephone service installations and monthly telephone service discounts. The discounts do not pay past due bills. Not all local telephone companies participate in all programs. These programs are administered and supervised by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission of the Department of Commerce.
l Lifeline and Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP).
These programs provide eligible subscribers with a monthly credit on the basic service portion of their telephone bill. The credit applies on the main home telephone number listed in the applicant's name. Lifeline provides a discount on home phone line charges up to $10 per month. TAP provides a monthly discount of $1.75. The credit amount may vary slightly by carrier. Subscribers may also receive free blocking of long distance calling on their telephone line.
l Link-Up.
This program provides eligible subscribers with reduced connection charges for their basic home telephone service. This reduction is 50 percent of applicable charges or $30.00, whichever is less. Link-Up also provides for deferred payment of connection charges without interest. It does not cover the cost of wiring inside the home and is available to eligible subscribers only once per home address.
l Telephone Equipment Distribution (TED) program.
DHS administers the TED program. TED provides equipment for those who have hearing loss, speech, or mobility impairment that limits their use of a standard telephone.
More detailed information about the Telephone Assistance Programs is available through area local telephone companies. Applications should be mailed to the local telephone company.