3000-2 DEFINITIONS

The following terms are used throughout the manual. Additional terms and definitions are located in Administrative Procedures MS 101-1 .

Alaska Poverty Level: The poverty guidelines for Alaska updated annually in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under authority of Section 673 (2) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981.

Acceptable Application: See HAP MS 3001-2A .

Administrative Costs: Administrative employee salary and benefits, procurement, travel to national conferences & trainings, computer maintenance & IT support, leases & storage for archives, dues, public relations, and office supplies.

Adult: A person age 18 or older. If less than 18 years of age, a person who is not under parental control of another adult. Refer to definition of parental control .

Agency Error: An incorrect issuance of heating assistance caused by an error by agency staff in budgeting, invalid computer programming, misunderstanding of policy, etc.

Applicant: An individual who has submitted an identifiable application for heating assistance for the individual's household and who represents the household to the department.

Authorized Representative: A responsible adult knowledgeable about the household's circumstances designated in writing by a responsible member of the heating assistance household to act on its behalf. The authorized representative may apply for the household. Emergency authorized representatives must be designated in the same manner.

Bedroom: A room or loft designated for sleeping with either a window (large enough for an average sized adult to pass through) or door to the outside of the home. This designation is not intended for the following areas of the home:

Open or shared areas of a home such as a living room, family room, dining room, solarium/sunroom, etc.

Closets, pantries, bathrooms, utility rooms, etc.

Boarder/Room Renter: One or more persons living in the same house and paying rent to the owner of the home who also lives in the house.

Budget Month: The month from which the income and expenses are used to calculate the household's heating assistance benefit.

Categorical Eligibility: When all household members are receiving assistance from federally funded TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families , SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , or SSI Supplemental Security Income programs. Refer to HAP Heating Assistance Program MS 3001-4H and MS 3002-1A(8) .

Notes: Clients do not meet categorical eligibility criteria if they only receive Medicaid, or state funded programs such as: APA Adult Public Assistance , GRA General Relief Assistance , IA, Interim Assistance or SB Senior Benefits . For categorically eligible households, caseworkers use the eligibility, income, and alien status information displayed in EIS Eligibility Information System to process the application. Only countable income may be used when determining the benefit amount. Noncountable income, including Senior Benefits and Alaska Native dividends, must not be counted even if it appears in EIS Eligibility Information System . Complete income verification submitted with the HAP1 State of Alaska's LIHEAP application may be used instead of the income displayed in EIS Eligibility Information System if using the submitted verification is in the client’s best interest, such as when the verification is complete, no pend is required, and the verified countable income is less than the countable income displayed in EIS Eligibility Information System .

Change Reporting: A reporting requirement method in which households receiving heating assistance are required to report certain changes in their situation within 10 days from when they know of the change.

Child: A person under 18 years of age who is under the parental control of an adult.

Claim Determination: An action taken by the agency when a heating assistance overpayment has occurred. A claim determination establishes the amount of overpayment and the client's liability for repayment.

Completed Application: A HAP1 State of Alaska's LIHEAP application or Tribal Energy Assistance application where all applicable fields have been completed, including the head of household's signature, and all required verification has been received.

Crisis: When the applicant:

Is a renter facing eviction for nonpayment of rent, when heat is included in their rental payment; or

Is without or within 48 hours of being without deliverable fuel used to primarily power and/or heat their dwelling; or

Is disconnected from or will be disconnected within 48 hours from metered fuel used to primarily power and/or heat their dwelling.

Deliverable Fuel: Fuel such as oil, kerosene, wood, or coal that is not metered and requires delivery by truck or counter sale pick-up.

Disabled: A person with a physical or mental impairment, which limits one or more major life activities, as determined by eligibility for:

Veterans disability benefits;

Social Security disability benefits;

Supplemental Security Income ( SSI Supplemental Security Income );

State of Alaska, Adult Public Assistance ( APA Adult Public Assistance ) and its sub types including but not limited to Interim Assistance ( IA Interim Assistance );

Disability retirement from a government agency because of a disability considered permanent; or

An annuity payment under the Railroad Retirement Act and either is determined to be eligible to receive Medicare or is determined to be disabled.

Division: The Division of Public Assistance in the Department of Health.

Dwelling: The physical structure the household has identified on the HAP1 State of Alaska's LIHEAP application as the primary residence for which heating assistance is requested.

Earned Income: Income that is paid to a person to compensate them for work performed.

Elderly: A person age 60 years or older.

Emancipated Minor: An individual under 18 years of age who has been declared emancipated by the superior court of Alaska under AS 09.55.590 , or by a court of another jurisdiction under procedures granting the individual the equivalent status.

Expedite: An application must be expedited when a client indicates on their application or reports via phone, email, written statement, or through their vendor that they are in crisis, a life-threatening crisis, or meet the medically necessary criteria. See "Crisis" and "Life Threatening Crisis" definitions and MS Manual Section 3005 Expedited Cases .

Expenditure: The actual payment made for goods and services.

Expenditure Time Frame: State Fiscal Year - July 1 through June 30th.

Fee Agent: A paid volunteer who is authorized by DPA Division of Public Assistance to make applications available to households, assist applicants in completing the application and related forms, secure required verification, and forward completed applications and supporting documentation to the DPA Division of Public Assistance office.

Fully Subsidized: Regular monthly financial assistance provided by a government, housing authority, or non-profit entity that covers the annual cost of heating.

General Assistance (GA): Assistance payments from a state or local government program that help cover an eligible household's rent, clothing, and food needs, etc. General assistance is cash provided by vendor payment or direct payment to the household. This does not include "in-kind" assistance such as a donation of clothing or furniture items.

Gross Monthly Income: Total cash receipts before taxes, of both earned and unearned income, derived from any source by any member of the household in the calendar month before the date of receipt of the completed application. The division will prorate, or average, income from self-employed occupations over the 12-month period before the date of receipt of the completed application to determine the household's gross monthly self-employment income.

Head of Household: The first person listed on the application. This person is also referred to as the Primary Information Person (PI).

Heating Assistance: Any financial assistance granted under the Heating Assistance Program.

Home Heating Costs: An amount the household pays for its own home heating needs either directly or indirectly through rent. Verification of home heating costs are required. A copy of the client's rental agreement and rental receipt (if applicable), heating, and electric expenses need to be scanned into ILINX and also documented in a case note. See MS Manual Section 3001-4C Heat or Rent Costs .

Homeless Individual: An individual who lacks a fixed and regular nighttime residence or an individual whose primary nighttime residence is:

A supervised shelter designed to provide temporary accommodations; or,

A halfway house or similar institution that provides temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or,

A temporary accommodation in the residence of another individual not to exceed 60 days; or,

A place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings (a hallway, a bus station, a lobby, or similar places).

Household: An individual or group of individuals who are living together as one economic unit and for whom residential heating is customarily purchased in common, or who make undesignated payments for heat in the form of rent.

Identifiable Application: See HAP MS 3001-2B .

Inadvertent Household Error: An incorrect issuance of heating assistance caused by client error due to circumstances such as failure to understand program requirements.

Intentional Program Violation: The client:

Made a false or misleading statement, misrepresented, concealed or withheld facts to obtain heating assistance benefits to which the client was not entitled; or,

Committed any act that relates to the use, presentation, transfer, acquisition, receipt, or possession of heating assistance benefits.

Irregular Work Schedule: Jobs with rotating schedules, fluctuating payroll schedules, seasonal layoffs, or other careers where income is not consistent on a monthly basis.

Kerosene: Fuel used to heat a home. It may also be referred to as paraffin, or lamp oil. It is commonly used to power space heaters. Its flash point (temperature at which the kerosene ignites) is 100 degrees Fahrenheit and has a slightly greater fire and explosion risk than heating oil.

Life Threatening Crisis: When the applicant or a member of the applicant's household uses medical support equipment prescribed by a licensed medical professional that requires fuel or power to operate; and

is a renter facing eviction for nonpayment of rent, when heat is included in the rental payment; or

is without or within 48 hours of being without deliverable fuel used to primarily power and/or heat their dwelling; or

is disconnected from or will be disconnected within 48 hours from metered fuel used to primarily power and/or heat their dwelling.

LIHEAP Model Plan: The State of Alaska's LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Block Grant Plan that requires annual review and approval by ACF Administration for Children and Families with the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Limited Heating Points: An eligibility denial for a household whose gross income, household size, and estimated annual heating costs are calculated to be less than the minimum necessary to qualify for heating assistance.

Live-In Caregiver: A person, not considered part of the household, who does not contribute financially to the household and provides needed health/supportive services to a member of the household as documented by a qualified professional such as a Medicaid Qualifying Trust, Office of Public Advocacy ( OPA Office of Public Advocacy ), court order, or physician's note.

Medically Necessary: A household may qualify for expedite processing when at least one household member uses medical support equipment (e.g. kidney dialysis machine, oxygen concentrator, intermittent positive pressure breathing machine, infant respiratory failure alarm, cardiac monitor, etc.) prescribed by a licensed medical professional that requires electricity or fuel to operate.

NOTE: Client statement is considered to be acceptable verification of use of medical support equipment.

Metered Fuel: Fuel such as but not limited to natural gas or electricity that is metered and subject to disconnection if payment on account is not made.

Minor Child: An individual who has not attained 18 years of age.

Mixed Household: A household in which some, but not all, members receive financial assistance from TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families , SSI Supplemental Security Income , or SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program .

Mobile Home: A manufactured home or large house trailer designed for year-round living in one place.

Notice of Action: A notice sent by the HAP Heating Assistance Program to the applicant requesting the information needed to complete the application in order to make an eligibility determination or informing the applicant they have been approved or denied.

Obligation: The promise to pay for goods or services, usually supported by a Field Purchase Order, Contract, Encumbrance, approved application or Notice of Action.

Oil: Fuel used to heat a home. It may also be referred to as heating oil, heating diesel #1, heating diesel #2, diesel oil, etc. Its flash point (temperature at which the oil ignites) is 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Older adult: A person age 60 years or older, as defined by ACF Administration for Children and Families .

Over issuance: The amount of heating assistance issued to a household in excess of the amount it was entitled to receive.

Parental Control: To be considered under the parental control of an adult household member , children under 18 must be living with one or both parents or an adult who is caring for them as if he/she were their parent (for example, providing for basic needs such as lodging, meals, etc.).

Pay: To give money to another party in exchange for goods or services rendered.

Pend: To send a client a notice of action requesting additional information necessary to determine eligibility for heating assistance benefits.

Pledge: A promise to pay a vendor. The ET Eligibility Technician calls the vendor to pledge an award amount for a client. Vendors may require written confirmation in addition to a phone call. Written confirmation may be faxed or sent via a State of Alaska approved encrypted email.

Priority Processing: See MS 3004-1B.3 .

Qualified Alien: Legal immigrants as defined in Section 431 of PRWORA Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 and described in MS 3002-1 D of this manual.

Recreational Vehicle: A motor vehicle or trailer, such as a motor home, that is designed to be used for travel and equipped with living space and amenities found in a home, such as a bathroom, kitchen, and beds.

Recoupment: Collection of the unpaid balance that the household owes the division for previously awarded heating assistance to which the household was not entitled.

Seasonal Employment: Employment with a regular work season of 11 months or less on a salary basis from an employer.

Self-Employed Occupations: Occupations in which an individual receives income from the production or sale of goods or services as determined under 7 AAC 45.445 (a) - (k). For more information, see MS 3003-4 of this manual.

Self-Harvested Wood: Wood, used for heating a home that is cut and gathered by the household instead of by a vendor.

Shared Household: A home in which more than one household (see definition above) resides. Examples include multiple, unrelated adults residing in one unit with each contributing towards a portion of the heating costs (roommates) or multiple generations/families residing in the same unit and each contributing to a portion of the overall heating costs.

Signature: Online applications include an electronic signature. Paper applications can be signed by e-signature, digital signature, or a handwritten signature created on an electronic device (finger/stylus to screen) starting October 1, 2024. Telephonic signatures must be recorded by a worker through the VCC Virtual Contact Center .

Spouse: Either one of two individuals who would be defined as married to each other under applicable state law.

SSI Household: A household in which all members receive SSI Supplemental Security Income .

Subsidized Housing: Housing subsidized by a government, housing authority, or non-profit entity, in which tenants pay only a portion of their adjusted monthly income for rent, mortgage, and home heat. Please note that while LIHTC Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties are not considered subsidized housing, people living in LIHTC Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties may have Section 8 vouchers which would require that the applicant with the Section 8 voucher be treated as living in subsidized housing.

Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit (SRHUD): A special grant available to households living in subsidized housing with heat included in the rent that need help with the initial utility deposit required to establish service for Section 8 or subsidized rental housing.

Supplemental Benefit: An additional benefit payment issued to all eligible households at the end of the heating assistance season. A supplement may be issued when the State has received state and/or federal contingency funding or has unspent funds remaining from the block grant.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families is a block grant program that provides cash assistance and work opportunities to needy families by granting each state and certain tribal organizations federal funds to develop and implement their own programs. In Alaska, TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families funds the Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP), administered by the State of Alaska Division of Public Assistance, and the Native Family Assistance programs (NFAP), administered by Alaska Native tribal organizations.

Unearned Income: Income received that is not compensation for work performed. Unearned income examples may include but are not limited to: Workers Compensation, ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program , APA Adult Public Assistance , Unemployment Insurance Benefits, Veteran's Benefits, Social Security Benefits, SSI Supplemental Security Income , Child Support, etc.

United States Citizen: A citizen of one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Virgin Islands; and United States nationals, including nationals from American Samoa or Swain's Island.

Variable Work Schedule: Workers who are employed in mining; construction; ferry workers; and oil field and service workers who have rotating schedules, fluctuating payroll schedules, and/or seasonal lay-offs that do not reflect income on a monthly basis. Workers with these variable work schedules will have their income calculated using a 12 month average of all available income for that worker for the previous 12 months from the date they applied.

Vendor: An individual, business, or private or public agency that sells home heating related energy.

A vendor who has signed a contract with HAP Heating Assistance Program , agreeing to provide fuel in exchange for payment via a client's HAP Heating Assistance Program grant is known as an Approved Vendor. A list of approved vendors is located on DPA Division of Public Assistance 's website. Vendors who express interest in becoming an Approved Vendor should be directed to submit their inquiry to Vendors.liheap@alaska.gov .

Verification: Documentation or third-party information that establishes the accuracy of statements on the application.

Vulnerable Population: Households containing an older adult, disabled person, or child under 6. Vulnerable populations qualify for priority processing.

Previous Section Next Section 2026-02 (09/26)

3001-1 APPLICATION FORM AVAILABILITY

An applicant must apply for heating assistance benefits using either the DPA Division of Public Assistance HAP Heating Assistance Program application form ( HAP1 ) or by completing the telephonic application submission process. The form must be signed by the head-of-household, or an individual authorized by the household to act on its behalf. The Heating Assistance Program pre-mails applications directly to all households that received heating assistance in the previous year and to those who have contacted the program to request one. Applications are also available at or from: all DPA Division of Public Assistance offices, Fee Agents, home heating suppliers, senior centers, Special Supplemental Food Program for WIC Women, Infant and Children clinics, Head Start Centers, concerned agencies, the internet at www.heatinghelp.alaska.gov and by mail at:

Heating Assistance Program

PO Box 110640

Juneau, AK 99811-0640

Email: hss.dpa.offices@alaska.gov

Application forms are pre-mailed to the elderly and disabled in late-September, to families with young children in early-October, and to all other participants from the previous season in mid-October.

Previous Section Next Section 2021-03 (12/21)

3001-2 THE APPLICATION FORM

3001-2 A. WHAT IS AN ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION FORM?

To apply for Heating Assistance, a Heating Assistance Program application (HAP1) must be completed and submitted in one of the approved ways outlined in HAP MS 3001 .

NOTE: Tribal Energy Assistance applications are considered "acceptable" and must be registered, processed, filed in the client's ILINX folder, and a copy of the application forwarded to a tribal agency if applicable.

3001-2 B. WHAT IS AN IDENTIFIABLE APPLICATION FORM?

An identifiable application is an acceptable application form containing the applicant's name, address, and signature (or witness mark) of the individual seeking assistance or of the individual's authorized representative. Each DPA office must accept and date the identifiable application when it is presented.

3001-2 C. WHO CAN SIGN THE APPLICATION FORM?

Any adult household member

An authorized representative

An individual who has legal authority to act on the applicant's behalf (i.e., Office of Public Advocacy, legal guardian)

The signer must certify, under penalty of perjury, the truth of the information contained in the application.

3001-2 D. WHO CAN BE AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE?

A responsible adult, 18 years or older, may be designated by the applicant in writing as an authorized representative. Authorized representatives may sign the application and act on behalf of a household. A household member should prepare or review the application, if possible, even though the authorized representative will be filing the application.

The household may designate an emergency authorized representative (no age limit) if the need arises. The emergency authorized representative can obtain benefits on those occasions when, due to an emergency, neither a household member nor the authorized representative is able to do so. A separate written designation is needed each time an emergency authorized representative is requested to act for the household.

The household is liable for any overpayment resulting from erroneous information provided by an authorized representative. If the applicant is illiterate, their mark must be witnessed by two individuals who must each sign their names and date the document. No special form is required.

3001-2 E. WHO CANNOT BE AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE?

Vendors authorized to accept heating assistance benefits, fee agents, or DPA Division of Public Assistance employees involved in the certification or issuance process may not be authorized representatives without the written approval of the Director or Chief of Policy & Program Development.

3001-2 F. COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORM

In addition to submitting an identifiable application and having it signed by an eligible individual, the applicant must answer all of the questions on the application form.

If the individual requests help in completing the application form, the worker will offer assistance.

If the application form is not completed, the heating assistance worker will allow the household an opportunity to complete the form. In this case, a written notice, known as a pend notice of action, will be sent to the household listing the items that need to be completed.

3001-2 G. COMPLETE APPLICATION

A completed application includes:

Responses to HAP Heating Assistance Program application form questions, including the full names, birth dates, and social security numbers of all household members;

The head of household's signature, and the date the application was signed.

Proof of gross income from all household members;

A copy of the current heat and electric bills if the applicant pays for home energy directly, and/or wood vendor receipt totaling $200 or more, and/or a copy of receipts showing supplies purchased for self-harvesting wood;

A rental agreement, landlord statement, property manager statement, or other reliable rental verification if the applicant rents and heat and/or electricity is included in rent. The verification must confirm that the applicant pays rent and that heat and/or electricity is included in the rent; and

Proof of identity for the applicant, unless identity has been previously verified and is documented in DPA Division of Public Assistance eligibility systems or case notes. Acceptable proof may include a driver’s license, state-issued ID Identification , CIB Certificate of Indian Blood card, BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs card, tribal enrollment card, or other reliable identity verification.

3001-2 H. TRIBAL APPLICATIONS

Some tribal organizations serve Alaska Native and American Indian (and in some cases non-native) households in their communities. ECOS Energy Community Online System is designed to alert the caseworker when an application meets this criteria. At registration, ECOS Energy Community Online System flashes an alert indicating that the applicant appears eligible to be served by another agency and denies the application.

NOTE: Auto denied applications must be filed in the client's ILINX folder and a copy of the application forwarded to the applicable tribal agency.

If a tribal referral is returned to DPA because the household does not meet the tribal organization’s affiliation or service criteria, such as lack of proof of Indian blood, tribal membership, or residency in the tribal organization’s service area, the application must be reopened and processed by DPA. See MS 3001-5 I, Reopening an Application.

ECOS Energy Community Online System will allow the entry of households containing both Native and non-Native members. When the household consists of both Native and non-Native adults, HAP Heating Assistance Program will serve the household if the head of household is non-Native. Caseworkers processing applications containing both Native and non-Native household members must check with the appropriate tribal organization to make sure the household has not already been served by that organization. See Addendum B , HAP Heating Assistance Program Tribal Providers, to identify the applicable tribal provider. If they have been served, the application is denied and the information received from the tribal organization is entered in the case note. If the household has not been served by a tribal organization, the caseworker should notify the tribal organization that HAP Heating Assistance Program will serve the household.

When a tribal organization refuses service to a household that appears to meet their eligibility criteria the caseworker must bring the situation to the attention of hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov for resolution.

NOTE: Applicants who are determined ineligible for tribal HAP Heating Assistance Program for failure to follow the rules of their tribal organizations, e.g., failure to submit an application during the tribal HAP Heating Assistance Program enrollment period are NOT eligible to receive HAP Heating Assistance Program through DPA Division of Public Assistance . Applicants who fail to submit an application through their tribal organization while funds are available are NOT eligible to receive HAP Heating Assistance Program through DPA Division of Public Assistance .

3001-2 I. VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS

The National Voter Registration Act requires that all states that provide public assistance must offer voter registration opportunities. The heating assistance application now includes a voter registration application and a declaration.

Previous Section Next Section 2026-02 (09/26)

3001-3 THE INTERVIEW

HAP Heating Assistance Program does not conduct interviews to determine eligibility.

HAP Heating Assistance Program may contact the applicants over the phone to confirm or request information needed to determine eligibility.

Previous Section Next Section

3001-4 VERIFICATIONS

For households who appear eligible, mandatory verification must be obtained, including income verification and current heat and electric vendor and account verification. Current heat and electric vendor and account verification is required with the application to ensure the household’s benefit is issued to the correct vendor and account, confirm the account is active, verify the service address and account holder information, identify account circumstances that may affect eligibility or payment, including credit balances, and support required program reporting, including end-of-season household energy usage data obtained from vendors.

If current heat or electric vendor and account verification is not provided, previously verified information may be used when it is documented in DPA Division of Public Assistance eligibility systems or case notes, reasonably appears to reflect the household’s current circumstances, and is not questionable. When previously verified information is used in place of current heat or electric vendor and account verification, the worker must document the reason. The case note must identify the source of the prior verification and explain why the information appears current, unchanged, and sufficient to support the eligibility, benefit, payment, and reporting determination.

If the household is unable to obtain needed verification in a timely manner, the worker shall offer assistance in obtaining the verification.

A signed application or client statement, including a verbal statement documented in DPA Division of Public Assistance eligibility systems or case notes, may be used as verification when the information establishes that the household is ineligible. The application may be denied without requesting additional verification when the household’s statement or signed application provides sufficient information to support the denial. This includes, but is not limited to, cases when income exceeds maximum eligibility standards after applicable deductions are allowed, or when the household reports living in subsidized rental housing with heat included in rent.

3001-4 A. VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATIONS

Mandatory Verification

For all households applying for heating assistance, the following verification is required:

Identity of the individual applying;

Residency;

Alien status of any household member who is not a U.S. United States citizen;

Countable gross income;

Proof of heating and electric costs (copies of billing statements); and

Dwelling type

Dwelling type is verified by the client indicating the dwelling types on the application and signing the application. If the caseworker questions the dwelling type, they may obtain a collateral statement from a landlord, neighbor, or clerk's office.

Note: Acquiring the client's heating fuel and electricity billing statements or under extenuating circumstances, receiving the billing statement information verbally from the vendor is mandatory, regardless of how the client's HAP Heating Assistance Program grant is allocated to their fuel and/or electric accounts. The Federal government requires DPA Division of Public Assistance to obtain and report our client's annual fuel and electricity usage. The HAP Heating Assistance Program coordinator uses the client's vendor account information input in ECOS Energy Community Online System to generate the reports each approved vendor must review and complete in order to comply with this requirement.

Examples of extenuating circumstances that would allow for the caseworker to seek verbal verification from the vendor include but are not limited to:

The client is elderly or disabled and has requested assistance obtaining the information.

The client lives in a rural area and has limited access to mail or internet and has requested assistance obtaining the information.

The client claims to be without heat or claims they will run out of fuel within 48 hours.

The client claims to have received a utility shut-off notice and has informed us of their inability to provide us with a copy of said notice.

The client has filed a complaint with the Commissioner's Office or the Ombudsman's Office and the vendor account information is the only information needed to process the client's application.

The client requires an interpreter and has requested assistance obtaining the information.

Special projects assigned by Leadership.

Other scenarios using PPJ Prudent Person Judgement with justification of decision documented in the case note.

3001-4 B. PHYSICAL RESIDENCE ADDRESS

A physical address is required to verify that the applicant resides in the HAP Heating Assistance Program service area rather than a tribal service area, and to help determine whether multiple applications have been received from the same residence. If the household does not have a physical residence address, the household must provide directions to the residence. This information is requested on the HAP1 State of Alaska's LIHEAP application and is necessary to identify the household’s residence location.

If a physical residence address is not listed in available DPA Division of Public Assistance system records, such as EIS Eligibility Information System or ARIES, or on utility billing statements, the application must be pended for the physical residence address, or when a physical residence address does not exist, directions to the residence. This issue is common with some rural households.

N on-acceptable verification:

listing "same" as a P.O. Box or General Delivery mailing address.

leaving the HAP1 State of Alaska's LIHEAP application physical address question blank.

3001-4 C. HEAT OR RENT COST

An applicant shows they have an annual heating cost that exceeds $200 by providing the following:

a copy of a current heating fuel bill that the applicant is responsible for paying. The bill must show sufficient information to verify the applicant’s heating cost responsibility, such as the vendor name, name on the account, account number, service address, meter number (if one is used), and current charges and account balance. Required verification information may not be redacted; however, the applicant is not required to provide information that is not included on the vendor’s standard billing statement or otherwise used by the vendor for that community. If a vendor’s standard billing statement does not include one or more items listed above, the caseworker must document whether the available information was sufficient to verify heating cost responsibility.; or

copies of receipts for wood purchased from a wood vendor within the previous 12 months from the date the application is received. Use of an approved HAP Heating Assistance Program vendor is not required for wood purchases.

receipts for supplies or fuel used to self-harvest wood or gather coal, including, but not limited to, chainsaws, blades, chainsaw fuel, and gasoline purchased for a vehicle used to transport self-harvested wood or gathered coal from the harvest site. Receipts must be from within the previous 12 months based on the date the application is received.; or

a written statement from the homeowner confirming the length of time a house sitter or caretaker has been residing in their dwelling and that the house sitter or caretaker is responsible for the primary heating fuel expense. The primary heating fuel must also be identified in the statement.

a rental agreement, landlord statement, property manager statement, or other reliable rental verification confirming that the applicant pays rent and that heat is included in the rent. If electricity is included in rent, the verification should also confirm that fact. When heat and/or electricity is included in rent, the rental payment itself is considered the household’s heating and/or electric expense for purposes of meeting the annual heating cost requirement. The verification does not need to show a separate charge, fixed amount, or itemized portion of rent for heat or electricity. Rental verification may also be used to determine dwelling type, number of rooms, primary heating fuel type, and whether the applicant is participating in a subsidized rental housing program. Rental verification must be documented in the case note. Documentation from a homeowners association or condominium association confirming that the applicant pays required dues and that the dues include heat or electricity for the household’s primary residence. When heat and/or electricity is included in the dues, the dues payment itself is considered the household’s heating and/or electric expense for purposes of meeting the annual heating cost requirement. The verification does not need to show a separate charge, fixed amount, or itemized portion of the dues for heat or electricity.

verification that the applicant is directly responsible for paying home heating expenses if the applicant receives State of Alaska General Relief Assistance for the month of application.

caseworkers may also use information documented in EIS Eligibility Information System or ECOS Energy Community Online System case notes verifying the purchase or self-harvesting of wood or coal for the applicant's primary heat source, if the information was obtained within one year of the current HAP Heating Assistance Program application date.

EXAMPLE 1: John lives in an attic apartment. John states his rent includes heat and electricity but does not provide a rental agreement, landlord statement, property manager statement, or other reliable rental verification confirming that he pays rent, the primary fuel type, and whether heat and/or electricity is included in the rent. John would be denied.

EXAMPLE 2: Ken is a regular at the local shelter. He has lived there more than 60 days and provides written verification of this fact from the shelter. Provided Ken meets all other eligibility criteria, Ken is eligible for a grant using ECOS Energy Community Online System Ownership Type: Rent with Heat - Direct Pay, Dwelling Type: Motel/Hotel/Hostel, and Housing Category: 1-room dwelling such as studio apartment, hotel room, or boarding room.

EXAMPLE 3: Peggy lives in a one-bedroom high rise apartment. Her heat is included in her rent. Peggy provides Her application is processed using ECOS Energy Community Online System Ownership Type: Rent with Heat - Direct Pay, Dwelling Type: Apartment, and Housing Category: 1-bedroom dwelling, or a one room house or cabin without bedrooms. Her final award is NOT reduced because she does not live in subsidized housing.

EXAMPLE 4: Mary pays room and board to live in her parents' home. Mary provides rental verification confirming that she pays room and board, the primary heating fuel type, and that heat and electricity are included in her room and board payment. The payment itself is considered Mary’s heating expense because heat is included. Her application should be processed using ECOS Energy Community Online System Ownership Type: Rent with Heat - Direct Pay, Dwelling Type: Boarding Home, and Housing Category: 1-room dwelling such as a studio apartment, hotel room, or boarding room.

EXAMPLE 5: Charlie and Sue live in a trailer park that is master metered and all heating fuel is provided by the landlord. The landlord bills the tenants a flat fee for heat, water, and electricity. The tenants do not have any utilities in their name. Charlie and Sue provide verification confirming that they pay rent, the primary heating fuel type, and that heat, water, and electricity are billed as a flat fee by the landlord. Verification of the flat fee charged by the landlord meets the heat or rent cost verification requirement. The couple's application should be processed using ECOS Energy Community Online System Ownership Type: Rent with Heat - Direct Pay, Dwelling Type: Mobile home, and Housing Category: Mobile home or boat with heated living space of 980 square feet or more OR Mobile home with less than 980 square feet of heated living space.

3001-4 D. SIXTY CONSECUTIVE DAYS RESIDENCE IN TEMPORARY SHELTER

The applicant provides a signed and dated letter from someone they know who can verify their living situation and can verify that they have been residing in a temporary shelter for 60 or more consecutive days at the time of application and have shelter fees that exceed $200 annually.

3001-4 E. HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION

The division verifies household composition through DPA Division of Public Assistance records or by applicant statement notifying HAP Heating Assistance Program staff of a change in the household.

The presence of a child under age 6 in the household is an important factor in determining the benefit level (see HAP MS 3002-1A(13) ). The worker will verify that the count of children under age 6 is entered correctly. The age is based on the child's age as of the date the application was received.

A person age 60 or older has an impact on the recipient's benefit level (see HAP MS 3002-1A(13) ). It is important that the caseworker confirm the ages of all household members at the time they process the application to determine if anyone turned 60 years of age since submitting the application.

3001-4 F. INCOME

The division reviews and verifies each household's gross income for the month prior to the receipt of the application. Verification may be provided through documentary evidence (wage stub, award letter, etc.), DPA Division of Public Assistance and DOL Department of Labor records, or impartial third parties such as fee agents, village council representatives, or social service agencies.

NOTE: Income information obtained through DOL Department of Labor 's SAM Secure Access Manager database is intended to verify Unemployment Insurance Benefits. SAM Secure Access Manager is not a valid verification method to confirm an applicant's past or current wages.

The applicant must provide verification of gross income received in the month prior to the month the application was received at a DPA Division of Public Assistance office. Applicants who are seasonally employed, self-employed, or who work an irregular work schedule, will need to provide verification of the previous 12 months of income.

Due to extenuating circumstances such as death or medical reasons, a caseworker may determine that it is in the client's best interest to use the application submission month rather than the month prior to application submission, to determine eligibility. When the submission month is used, the caseworker is required to justify the action taken via a case note.

3001-4 G. INADEQUATE INCOME DOCUMENTATION

When a household's income is not verified by the applicant or cannot be verified from the previously mentioned sources, additional information must be requested. If a household's expenses exceed income, no past-due bills are evident, and no explanation of how the applicant is meeting living expenses is provided, additional information should be requested to determine how the client is meeting those expenses.

3001-4 H. INFORMATION FROM DATA SYSTEMS AND EIS Eligibility Information System INTERFACES

Several data systems and computer interfaces are available through the Internet and online EIS Eligibility Information System access. Some interfaces must be checked at each application and recertification as part of the verification process. Others only need to be checked if questionable or if certain conditions apply.

Categorically eligible households: For households determined categorically eligible, caseworkers do not complete the interface verification process described in this section. Caseworkers must use the eligibility, income, and alien status information displayed in EIS Eligibility Information System to process the application. Only countable income may be used when determining the household’s benefit amount. Exempt income, including Senior Benefits and Alaska Native dividends, must not be counted even if it appears in EIS Eligibility Information System . If the household provides complete income information with the application and using that information results in a higher benefit, the caseworker may use the income information provided by the household. Caseworkers must not pend a categorically eligible household for missing or incomplete income information when the application can be processed using the information displayed in EIS Eligibility Information System .

1. Interfaces That Must Be Checked for Non-Categorically Eligible Households

Interface Information Verified When To Check Instant Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) Instant Eligibility Verification System WAG State of Alaska Department of Labor ( DOL Department of Labor ) (in IEVS Instant Eligibility Verification System ) Provides information that may indicate questionable eligibility Employment history through quarterly wage match At each application Secure Access Manager ( Secure Access Manager SAM Secure Access Manager ) State of Alaska Department of Labor ( DOL Department of Labor ) Unemployment Insurance Benefits Unreported employment At each application ACSESS Alaska Child Support Enforcement Services System State of Alaska Child Support Services Division (CSED) Child Support collections Child support disbursements Legal obligation to pay child support At each application

2. Interfaces That Are Checked If Questionable or Under Certain Conditions for Non-Categorically Eligible Households

Interface Information Verified When To Check Interface Inquiry ( ININ ) (#9 on INME EIS Inquiry Menu ) SDX Social Security Administration SSI Supplemental Security Income payments At each application only if it appears the applicant could be eligible for Social Security benefits. State Verification Exchange System (SVES) (#13 on INME EIS Inquiry Menu ) Death Match SSA Social Security Administration and SSI Supplemental Security Income payments At each application only if it appears the applicant could be eligible for Social Security benefits. Note: Death Match alerts must be processed within 10 days. State Online Query (SOLQ) (#14 on INME EIS Inquiry Menu ) SSA Social Security Administration and SSI Supplemental Security Income payments Use not authorized for HAP Heating Assistance Program BENDEX Inquiry Social Security Administration (#15 on INME) SSA Social Security Administration payments At each application only if it appears the applicant could be eligible for Social Security benefits. SAVE Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (in IEVS Instant Eligibility Verification System ) Qualified alien status of household members who are not U.S. citizens This verification is only required for each alien at initial application and whenever an alien is added to a household.

Note: The SOLQ interface may be used only to determine eligibility for ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program , SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , Medicaid, and APA Adult Public Assistance programs.

In some situations, the information will be from the source and can be used as verification. In other situations, the caseworker must follow-up on the information.

Example: The caseworker processes an application for a household that is not categorically eligible. The caseworker checks the interfaces and data systems for the two members of an applicant household. The Department of Labor system shows one is currently receiving unemployment benefits of $120 weekly. This information is used as income verification since the information is directly from the source of the income. The caseworker also finds that the other applicant had earnings listed for the prior quarter. The caseworker contacts the household to determine if the person is still working and, if so, requests verification of wages.

3001-4 I. HOUSEHOLD COOPERATION

To determine eligibility, the application form must be completed and signed and certain information on the application must be verified by the applicant or other persons in possession of the information.

3001-4 J. QUESTIONABLE INFORMATION

When information provided on the application or supplied by the applicant is incomplete, unclear, or inconsistent, caseworkers are required to resolve all issues before making a determination of eligibility.

3001-4 K. RESOURCES

The Heating Assistance Program does not use a resource test. Therefore, resources are not counted or verified.

Previous Section Next Section 2026-02 (09/26)

3001-5 ACTIONS TAKEN ON THE APPLICATION

3001-5 A. ENTERING APPLICATIONS

Refer to Administrative Procedures Manual, section 101-7 .

3001-5 B. DUPLICATE APPLICATIONS

ECOS Energy Community Online System screens for duplicate household members or head of household members that have previously applied during the application entry process. A warning will pop-up on the screen if a name, date of birth, or social security number entered into ECOS Energy Community Online System is already in the system. When this situation arises the caseworker determines if the application being entered has a duplicate household member or an application that has already been approved. The caseworker can determine this by conducting an advanced search on the Household Select screen using the lookup category "Household Member Name."

3001-5 C. EXPEDITE PROCESSING OF THE APPLICATION

Expedited service is provided to SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit applications and households facing immediate service terminations (including households facing eviction when the applicant's heat is included in the rent and there is an eviction notice or the threat of action taken because the utility account has reverted back to the landlord's name due to nonpayment), or who are without heat who also meet the expedite criteria as outlined below. Expedited service results in a promise of payment (pledge to vendor) to remedy the heating assistance emergency.

Criteria for Expedited Processing:

Expedited service is provided to a household if they have submitted a SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit application or if all of the following expedited service criteria are met:

The household has requested expedited service;

The household meets the "crisis" or "life-threatening crisis" criteria as defined in MS Manual Section 3000-2.

The household has submitted a complete, verified, and signed application, including a rent receipt or rental agreement if heat is included in the rent; and

The household has submitted a metered fuel (natural gas or electric) shut-off notice or written or verbal equivalent from the vendor or an eviction notice for a renter will be evicted for nonpayment of rent where their heat is included in the rent.

Note: Client statement is acceptable when an applicant claims to be out of or within 48 hours of being out of deliverable fuel.

Expedited Time Frames:

Households eligible for expedited service because of a SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit application submission will have their application processed within 10 days after receipt of the completed application in a DPA Division of Public Assistance office. SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit applications are accepted year-round, October 1 through September 30.

Crisis applications are accepted October 1 through June 30 and should be processed within 18 hours after DPA Division of Public Assistance receives a complete application for a life-threatening crisis and within 48 hours for non-life-threatening crisis. If an applicant does not meet the expedite criteria, the caseworker is required to contact the applicant by e-mail or phone to inform them that they do not qualify for expedited processing and their application will be worked in order of date received. The caseworker should also direct the client to other community resources that may assist with the prevention of a service disconnection.

3001-5 D. CHANGES REPORTED TO DPA Division of Public Assistance

Changes reported for any DPA Division of Public Assistance program after the initial HAP Heating Assistance Program application submission but before a case decision is made will be considered in the initial HAP Heating Assistance Program eligibility determination. This includes additional HAP Heating Assistance Program applications submitted by the applicant.

Address or vendor account changes reported after an eligibility decision has been made should be documented and entered into ECOS Energy Community Online System . This updated information is important because DPA Division of Public Assistance requests client's annual fuel consumption data from the approved vendors at the end of the season. Also a HAP1 State of Alaska's LIHEAP application is mailed to the client at the beginning of the following season.

To update the client's information select "Reopen" on the Eligibility/LIHEAP Certification screen, and then select "Application Maintenance Reopen" , this will allow you to update the client's information, then return to the Eligibility/LIHEAP Certification screen and select "Close."

3001-5 E. APPROVING THE APPLICATION

A Notice of Action must be sent to the household following a determination of eligibility. Approved households must receive a notice of action no later than 45 days after HAP Heating Assistance Program receives a complete application for non-expedited applications. Expedited applications must receive a notice of action with the time frames listed in HAP MS 3001-5C .

3001-5 F. PENDING THE APPLICATION

Caseworkers request additional verification if the application or supporting documents contain unclear, inconsistent, or contradictory information.

When information from another source contradicts statements made by the applicant, the applicant must be provided an opportunity to clarify the questionable information.

1. Pending

When an application is incomplete and the necessary information cannot be obtained from the databases available to DPA Division of Public Assistance , a notice requesting additional information is sent to the applicant. This request is sent on a Notice of Action form and is known as a pend notice. Applicants are given 30 days to respond to a pend notice. If the requested information is received within the 30-day period, the application can be processed using the original application date. If the information is not received within the 30-day pend period, the application is denied. A new application is required if the applicant is still in need of assistance.

There are instances when a client requires additional time to provide requested information. When this situation arises the application can be repended/extended for an additional 15 day period before taking action on the application.

2. Reasons for Pending

The pending reasons, as programmed into the ECOS Energy Community Online System , are listed below:

Unsigned Application - The caseworker sends a pend notice and a copy of the application form to the applicant for signature and keeps an electronic copy of the original application in ILINX.

Missing proof of income

Missing social security number and/or birth date

No visible means of support

Mobile home dimensions missing

Child Support verification request

Number of bedrooms missing

Who lives with you

Other (free form)

Subsidized housing verification

Temporary shelter

Rent receipt/agreement request

Missing proof of seasonal income

Physical residence address request

Proof of ID (social security card, CIB Certificate of Indian Blood card, state-issued ID, tribal ID card, or other government issued ID card) for the head of household. This includes proof of ID notated in EIS Eligibility Information System .

Proof of heating and/or electric bill.

3. Reasons for Re-pending

Reasons for re-pending an application are:

The initial pend notice was unclear.

The time frame for the initial pend notice was incorrect (less than 30 days.)

There are extenuating circumstances in which a re-pend is necessary. This should be documented in the case note.

3001-5 G. DENYING THE APPLICATION

A denial notice must be sent to the applicant explaining the reason for the denial. This notice should be sent as soon as possible following the determination of ineligibility, but no later than 45 days following the receipt of a complete application.

Applicants denied for failing to provide needed verification by the end of the pend period will be sent a notice of denial at the end of the pend period.

If the applicant provides the verification after the pend period but within 30 days of the application filing date, the caseworker must accept the verification and make an eligibility determination without requiring a new application. If the household is found eligible, the caseworker will use the original benefit start date.

Note: When the deadline for processing an application or providing verification does not fall on a workday, it will be extended to the next workday.

3001-5 H. REASONS FOR DENYING AN APPLICATION

The following is the list of reasons why a heating assistance application may be denied, as displayed in the drop-down menu selection on the ECOS Energy Community Online System LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Certification screen:

Incomplete Application: An application that was pended for the 30-day and/or 15-day period for missing information and the information was not received by the deadline.

Withdrew Application: When a client has requested in writing to withdraw their application on file.

Does Not Meet Energy Burden Requirement: Already The household's gross income, household size, dwelling size, and estimated annual heating costs, using community heating points, are used to compute the household's estimated home heating burden, expressed as a point value. An applicant whose household heating cost points are calculated to be less than 2.0 is ineligible for heating assistance.

No or Low Heating Costs: An applicant who pays $200 or less annually or does not pay in money for heat or rent, is ineligible for heating assistance. Examples include:

An applicant who is receiving State of Alaska GRA General Relief Assistance where the heat is included in the rent and the State is paying the entire monthly rental payment.

An applicant who is living with a separate household who is paying for heat and not charging the applicant for rent.

An applicant who self-harvests wood or coal and provides no receipt to indicate they have a cost (in money) associated with obtaining their fuel.

Program Out of Funds: Used when the program has run out of funding.

Household Over Income: A household with income that exceeds 225 percent of poverty is ineligible for heating assistance.

Household Over Income - Seasonal/Self Employed: A household with income that exceeds 225 percent of poverty is ineligible for heating assistance and the household income was based on an average of the prior 12-month period.

Household Already Received Benefit: Use when the household, or a person included in the household, has already been served by the Heating Assistance Program during the current program season.

HAP Heating Assistance Program provides one heating assistance benefit per household each season. Household composition is determined at the time the benefit is approved. Once a household is approved, all members included in that household are considered served for the season. If a household member later moves into or out of the household, that person is generally not eligible to receive another heating assistance benefit during the same season.

Deny the application using this reason when:

The household has already received a heating assistance benefit during the current program season.

The applicant was included in another household that already received a heating assistance benefit during the current program season.

The applicant is currently living with a household that already received a heating assistance benefit during the current program season.

The household is applying for SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit and received a HAP Heating Assistance Program benefit within the past 180 days, or received a SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit benefit within the past 24 months.

NOTE: In cases where two adults in the household who both contribute to the heating costs have separated after the award has been issued and the adult(s) who left the household request heating assistance separately, the worker should refer to MS Manual Section 3002-1A7 to determine how to treat this situation.

Subsidized with Heat Included: A household living in subsidized housing and is not responsible for paying for all or a portion of their heating expense separately from their rent.

SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit - Unqualified: When a household does not meet the eligibility criteria to receive a SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit payment, as listed in MS Manual Section 3006 .

Area Served by Different Agency: An When a household resides in an area that is served by a tribal LIHEAP provider and the household members meet the acceptance criteria as listed in MS Manual Section 3001-2G and Addendum A .

Temporary Housing: An applicant that is residing in a dwelling normally intended for temporary occupancy, and has resided there less than 60 consecutive days before the date of the signature on the completed application. The exception to the rule is a household in temporary shelter that is applying for a utility deposit to move into rental housing in Alaska. Examples of temporary shelter include: a crisis center, hotel, motel, bed & breakfast, boarding home, hostel, tent, car, van, or pick-up camper.

Physical Address Not Located in Alaska: A household's dwelling for which heating assistance is requested must be located in Alaska and at least one member of the household must be physically present in the state at the time of application submission.

Moved: The client has moved into a new residence before an eligibility determination was made. They will need to reapply with their new address and associated heating and electric account information.

Ineligible Dwelling: The client lives in a hospital, nursing home, Alaska Pioneer Home, a long-term care facility, public or private institution to receive treatment for a mental or physical illness, student dormitory, correctional facility, military base, or the home is located out-of-state.

Not a U.S. Citizen or Legal Alien: When the household does not include a U.S. Citizen or Qualified Alien.

Other: Used when the reason for denial does not fit into any of the other denial categories.

Low Points: When the household does not meet the energy burden eligibility requirement of 2.0 points. The caseworker can also elect to use "Does Not Meet Energy Burden Requirement" or "No or Low Heating Costs."

Low Points - Subsidized Housing: When the household lives in subsidized housing, pays a portion or all of their home heating expenses and does not meet the energy burden eligibility requirement of 2.0 points.

Energy Bill Credit Exceeds Maximum Allowed: Used when an applicant has a credit balance with the vendor supplying the household’s primary heating fuel that is sufficient to cover the household’s estimated primary heating fuel expenses for a 12-month period, resulting in less than the $200 minimum annual heating expense requirement for Heating Assistance Program eligibility.

NOTE: This denial reason is only used when the credit balance applies to the household’s primary heating fuel expense and causes the household to no longer meet the $200 minimum annual heating expense requirement. If the household meets the minimum annual expense requirement for primary heating fuel but the electric account has a credit balance that affects a requested 50/50 split, refer to HAP Heating Assistance Program MS 3008-3A .

Tribal LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program : This is not an available option for caseworkers to select. This denial reason is generated automatically at the time of application registration when a household resides in a Tribal LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program service area and if applicable, meets the Alaska Native or American Indian member requirement. The application is automatically denied and a denial notice sent to the household. The registering office assistant or caseworker must file the application in the client's ILINX folder and forward a copy the application to the identified Tribal LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program office. Additional information regarding tribal applications is in manual section 3001-2G .

3001-5 I. REOPENING AN APPLICATION

Applications may need to be reopened to redetermine eligibility after a fair hearing, case review, or a tribal referral is returned to DPA Division of Public Assistance because the household does not meet tribal affiliation requirements.

Eligibility Technician IIIs and above are able to reopen applications.

If you reopen an application but are not taking action, it is important to make sure that the Current™ queue is updated so that the application can be claimed for processing.

Previous Section Next Section 2026-02 (09/26)

3002-1 TYPES OF HOUSEHOLDS

3002-1 A. TYPES OF HOUSEHOLDS

1. Eligible Household

An individual or group of individuals who are living together as one economic unit and for whom residential heating is customarily purchase in common, or who make undesignated payments for heat in the form or rent.

A household must meet all four of the following requirements to be eligible to participate in HAP Heating Assistance Program :

the dwelling for which heating assistance is requested is located in the state, and at least one member of the household is physically present in the state at the time of application for, and receipt of, heating assistance; and the household

physically resides in the dwelling for which heating assistance is requested; or

is seeking assistance to help with the general-use natural gas or electric utility deposit necessary to move into subsidized rental housing where heat is already included in the rent;

at least one member of the household is a U.S. citizen or qualified alien;

the household's annual home heating costs exceed $200;

the household's gross monthly income does not exceed 225 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for Alaska as listed in Addendum E .

2. Ineligible Household

A household is not eligible to participate in HAP Heating Assistance Program if any of the following situations apply at the time of eligibility determination:

The household is eligible for or has received benefits from a tribal organization providing heating assistance funded by LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program , unless an agreement to the contrary has been executed between the division and the tribal organization. (See Addendum A and Addendum B for a detailed listing of tribal organizations and communities served.)

The household resides in a crisis center, hotel, motel, tent, or other shelter normally intended for temporary occupancy, and has resided there for less than 60 consecutive days before the date of signature on the completed application; unless they are seeking a utility deposit to move into a qualifying subsidized dwelling.

The household resides in a hospital, nursing home, Alaska Pioneer's Home, or other public or private institution to receive treatment for a mental or physical illness.

The household resides in a student dormitory, correctional facility, or on a military base.

The household resides in a subsidized rental housing and has no direct home heating costs.

The household consists of a person who is house sitting, unless: The house sitter has been house sitting for more than 60 days and this can be verified by a letter from the homeowner. The house sitter is responsible for paying heating bills and can show proof of heating costs that exceed $200 annually for their current residence. The house sitter has not received heating assistance at another location. The homeowners have not applied for or received heating assistance during the current season for said dwelling.

NOTE: Applicants who are determined ineligible for tribal HAP Heating Assistance Program for failure to follow the rules of their tribal organizations, e.g., failure to submit an application during the tribal HAP Heating Assistance Program enrollment period are NOT eligible to receive HAP Heating Assistance Program through DPA Division of Public Assistance . Applicants who fail to submit an application through their tribal organization while funds are available are NOT eligible to receive HAP Heating Assistance Program through DPA Division of Public Assistance .

3. Multiple Households Residing in the Same Dwelling

When more than one household is residing in the dwelling, the caseworker must determine if the applicant household is:

Someone renting a room in the same dwelling as the owner,

The owner/occupant who rents out a portion of the dwelling, or

One or more individuals, none of whom are the owner, living together in the same dwelling, each with their own bedroom, and making common payments for the rent and heating costs at the dwelling.

If the applicant checks the application box for "Renting a Room," and they provide an agreement with their landlord showing heating costs are included in their rental costs the application is determined using ECOS Energy Community Online System Dwelling Type: Room Renter and Housing Category: 1-room dwelling such as a studio apartment, hotel room, or boarding room.

NOTE: A foster adult not considered a member of the household must be considered a household sharer, or room renter.

If the applicant owns the dwelling and is receiving rental income, eligibility is determined by counting all rental income, using the Housing Category for the total number of bedrooms in the dwelling, and counting the number of people in the applicant's household. A room renter is not counted as a member of the applicant's household. The owner/occupant's rental income may be considered a self-employment venture if the applicant chooses to deduct the non-personal costs of doing business.

If the applicant is sharing the dwelling with one or more households, and is not a room renter or an owner/occupant renting space in the dwelling as described above, the households are considered to be house sharers. The other household members are entered into ECOS Energy Community Online System as described in MS 3002-1 A. 4 below.

Note: Each household in the dwelling should be worked separately and then the share reduction applied. For example, if more than one household living in the dwelling contains an older adult, disabled person, or a child under 6 years of age, each household containing a member of this population would be entitled to the additional point before computing their percentage of the total residence.

4. Household Sharers File

If an applicant lists other households as living in the same dwelling, the members of the other households must be entered into the ECOS Energy Community Online System case note and the ECOS Energy Community Online System Application Members screen. In order to input information regarding multiple households on the ECOS Energy Community Online System Application Members screen the caseworker will need to select "Yes" from the drop-down menu for the question: Are there any other people living at this residence who are not listed on the application? This action will populate a free-form field with instruction: List names of other persons living at this residence and describe how rent and utilities are shared. Once this information is entered the caseworker will need to select the appropriate number of households from the drop-down menu for the question: How many households are in this dwelling? This ensures that each household in the dwelling gets their proportionate share of the grant, and if one of the households listed as house sharing subsequently applies for a grant the worker can cross reference the cases.

5. Housing Percent Share

If the household resides in a single residence with one or more other households, the total grant amount is reduced to the household's proportion of the total number of households in the dwelling. If there are two households the caseworker will go to the Application Members screen in ECOS Energy Community Online System and select "Yes" from the drop-down menu for the question: Are there any other people living at this residence who are not listed on the application? Then the caseworker will need to select the number "2" from the drop-down menu for the question: How many households are in this dwelling? These actions will result in a 50% reduction of the applicant's grant. If the applicant shared the residence with two other households and selected "3" for the question: How many household are in this dwelling? The applicant's benefit would be reduced to 33.33%. In a house sharer situation, a household's share should never exceed 50%. The amount each household contributes to heat or rent is not considered. Each household must apply separately to receive their share of the grant. The benefit is based upon the total number of eligible households in a residence, regardless of how many apply.

6. Deceased Household Members

If a household member dies, the remaining credit balance can be used by the remaining household members.

If there are no other household members, the remaining credit balance can be used by the estate to pay heating or electric service expenses incurred by the individual prior to their death. If any credit remains after paying these expenses, the vendor refunds the remaining credit to HAP Heating Assistance Program .

If the applicant, who is the sole household member dies prior to the date their case is processed, the caseworker needs to contact the client's primary heat and electric vendors to obtain the total amount of unpaid charges remaining on the client's accounts. The caseworker will issue the deceased client's grant up to the amount needed to clear the debt. The 50/50 grant split is not required in this situation. However, due to limitations within ECOS Energy Community Online System , if the total grant is more than the deceased client's total debt, the remaining balance will need to be issued to one of the vendors and then a refund request must be made to return the credit amount on the client's account to DPA Division of Public Assistance . See MS 3008-6 A for detail on how to proceed with a refund request.

When a household member dies in the month of application, the worker may determine whether the household will benefit better by using the signature month rather than the prior month's income due to the change in circumstance.

7. Dissolution of Household

In cases where households have been dissolved after the award has been issued and where:

two or more adults resided together at the original application location,

said adults applied for heating assistance together,

said adults contributed towards the total home energy costs,

one or more adult members meeting the criteria in b and c above leave the household, and

the member(s) who left the household apply for their own heating assistance grant,

The application will be pended to request proof of the new applicant's contribution to the shared energy costs at their previous (shared) residence. Proof of costs would include:

a copy of a heat or utility bill with their name on it at the old address; or

a rental agreement indicating rent paid is for housing and energy; or

a letter from other adults in the previous household verifying the applicant's percentage of contribution to the household energy costs; and

proof of a new residence, energy bills, and need.

Once this proof has been provided, the applicant who was listed on the previous application will be entitled to their percentage of any remaining HAP Heating Assistance Program benefit paid to the vendor. They are only entitled to their share of any remaining balance because they already received the value (heat) of any award already used to furnish fuel at the residence.

The vendor is contacted via phone and instructed to freeze the remaining balance on the account at the original location. The caseworker then follows up with a letter, in writing, to the vendor instructing them to send a portion of the frozen balance to the new applicant's vendor of choice. Copies of the letter are sent to all parties and loaded into ILINX. This action should be documented in the ECOS Energy Community Online System case note.

8. Categorically Eligible Households

Federal regulations identify households who receive TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families , ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program , SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , or SSI Supplemental Security Income , as "categorically eligible."

Household members are considered categorically eligible if they have received TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families , ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program , SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , or SSI Supplemental Security Income in any month during the following period: the month prior to the submission of the HAP1 State of Alaska's LIHEAP application through the month in which LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program eligibility is determined.

When all household members are receiving assistance from TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families , ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program , SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , or SSI Supplemental Security Income , the caseworker must use the eligibility, income, and alien status information displayed in EIS Eligibility Information System to process the application. Only countable income may be used when determining the benefit amount. Noncountable income must not be counted even if it appears in EIS Eligibility Information System . If the household provides complete income information with the HAP1 State of Alaska's LIHEAP application and using that information results in a higher benefit, the caseworker may use the income information provided by the household.

If only a portion of the household members are receiving assistance from TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families , ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program , SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , or SSI Supplemental Security Income , the household is a mixed household and does not fully meet categorical eligibility criteria. The caseworker may use information displayed in EIS Eligibility Information System to verify eligibility, income, or alien status for household members included in the qualifying public assistance case, meaning the TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families , ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program , SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , or SSI Supplemental Security Income case used to determine whether the household meets categorical eligibility criteria. The caseworker must obtain required verification for household members who are not included in the qualifying public assistance case.

Categorical eligibility streamlines the HAP Heating Assistance Program application process by removing the requirement to complete the full income verification process when all household members meet categorical eligibility criteria and the application can be processed using information displayed in EIS Eligibility Information System .

NOTES: Clients do not meet categorical eligibility criteria if they only receive Medicaid, or state funded programs such as: APA Adult Public Assistance , GRA General Relief Assistance , IA Interim Assistance , or SB Senior Benefits . However, receiving one of these benefits does not prevent categorical eligibility if the client also receives TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families , ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program , SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , or SSI Supplemental Security Income . Complete income verification submitted with the HAP1 State of Alaska's LIHEAP application may be used instead of income displayed in EIS Eligibility Information System only when the verification is complete, no pend is required, and using the submitted verification results in a higher benefit for the household.

9. Atypical Household Situations

a. Ionia

Ionia, Inc. is a non-profit organization set up to help mentally disabled individuals. All households have at least one disabled household member in it. Many of these families are related. They are all separate homes and cabins. There are 10 homes. The 54932 Burdock Road, Kasilof, AK, is a corporate address and mail is distributed to each household. The rent is based on the fair market value for a home in that area, not subsidized. Ionia, Inc. also sells wood, but the households are free to shop around for a cheaper price.

b. Office of Public Advocacy

Applications received from the Office of Public Advocacy are processed in the following manner:

The type of residence varies: group home, renting a room, living in an apartment, etc.

The caseworker will pend for information that is not provided, unless the applicant resides at the same physical location as last year and the needed information can be obtained.

The signature on the application must be that of the public advocate or the applicant.

10. Household Size and Composition

The household composition is an important factor in determining an applicant's eligibility and grant amount. If the household composition is not clearly indicated in the application, and cannot be ascertained through EIS Eligibility Information System , the application will be pended for this information.

All U.S. Citizens and Qualified Aliens residing in the household at the time of application are included when computing the household size.

Note: If a household member is not a U.S. citizen or qualified alien, they should not be counted as a family member in the case but their income is counted and included.

If a person who contributed financial support for the month prior to the application date is no longer in the household, the person is not counted nor is their income counted. A person moving into the household prior to the grant determination is included as a household member and their income is counted.

If the application lists another household member as a house sharer, the individual(s) that comprise the other household are not included in the applicant's household size.

An applicant's spouse living in the applicant's dwelling must be included in the applicant's household. The spouse cannot be considered as a house sharer.

11. Shared Custody Situations

A child (as defined in HAP MS 3000-2 ) can only be claimed as a member of one household. In situations where the parents of a child share custody and the child moves between the homes on a regular basis, HAP Heating Assistance Program will include the child(ren) on the first application received with the child(ren)'s information. See HAP MS 3003-2 for how to budget ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program income in this situation.

12. When the Client's Household Composition Does Not Match Across Open DPA Division of Public Assistance Cases

In situations where the client's household composition does not match across their open DPA Division of Public Assistance cases, the living arrangements need to be verified, acted on according to each program's policy, and documented in the case note for each applicable program.

Example: Joe, age 31 is claimed as a household member on his dad's HAP Heating Assistance Program application. When the case worker checks EIS Eligibility Information System during the eligibility determination they see Joe is receiving SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits on his girlfriend's case, who lives at a residence separate from Joe's dad. Joe's living arrangements are now questionable and require an explanation from Joe. Additional verification may be sought if Joe's explanation is not satisfactory.

13. Vulnerable Populations

Households that include one or more members who are 60 years of age or older, legally disabled, or under six years of age are recognized by HAP Heating Assistance Program as vulnerable populations and are prioritized over non-vulnerable populations.

These households are considered to be given priority over other applicants because they receive an additional point in their benefit calculation and are sent current year applications before past recipients or other eligible households.

3002-1 B. RESIDENCY

To be eligible to participate in HAP Heating Assistance Program , the dwelling for which heating assistance is requested must be located in the state of Alaska and the household must physically reside in the dwelling for which heating assistance is requested. Additionally, at least one member of the household must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien.

Residency in the state must be verified. Documentation used to verify other factors of eligibility such as rent receipt and utility bill(s) will generally be sufficient to verify residency.

Note: If during the application process DPA Division of Public Assistance finds that an individual has open public assistance benefits of any kind in another state or they are an SSI Supplemental Security Income recipient with an out of state address, the individual is claiming to be a resident of that other state. Until we verify that the individual has reported their move to Alaska to the other state or SSI Supplemental Security Income , we must find their Alaska residency questionable. Once residency is no longer questionable, we can start benefits in Alaska as outlined in the program policy manuals.

3002-1 C. IDENTITY

The identity of the person listed as "head of household" on the application must be verified. When an authorized representative applies on behalf of a household, the identity of both the authorized representative and the head of household must be verified. Identity may be verified through readily available documentary evidence, such as a driver's license, BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs card, tribal membership card, work or school identification, bank statement or other document that contains the individual’s name. Any documents which reasonably establish the applicant’s identity may be accepted.

Identity may also be verified through DPA Division of Public Assistance -approved data systems, including but not limited to EIS Eligibility Information System screens, IEVS Instant Eligibility Verification System , SAM Secure Access Manager , or other available system interfaces.

Previously verified identity may be used when the verification is documented in a DPA Division of Public Assistance eligibility system or retained in ILINX.

If documentary evidence or system verification is unavailable, identity may be verified through collateral contact. The collateral contact must be someone who can provide accurate and reliable information regarding the individual’s identity, such as an employer, landlord, or social service agency working with the individual.

3002-1 D. CITIZENSHIP AND ELIGIBLE ALIEN STATUS

To receive heating assistance, a person must be:

A United States citizen or U.S. National;

A qualified alien; or

A Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrant from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

All other household members are treated as excluded household members.

Every heating assistance household must declare that all household members have U.S. citizenship or satisfactory immigration status. This declaration is accomplished by:

providing the information of each household member on the HAP Heating Assistance Program application; and

the head of household signing the application.

1. United States Citizens and United States Nationals

United States citizens and U.S. Nationals include:

Individuals born in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands;

Naturalized citizens;

U.S. Nationals born in American Samoa or Swains Island. An individual who was not born in American Samoa or Swains Island, but one of his or her parents were born in American Samoa or Swains Island may be a U.S. National.

U.S. citizenship is verified only when questionable. Sources of verification include birth certificates, certificates of citizenship or naturalization provided by the USCIS U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services , U.S. passports, and official identification cards showing U.S. citizenship. U.S. National status may be verified with a U.S. passport stamped U.S. National.

Alien status documentation received by DPA Division of Public Assistance must be validated through SAVE Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements in IEVS Instant Eligibility Verification System .

2. Qualified Aliens

A qualified alien is a person who is a:

A lawful permanent resident admitted;

A refugee;

An asylee;

An alien who has had deportation withheld under 243(h) of the INA Immigration and Nationality Act as in effect prior to April 1, 1997; or 241(b)(3) of the INA Immigration and Nationality Act , as amended;

An alien granted parole for at least one year by the USCIS U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ;

An alien granted conditional entry under immigration law in effect before April 1, 1980;

An alien who is a Cuban/Haitian entrant as defined in section 501(e) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980;

A battered spouse or child of a battered spouse of a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, and aliens protected under 1508 of the Violence Against Women Act of 2000;

Victim of trafficking under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (including certain family members of victims of a severe form of trafficking);

Non-citizen Native Americans as defined in 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, 25 USC 450b(e) and 289 Native Americans;

Special immigrants from Iraq and Afghanistan admitted under section 101 (a)(27) of the INA Immigration and Nationality Act .

3. Citizenship for Certain Children Born Outside the United States

Effective February 27, 2001, the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows a child born outside of the United States to acquire citizenship of the United States automatically when all of the following conditions have been fulfilled:

At least one parent of the child is a citizen of the United States, whether by birth or naturalization;

The child is under the age of eighteen years; and

The child is residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the Unite States citizen parent, pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence.

Note: Because proof of citizenship is not automatically issued to eligible children, parents must provide proof of the child's relationship (such as a birth certificate) to their U.S. citizen parent and proof that the child is lawfully admitted into the U.S.. Parents of a foreign born child who meet the conditions of the new law should be encouraged to apply for a certificate of citizenship for their child with the USCIS U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and/or for a passport for their child with the Department of State.

4. Foreign Born Children Adopted by United States Citizens

Under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, a foreign born child under age eighteen, who has been legally adopted by at least one U.S. citizen parent, automatically becomes a U.S. citizen when the legal adoption is finalized. Most of the time, a parent will be able to verify the U.S. citizenship of their child by producing a U.S. birth certificate.

Effective January 1, 2004, a new entrant (IR-3) program was implemented, which focuses on newly entering orphans with full and final adoptions abroad. Under this new program, these children will automatically receive a Certificate of Citizenship within 45 days of entry into the U.S.

5. Documentation of U.S. Citizenship and Eligible Alien Status

Verify U.S. citizenship only when questionable. Sources of verification include birth certificates, certificates of citizenship or naturalization provided by USCIS U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services , a U.S. passport, and official identification cards showing U.S. citizenship. U.S. National status may be verified with a U.S. passport stamped U.S. National.

6. Case Processing for Households with Eligible Aliens

Household Provides Documentation of Alien Status: An alien that provides documentation verifying eligible alien status, if otherwise eligible, can be issued benefits.

Documentation Not Provided with Application: A household member whose U.S. citizenship is questionable or who has not provided documentation of alien status is not eligible until citizenship/alien status is verified.

Documentation of Alien Status Not Provided Following the Request for Information: The person whose U.S. citizenship remains questionable or alien status is unverified at the end of the pend period shall be treated as an excluded member.

When a household indicates inability or unwillingness to provide documentation for any household member, that member is considered an excluded household member.

When the only member of an applicant household indicates inability or unwillingness to provide documentation of his or her own alien status or questionable U.S. citizenship, they are ineligible and the application is denied.

Note: When determining heating assistance benefits, the illegal alien's income is included in the income calculation but the person is not counted as a family member. For example, if the household consists of five members, four of which are legal and qualified, the caseworker would include the income from all five household members, including the illegal alien, but only consider the household a four-member household when determining household size and composition.

7. Ineligible Aliens

Any alien, legal or not, who does not meet the alien eligibility requirements is ineligible for HAP Heating Assistance Program . Ineligible aliens in households with eligible household members are treated as excluded members.

8. Categorical Households

Federal regulations call certain households "categorical" because they are enrolled in programs that are income tested and will usually be eligible for heating assistance. When all household members are receiving assistance from TANF, SNAP, APA, or SSI, the caseworker will use the income from the household's open public assistance case in EIS as their gross monthly income for the as their gross monthly income for the income portion of the heating assistance benefit calculation.

3002-1 E. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

Households must provide a SSN Social Security Number for each household member. If a household member does not have a SSN Social Security Number , the individual must apply for one.

1. New Social Security Numbers

If an individual is applying for an SSN Social Security Number for the first time, they must apply directly through the Social Security Administration (SSA), either in person or by phone. SSA Social Security Administration will send the individual a "Receipt of Application" for an SSN Social Security Number form, verifying an application has been submitted.

Parents may also apply for a newborn's SSN Social Security Number through the Health Analytics and Vital Records (HAVR) Enumeration at Birth Program. Hospitals give the parent an SSA-2853 form, "Information About When You Will Receive Your Baby's Social Security Card." This document certifies a Social Security Number was officially requested for the baby.

If the newborn's SSN Social Security Number is not provided at the time of application, the SSN Social Security Number or proof of application for a SSN Social Security Number is required within six months following the newborn's birth, or at the next application submission, whichever is later.

2. Verification

Social Security Numbers: Social Security Numbers do not need to be verified, unless questionable.

Application for a Social Security Number: Accept the client's statement they have applied for an SSN Social Security Number with the Social Security Administration. If the client's statement is questionable, require the client to provide SSA Social Security Administration 's proof of receipt of SSN Social Security Number application. In addition, instruct the client to provide the SSN Social Security Number once they receive their SSN Social Security Number card from SSA Social Security Administration . Obtain the SSN Social Security Number or proof of application for an SSN Social Security Number at the next application submission.

3. Case Processing Pending Receipt of SSN Social Security Number

Household members are allowed to participate if otherwise eligible while waiting for issuance of SSN Social Security Number from SSA Social Security Administration .

Households with SSN Social Security Number applications "in process" with SSA Social Security Administration are included in the case. However, this allowance is only available to the client at initial application. A client without a SSN Social Security Number in subsequent application submissions will be excluded from the household size but their income will remain countable.

4. Failure to Provide SSN Social Security Number

If the household is unable to provide an SSN Social Security Number or proof of application at subsequent application submissions, determine if good cause exists. Good cause includes but is not limited to SSA Social Security Administration caused delays.

If good cause exists the affected household member must submit a new application for a SSN Social Security Number to SSA Social Security Administration , in order to maintain eligibility status with DPA Division of Public Assistance

If good cause does not exist the affected household member will be treated as an excluded household member.

Previous Section Next Section 2026-02 (09/26)

3002-2 RESOURCES

HAP Heating Assistance Program does not count resources.

Previous Section Next Section

3003-1 COUNTABLE INCOME

3003-1 A. EARNED INCOME

1. Wages

a. Definition:

Earned income includes, but is not limited to: monetary compensation for services as an employee, including gross earned income before any deductions or garnishments, COLA Cost of Living Allowance , leave cash-outs, vacation pay, bonuses, stipends and back-pay, advances, tips (as reported by the employee) and commissions, severance pay, military pay, and earnings from on-the-job training programs under the Workforce Investment Act.

Income from babysitting, housekeeping, craft sales, fishing, etc. is considered wages unless the applicant is claiming self-employment.

Exception: Income earned through the MASST Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training is not countable.

b. Verification:

Acceptable verification includes, but is not limited to, employer's statement which is signed and dated, employer's wage record, paycheck stub, or military LES Leave and Earning Statement .

Note: For more information on how to treat military pay, please see MS 3003-5 of this manual.

2. Jury Duty Payments and Witness Fees

a. Definition:

Jury duty payments and witness fees issued to the applicant count as earned income in the month received. Any portion of a jury duty payment or witness fee that is designated as a reimbursement for items such as food, lodging, parking or transportation is excluded income.

b. Verification:

Acceptable verification includes a copy of their check, check stub or official letter.

Exception: Jury duty payments issued directly to the employer are exempt income.

3. Self-Employment Income

a. Definition:

Self-employment includes occupations such as small business, crafts, boarding house manager/owner, ownership of rental property, and seasonal self-employment such as fishing. Heating Assistance uses net self-employment from the previous 12-month period, after allowable deductions. See Section 3003-4 of this manual for more information on self-employment.

b. Verification:

The applicant is responsible for verifying all income and expenses claimed. Acceptable sources of verification are tax records (such as Form 1040 and Schedules C, E, K, S1), bookkeeping records, and account statements. Written or verbal verification of self-employment income and expenses is required.

4. Tips or Gratuities

Verification includes pay stubs that list the tips, statement from applicant, or the EIS Eligibility Information System CANO Case Notes screen. A client's verbal or written statement is acceptable verification of tips received.

3003-1 B. UNEARNED INCOME

1. Public Assistance

a. Definition:

Public assistance income includes TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families payments (Alaska Temporary Assistance Program and Native Family Assistance) and APA Adult Public Assistance payments (Aid to the Disabled, Aid to the Blind, Old Age Assistance, Interim Assistance). ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program diversion payments are also countable.

b. Verification:

Verify through the DPA Division of Public Assistance case files or EIS Eligibility Information System computer screen, or Native Family Assistance agency. A copy of their check is also acceptable verification.

Exceptions: Reductions due to Fraud: When a TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families or APA Adult Public Assistance benefit is reduced to repay a fraud overpayment, the calculation of the heating assistance benefit will use the TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families or APA Adult Public Assistance amount the household would have received without the grant reduction. This applies only if a formal fraud finding has been determined by the administrative disqualification process or a conviction by court.

2. SSI Supplemental Security Income / SSA Social Security Administration / VA Veteran Affairs Income

a. Definition:

Social Security benefits ( SSA Social Security Administration ) - retirement, survivor's disability and dependent benefits; Supplemental Security Income ( SSI Supplemental Security Income ) - aged, blind and disabled person's benefits; and Veteran's benefits are considered unearned income.

b. Verification:

Verify with a copy of the current check, current Social Security or VA Veteran Affairs award letter, a statement from Social Security or Veteran's Administration verifying the monthly amount, SDX/Bendex printouts, EIS Eligibility Information System interface screen. VA Veteran Affairs can also be verified using a bank statement since VA Veteran Affairs benefits are not subject to deductions or by calling the Veteran's Administration office at 1-800-827-1000.

c. Budget:

The monthly entitlement including the cost of Medicare, if deducted, is counted as income in the month of intended use.

3. Child Support Payments

a. Definition:

Child support income includes:

Payments received from the non-custodial parent or a child support enforcement agency, including full or partial monthly obligation payments, payments toward obligation arrearage, and voluntary payments.

Payments paid by the non-custodial parents to a third party to pay for a household expense may be countable. Please see the examples below for clarification.

CSED Child Support Enforcement Division pass-through payments paid through DPA Division of Public Assistance or a Native Family Assistance Program agency to a TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families recipient.

EXAMPLE #1: A court order specifies Harry must pay child support of $500 per month cash to be sent to the family and $800 per month be paid to the landlord (or directly to the mortgage company). Because the $800 cannot be given to the family in cash (per the court order), it's not considered income. Only the $500 cash that goes to the family is considered income.

EXAMPLE #2: A court order states that Melinda, the absent parent, must pay $450 per month to the family for child support. Melinda makes that payment plus sends $250 per month to the landlord to help with the rent. The $250 is a gift (the family is not legally entitled to it) so it is exempt income.

EXAMPLE #3: A court order specifies that Joe, the absent parent, must pay $450 to the household as child support. At the custodial parent's request the $450 is sent to the landlord for rent instead. The custodial parent is legally entitled to the $450 which could be paid in cash; therefore, the income is countable income.

Exception: Funds provided and used for the care of a child not living at home and the funds are sent to the child are exempt and not countable.

b. Verification:

Includes, but not limited to, CSED Child Support Enforcement Division computer screen, the CSED Child Support Enforcement Division payment stub, a signed statement from the non-custodial parent, the EIS Eligibility Information System CANO Case Notes , a court order showing the amount of the award, or a check stub.

c. Budget:

When the person receiving child support is a TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families recipient:

CSED Child Support Enforcement Division pass-through payments paid through DPA Division of Public Assistance or a Native Family Assistance Program agency to a TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families recipient are counted as unearned income.

Only the first $50 per month received and kept by TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families recipients directly from the non-custodial parent is countable. The remainder is considered assigned child support and is excluded income. Assigned child support is child support given or paid to TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families recipients that should be turned over to a child support agency to maintain TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families eligibility.

Child support payments received by TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families recipients from a child support enforcement agency are disbursements and are countable income. However, payments made in error are excluded income.

Note: A TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families applicant becomes a recipient the moment the caseworker authorizes the TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families benefit in EIS Eligibility Information System . All direct child support payments received and kept prior to this authorization is countable income.

4. Third-Party Payee

a. Definition: Payments made to a third-party payee on behalf of a recipient. For example, SSI Supplemental Security Income , SSA Social Security Administration , and ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program payments assigned to payees who represent recipients unable to manage the payments.

b. Verification: Includes, but not limited to, a signed statement from the agency that designated the third-party beneficiary, and a copy of the checks received.

5. Educational Income

Any portion of education assistance that will NOT be used or set aside for paying tuition, fees, or other necessary education expenses is countable unearned income.

Exception: Education assistance that is not funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act or the Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance program funds is excluded as income if it is used or will be used for paying tuition, fees, or other necessary education expenses at any educational institution, including vocational, technical, and correspondence schools, and schools for people with disabilities.

6. Other Sources of Countable Unearned Income

The following are considered other sources of unearned income (not all-inclusive):

a. Worker's Compensation;

Verification: Acceptable verification includes a fax, e-mail, or statement from Worker's Compensation or from the EIS Eligibility Information System CANO Case Notes screen.

b. Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB), including amounts garnished. Refer to HAP MS 3003-1C for more information on garnishments.

Verification: Acceptable verification includes DOL Department of Labor 's BB53 screen, statements from other states regarding disbursement amounts, or from the EIS Eligibility Information System CANO Case Notes screen.

c. Annuities, pensions, retirement, and disability benefits;

Verification: Acceptable verification includes EIS Eligibility Information System CANO Case Notes screen, benefit statement or award letter, year-end statement or a R-1099.

Note: Annuity payments paid quarterly shall be averaged over the three months and counted as monthly income; annuity payments paid annually shall be averaged over twelve months and counted as monthly income.

d. SBS payments and cash outs;

e. Alimony payments;

Verification: Acceptable verification includes the EIS Eligibility Information System CANO Case Notes screen, a court order showing the amount awarded, or a check stub.

f. Rental income (gross income minus costs of doing business).

Costs of doing business may include the mortgage, taxes, and insurance. When a household member is actively engaged in the management of the property at least 20 hours per week, it will be considered earned income.

Note: Rental income received in a lump sum shall be averaged over the months of intended use and counted as monthly income. Income received from the lease of a limited entry fishing permit is considered unearned rental income.

g. Foster care payments;

The total foster care payment made to a household for a legally assigned foster child or adult, if the foster child/adult is included as a member of the household. If the child/adult is not included, the foster care payment is not included as income to the household. In cases where the foster person is an adult that is not considered a member of the household, the foster adult must be considered a household sharer or room renter.

Verification: Acceptable verification includes check stubs or the EIS Eligibility Information System CANO Case Notes screen.

h. Dividends, interest, royalties, estates, trusts and similar recurring payments;

Verification: Acceptable verification includes a bank statement, letter declaring the amounts, EIS Eligibility Information System CANO Case Notes screen, or statements from the trust regarding the disbursement amounts.

Exception: The Heating Assistance Program does not count Alaska PFD Permanent Fund Dividend s unless it is received by a household for a person who is not a household member.

i. Excess reimbursements;

When payments received as an advance or reimbursement for volunteer job training or work-related services exceed the expense incurred, the excess amount is included as income.

j. Strike benefits;

Verification: Acceptable verification includes a copy of their check or a statement from the union.

k. Cash payments, including payments to a household from a wage earner not residing with the household because of his or her employment.

Verification: Acceptable verification includes the EIS Eligibility Information System CANO Case Notes screen or a statement from the person providing the cash gifts.

l. Military family allotments;

Verification: Acceptable verification includes the EIS Eligibility Information System CANO Case Notes screen or their Leave and Earnings Statement.

Note: For more information on how to treat military pay, please see MS 3003-5 of this manual.

m. Any money benefit not otherwise exempted including lump sum payments unless specified as not countable;

n. Bingo and lottery winnings;

Verification: Acceptable verification includes the EIS Eligibility Information System CANO Case Notes screen, a Bingo/Pull Tab statement, or a letter from the game provider.

Note: Lottery winnings paid on an annual basis shall be averaged over twelve months and counted as monthly income.

o. BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance Program payments made to the household;

Verification: Acceptable verification includes the EIS Eligibility Information System CANO Case Notes screen, a check stub, or a letter from the BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs office.

p. Refugee cash assistance payments;

Monthly refugee cash assistance payments made through the Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services program administered by Catholic Social Services are countable income. See Administrative Procedures MS 128-4 for more information about refugee assistance.

q. Subsidized adoption payments;

Are intended to cover expenses incurred due to the special needs of an adopted child. These payments are countable for Heating Assistance.

Verification: Acceptable verification includes EIS Eligibility Information System CANO Case Notes screen, Native Family assistance agency, TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families records, or a check stub.

r. Cash gifts over $20 per person, per month;

s. Income from the sale of stocks or bonds or escrow income;

Verification: Acceptable verification includes a letter regarding the condition of the payment or a bank statement.

t. Payments from the sale of personal property, house, boat, loan repayment, and escrow repayments;

u. Trade Readjustment Act payments;

v. Capital Gains;

Verification: Acceptable verification includes IRS Internal Revenue Service Form 1040 or the EIS Eligibility Information System CANO Case Notes screen.

w. Natural Resource Conservation Service Grants;

Grants awarded through the NRCS National Resource Conservation Service to improve water management and/or improve resource conditions.

Verification: Acceptable verification includes a copy of the grant award or award letter showing the total grant amount and the period of time represented by the award (6 months, 1 yr, 2 yrs).

x. Health Care Stipends;

Money received by an applicant from their employer to purchase health care insurance in the open market.

Verification: Acceptable verification includes a copy of the applicant's pay stub or separate check to the applicant indicating they are receiving funds to purchase health insurance (instead of the employer providing the actual insurance).

Note: If the cost of employer provided health insurance is included in the applicant's paycheck as an employee benefit (for example, the State of Alaska provides employee health insurance as a fringe benefit), the benefit is non-countable income.

3003-1 c. GARNISHMENTS

Garnishments are funds withheld from an income source due to an outstanding debt a person is legally obligated to pay. Garnishments are always made by direction of a court order. The amount withheld for the garnishment is counted when determining the gross income from any source.

The amount and reason for withholding of funds from any source must be verified in order to determine if the funds were withheld due to a garnishment or a recoupment. Refer to HAP MS 3003-2A for information on recoupments.

Previous Section Next Section 2024-02 (09/24)

3003-2 NON-COUNTABLE (EXEMPT) INCOME

3003-2 A. NON-COUNTABLE (EXEMPT) INCOME

1. Title IV Higher Education Act and Bureau of Indian Affairs Grants and Awards

The total amount of any grant, scholarship, or award issued under any program funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act or under a BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance program is not counted as income in determining eligibility or benefit amount.

Payments that fit this category include:

Pell Grants

State Student Incentive Grants ( SIG Student Incentive Grants )

Academic Achievement Incentive Scholarships

Byrd Scholars

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunities Grants ( FSEOG Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunities Grants )

Federal Educational Loans (Federal PLUS Loans, Perkins Loans, Stafford Loans, Ford Loans, etc.)

Upward Bound

Gear Up (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs)

LEAP Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership)

SLEAP Special Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (Special Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership)

Work-Study Programs

Verify that the source of the education assistance is Title IV or BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs by viewing the individual's award letter. Contact the awarding institution if the award letter is not available or is unclear.

2. Other Education Assistance

Education assistance that is not funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act or the BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance program funds is excluded as income if it is used or will be used for paying tuition fees, or other necessary education expenses at any educational institution, including vocational, technical, and correspondence schools, and schools for people with disabilities.

Exception: Any portion of education assistance that will NOT be used or set aside for paying tuition, fees, or other necessary education expenses is countable unearned income.

3. Earned Income from the 2020 Census

Earned income from temporary employment with the 2020 Census is considered exempt income through October 31, 2021.

4. Work-Study Earned Income

College or university students may be enrolled in a work-study program in which they attend school part-time and work part-time at a job. Any income an applicant or recipient earns from employment in a work-study program will not be counted as income.

This disregard applies to both adults and children. The caseworker must verify that part-time employment of an applicant or recipient who claims to be in a work-study program is in fact a work-study job and not an individually acquired regular part-time job.

5. Loans

All bonafide loans, including educational, personal, and commercial loans, are disregarded as income. A bonafide loan is a debt that the borrower has an obligation to repay and expresses his or her intention to repay.

The bonafide nature of a loan must be verified and documented in the case file. Commercial and educational loans can normally be verified by seeing a copy of the written loan agreement or a document identifying the payment as a loan. In the case of personal loans, the verification must provide, at minimum, acknowledgment by the borrower and lender that an obligation to repay the loan exists, and acknowledgment by the borrower that they intend to repay the loan (with or without interest).

If it is determined the funds received are not from a bonafide loan (there is repayment obligation or the borrower has no intention of repayment), the amount received may or may not be countable income, depending on the source of the funds. All or some of the money may be exempt, such as a charitable contribution or excluded vendor payment, or counted as unearned income, such as a gift received directly from the source.

6. In-Kind Income

Any gain or benefit that is not in the form of money is exempt income, such as shelter, produce from a garden, clothing, non-cash employee benefits such as the Legal Trust benefit provided to State of Alaska employees, and non-cash assistance such as the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy.

Exception: Any payments made by a non-custodial parent to the household to pay for household expenses are countable. See MS 3003-1 B 3 of this manual for more information.

7. Wages Held

Wages held by an employer without the employee's approval are exempt income, except for garnishments.

8. Recoupments

Recoupments are funds withheld from a benefit program, voluntarily or involuntarily, to repay a prior overpayment from that program. The amount withheld for a recoupment is not counted when determining the gross income from any benefit source.

The amount and reason for withheld funds from any source must be verified in order to determine if the funds were withheld due to a garnishment or a recoupment. Refer to HAP MS 3003-1C for information on garnishments.

9. Public Housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Subsidies

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ( HUD Housing & Urban Development ), through AHFC Alaska Housing Finance Corporation or a Native or Regional Housing Authority, and FHA Farmers Home Administration make payments directly to a landlord for rent and/or utility costs. These payments are excluded vendor payments. The portion of the rent or utility bills paid by this payment is not allowed as a shelter expense.

However, when households that are in public housing or that receive Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher subsidies are responsible for paying utility costs, the AHFC Alaska Housing Finance Corporation or the Native or Regional Housing Authority may make a payment to the household. This payment is called a utility allowance or utility reimbursement and is included as income.

10. Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Income

Payments received under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( ANCSA Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ), including cash dividends, distributions, and other payments issued by an Alaska Native Regional or Village Corporation to shareholders, descendants, or other eligible recipients, are exempt income for HAP Heating Assistance Program eligibility and benefit calculation purposes.

The $2,000 exclusion limit that applies to certain federal or federally assisted programs under ANCSA Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act does not apply to the Heating Assistance Program. For HAP Heating Assistance Program , ANCSA Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act payments are fully exempt, regardless of the amount received.

Native corporation Elder benefits are also exempt.

11. Student Reimbursements or Allowances

12. Reimbursements

Reimbursements for past or future expenses, to the extent they do not exceed actual expenses and do not represent a gain or benefit to the household, are exempt. Reimbursements will not be considered to exceed actual expenses unless the provider or the household indicates the amount is excessive. Non-countable reimbursements include:

Payments, including TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families supportive service payments, for job or training related expenses such as travel costs, per diem, uniforms, and transportation to and from the job or training site.

Payments for medical expenses.

13. Monies Received for Care of Third Parties

Funds provided and used for the care of a third party beneficiary who is not a household member (third party payee) are exempt. For example, a household receives child support for a child not living in the home. The household sends the child support to the child. This child support is not income to the household. This also includes situations where separate households share rent and one household receives a rent payment from the other and pays the landlord. The household that pays the landlord would not have the money counted as income that was given to it by the other household to pay the rent.

14. ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program Benefits

ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program benefits are only countable to the HAP Heating Assistance Program household when the parent or caretaker relative receiving the benefit on behalf of the child(ren) are included in the HAP Heating Assistance Program household.

15. Earnings of Elementary and Secondary Students Under Age 18

Earned income of a student is exempt when an individual:

Is under age 18; and,

Lives with his or her parents or is under parental control of an adult household member; and,

Is currently enrolled at least half-time in elementary or secondary school. This exclusion continues during semester breaks and summer vacation.

Note: Applicants 18 years of age - When looking at applications with a household member that is 18 years old, use the date and signature of the application to determine if the person was 18 years old at the time the application was signed.

16. Volunteer Payments

Payments made under any program of the CNCS Corporation for National and Community Service are excluded income. This income may be identified under a number of program names, including, but not limited to, AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps- VISTA Volunteer In Service To America , AmeriCorps- NCCP National Civilian Community Corps , National Senior Volunteer Corporation, Retired & Senior Volunteer Corps, Foster Grandparents Program, Senior Companion Program, and Vista Volunteer Income (a.k.a. Domestic Volunteer Service Act).

Payments received for support services or reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, such as lunches or transportation, made to an individual or volunteer are non-countable, exempt income.

17. Costs of Producing Self-Employment Income

These costs are exempt.

18. Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training (MASST) Payments

Allowances, earnings and payments from an employer and funded by the MASST Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training are exempt income. The MASST Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training program, federally known as the SCSEP Senior Community Service Employment Program , is administered under Title V of the Older Americans Act, P.L. 100-175.

19. General Relief Assistance Payments

State of Alaska GRA General Relief Assistance program payments paid on behalf of the household to a vendor for household expenses such as rent, food, fuel, clothing, utilities, house repair, transportation, and burial are exempt.

BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs GRA General Relief Assistance program burial payments made to a vendor are excluded as income.

20. Major Disaster and Emergency Assistance

Any federal major disaster and emergency assistance or any comparable disaster assistance provided by states, local governments, or disaster assistance organizations are exempt. Verification is not required unless the source of the funds is questionable.

21. Income Excluded by Federal Law

Income excluded by federal law is exempt. Refer to a partial listing of these income types in Addendum C .

22. Income Tax Returns

Federal income taxes are exempt.

23. Victims of Crime Compensation Payments

Any payment received from a fund established by a State to aid victims of crime is excluded from income.

24. Cash Gifts

Cash gifts under $20 per person per month are non-countable.

25. Social Security Advances

This income is a loan from a financial institution to a person receiving direct deposit Social Security income. It is paid to the bank when the monthly SSA Social Security Administration benefit is received.

26. JOBS Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Allowances

Allowances received under the Alaska JOBS Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Program.

27. SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Hold Harmless Payments

28. Veteran's Benefits Provided to Children of Vietnam Veterans (including adult children) who were born with the congenital defect spina bifida.

29. Veteran's Benefits Paid to Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Born with Certain Other Birth Defects

30. Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend

31. Alaska's Senior Benefits

32. Jury Duty Payments Issued Directly to the Employer

33. Reimbursement of Medical Expenses

34. Income from a Reverse Mortgage

35. Rebates

36. The Portion of a Military Retirement Payment which goes to an Ex-Spouse Under a Divorce Decree Property Settlement is not Counted as Income to the Retiree

Note: Alimony is countable to the person receiving it, not the person paying it.

Previous Section Next Section 2026-02 (09/26)

3003-3 SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT

A. Definition:

Seasonal employment means employment with a regular work season of 11 months or less that is compensated on a salary basis. Seasonal employment may also include irregular work schedules such as workers who are employed in mining, construction, ferry workers, and oil field and service workers who have rotating schedules, fluctuating payroll schedules, and seasonal lay-offs that do not reflect income on a monthly basis. Workers with these irregular work schedules will have their income calculated using a 12 month average of all available income for the previous 12 months from the date they applied.

B. Verification:

Acceptable verification includes a completed seasonal work statement, DOL Department of Labor / SAM Secure Access Manager screen, 1099 form, or final settlement statement.

C. Budget:

Heating Assistance prorates income from seasonal employment during the 12-month period receipt of the completed application, over a 12-month period, to determine the household's gross monthly income. To this amount the worker will add all additional income received in the prior month.

Previous Section Next Section 2021-02 (09/21)

3003-4 INCOME FROM SELF-EMPLOYMENT

Self-employment endeavors vary depending upon the nature of each self-employment enterprise. Exact instructions fitting every situation are impossible to provide. Therefore, caseworkers must use prudent person judgement in determining all factors related to budgeting self-employment income and must carefully and thoroughly document relevant information.

Relevant information includes the type of verification used to determine adjusted gross self-employment income and allowable costs of doing business (noting expenses which are not allowed), the budgeting method used, and for seasonal self-employment income, the period of self-employment.

3003-4 A. DEFINITIONS RELATING TO SELF-EMPLOYMENT

1. Definition of Self-Employment

Self-employment is the process of actively earning income directly from one's own business, trade, or profession. Persons are considered self-employed if they:

Are responsible for obtaining or providing a service or product;

Earn income directly from their own business;

Are not required to have federal income tax and FICA payments withheld from their earnings;

Are not required to complete an IRS Internal Revenue Service W4 form for an employer; and,

Are not covered by worker's compensation.

Self-employment may include income from a trade or business, hobby, commercial boarding house, rental property, or other income producing property. Examples of self-employed individuals include:

Grocer Storekeeper Farmer Trapper Subcontractor Craft person Child care provider Basket weaver Cosmetic salesperson Carpenter Door to door salesperson Artist Persons that own & manage rental property Repair person Persons providing & charging room & board

2. Self-Employed Fisherpersons

Owners of fishing boats and individuals holding fishing permits are considered self-employed fisherpersons if they are actively involved in the fishing operation.

Individuals who lease their boat or fishing permit and are not actively involved in the fishing operation are not considered self-employed fisherpersons. In these cases, the income obtained from the lease of the boat or permit is considered rental property income.

3. Rental Income

Rental income is treated as self-employment income when the owner of the property is actively engaged in the management of the property at least 20 hours per week. The adjusted gross income is considered earned income.

When the property owner is not actively engaged in the management of the property for at least 20 hours per week, costs of doing business are deducted from the rental income and the adjusted gross income is considered unearned income. See HAP Heating Assistance Program MS Manual Section 3002-1 , 3003-1B , and Addendum G .

Note: Rental income received in a lump sum shall be averaged over the months intended. Income received from the lease of a limited entry fishing permit is considered unearned rental income.

4. Monthly Self-Employment Income

Monthly self-employment income is self-employment income that is, or could be, earned on a monthly basis during any or all months throughout the year. Examples of individuals with monthly self-employment income include:

Artist Taxi Driver Craftspersons Ivory Carver Basket Weaver Child Care Provider Cosmetic Salesperson Rental Property Owner

5. Seasonal Self-Employment Income

Seasonal self-employment income is self-employment income that is earned during a specified season or during part of a year. Examples of individuals with season self-employment income include:

Fisherperson Farmer Trapper Christmas Tree Lot Operator

6. Gross Self-Employment Income

Gross self-employment income means the total amount of money the trade or business produces. Gross self-employment income is computed by totaling the gross business receipts (income) for the business enterprise. Allowable costs of doing business are not deducted in determining gross self-employment income.

7. Adjusted Gross Self-Employment Income

Adjusted gross self-employment income means the gross self-employment earnings less allowable costs of doing business. Allowable costs of doing business can be determined by using the self-employment standard deduction or actual costs of doing business. To determine adjusted gross self-employment income, subtract the total amount of allowable costs of doing business from the gross self-employment earnings. The amount of self-employment earnings countable to a self-employed individual is the adjusted gross self-employment income.

8. Self-Employment Costs of Doing Business

Self-employment costs of doing business can be determined by allowing the self-employment standard deduction from gross income or actual expenses if the household believes their costs were more than 50% of their gross earnings. Self-employment costs of doing business are those declared non-personal expenses that are directly related to producing the self-employment income, and which are not specifically prohibited. If an expense is determined to be an allowable cost of doing business, the expense is deducted in computing adjusted gross income whether it is paid or not.

Refer to HAP Heating Assistance Program MS Manual Section 3003-4B

9. Durable Goods

Durable goods are items of value purchased for use in the self-employment enterprise that are normally used for more than one year or season and can usually be sold once the self-employment business ends. Durable goods include items such as:

Office equipment File cabinets Transmission gears Electronic equipment Vehicles Floats and buoys Photo lab equipment Spare engines Farm equipment Playground equipment Livestock Boats/skiffs and their engines Fishing nets (gill nets, seine nets)

10. Period of Self-Employment

The period of self-employment is the number of months in which a seasonally self-employed individual is actively engaged in producing, or attempting to produce, self-employment income. The period of self-employment does not include months in which maintenance or preparation of tools or equipment is the only self-employment activity performed.

3003-4 B. COSTS OF DOING BUSINESS

Allowable costs of doing business are determined using either the self-employment standard deduction or actual allowable expenses. The worker must give the household the choice of using actual expenses if they believe their expenses exceed the amount allowed using the standard deduction. If the household chooses to use actual expenses, they must provide verification of the expenses.

See Example 3 below for an explanation of when to use the standard deduction and when to use actuals.

1. Using the Self-Employment Standard Deduction as Cost of Doing Business

The self-employment standard deduction is 50% of the estimated gross self-employment income.

Example: Joe is self-employed as a carpenter. His gross self-employment income is $2,000 per month. The allowable costs of doing business are $1,000 ($2,000 x 50%). Joe's adjusted gross self-employment income is $1,000.

2. Using Actuals as Cost of Doing Business

If the household believes their self-employment expenses are higher than 50% of their gross self-employment income, they may claim actual expenses as their cost of doing business.

a. Expenses Allowed as Costs of Doing Business

Allowable costs of doing business, directly related to the business, include but are not limited to:

Labor, including gross wages for an employee, employee life and health insurance premiums, and mandatory employer contributions to employee benefits plans such as Unemployment Insurance and Social Security.

Payments made to a self-employed helper, such as costs for contracted work, shares paid to a self-employed crew member, etc.

Stock and inventory, including the actual amount plus tax of a product purchase for resale.

Raw materials.

Purchase of durable goods.

Interest and principal paid on loans to purchase durable goods.

Insurance premiums, taxes, assessments, and utilities for income producing property.

If the household's home is used as the place of business, a percentage of the mortgage interest and principal, insurance, taxes, and utilities can be allowed as costs of doing business. To be allowed these costs, the self-employed individual must provide a description of the portion of the home used in the business, proof of the gross amount of the expenses, and a reasonable method for estimating the proportion of expenses attributed to the business (such as a percentage of use, amount claimed under IRS Internal Revenue Service rules, etc.)

The portion of the costs allowed as business expenses is not allowed as shelter costs in the heating assistance budget.

Service, maintenance, and repair of business property and equipment.

Rental of business property and equipment.

Business supplies.

Advertisement.

Licenses and permit fees.

Legal and professional fees, such as fees paid to lawyers and accountants.

Business travel, including mileage and costs incurred by self-employed individuals to travel outside their community to work, sell goods or services, purchase business equipment, and seek repair of business equipment. Travel must be directly related to business. Transportation to and from work is not an allowable cost of doing business.

Purchase of non-durable items.

Vehicle expenses.

If a vehicle is used less than 50% of the time for self-employment reasons, allowable business-related expenses include gas, oil, registration and licensing fees, insurance, interest and principal payments on vehicle loans, necessary service and repairs, and replacement of worn items (such as tires.) Do not allow vehicle depreciation as a business expense.

If a vehicle is used less than 50% of the time for self-employment, allow the business mileage rate permitted by the Internal Revenue Service. Refer to http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/article/0,,id=156624,00.html for current standard mileage rates.

The IRS business mileage rate is the only deductible expense allowed for a vehicle used less than 50% of the time for self-employment. To received the mileage allowance, the self-employed individual must provide reasonable documentation of their business-related mileage.

Year-round boat moorage

Utility costs to maintain the boat year-round

Crew meals and crew transportation, if paid by the self-employed individual

If the cost of meals for crewmembers is not identifiable, the allowable cost is determined by prorating the total cost of meals by the number of individuals on the boat. The result is the prorated cost for each individual. If food expense is deducted from the amount paid to a crewmember, the amount deducted is not allowed as a cost of doing business.

A meal deduction is not allowed for the self-employed individual or for any member of the HAP Heating Assistance Program household.

b. Expenses Not allowed as Costs of Doing Business

Expenses not allowed as costs of doing business are:

Depreciation and amortization.

Net losses from previous periods.

Federal, state, and local income taxes.

Monies set aside for retirement purposes except when paid for an employee who is not a member of the heating assistance household.

Personal work-related expenses, such as transportation to and from work and child or dependent care.

Normal living expenses for the self-employed individual and his or her family, such as shelter and food.

Personal costs for the self-employed individual and his or her family, such as life and medical insurance and entertainment.

3. Examples Clarifying the Use of the Standard Expense Deduction

Below are examples of actions taken using the standard expense deduction.

Example #1: Actual Expenses Total Less than the Standard Deduction Maria applies for assistance and states she wants to claim actual expenses because she believes they are greater than 50% of her gross income. After receiving verification of her expenses, the worker determines her actual expenses are less than the standard deduction. The standard 50% deduction is allowed because it results in a higher benefit to the household. A clear explanation of why the standard deduction was used must be included in the notice to the client and this action documented on the ECOS Energy Community Online System notes screen.

Example #2: Requested Verification Not Provided Brian submitted an application on October 2. He states he wants to claim actual expenses so the worker pends the application for verification of these expenses. Brian did not provide proof of his expenses by the requested date. Instead of denying the application, the worker works the case and allows the 50% standard deduction. The notice to Brian must explain that the 50% standard deduction was used because he did not provide proof of his expenses by the requested date.

Example #3: Lack of Business Expenses Carolyn reports she is self-employed as a dog walker. She has no expenses for her business. Since she has no expenses, the self-employment standard deduction is not allowed.

3003-4 C. VERIFICATION OF SELF-EMPLOYMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES

Written or verbal verification of self-employment income and expenses is required. Verification may include records showing the history of income and expenses, or documentation for what is expected to be received and spent in the future. Written verification is preferred and includes tax returns or business records. If written verification of self-employment income and expenses is not readily available, verbal verification is acceptable. Verbal verification can be received from collateral contacts or the self-employed individual. Verification of expenses, whether verbal or in writing, must contain enough information for the caseworker to determine allowable expenses. If an expense is not identifiable, the expense is not allowed as a cost of doing business. If the information received is questionable, additional clarification and verification must be sought. Administrative Procedures MS 105-1 C provides policy on when information is considered questionable.

1. Self-Employment Business Records

The self-employed person's written business records are the best and preferred method of verification. Self-employment has no employer verification. The self-employed person is the employer, and thus, business records maintained by the individual are acceptable verification.

The self-employed person has primary responsibility to tabulate the income and expense types and amounts in an organized manner. Acceptable business records range from informal personal records, such as a listing of receipts for business income and costs of doing business, to professionally prepared documents such as financial statements. If written business records are not maintained or readily available, such as during a telephone interview, the statement of the self-employed person or collateral contact may be used.

The verification used must include sufficient information to determine when income was received and costs incurred and if the costs are allowable. The caseworker should document the information including detail of the type of expense, the amount of the expense, and whether it is allowable. Individual receipts for income and costs may be requested if additional information is needed or any of the items listed are questionable.

2. Tax Forms

Income tax documents provide acceptable documentation of self-employment income and expenses. Such forms include: Form 1040 Individual Income Tax Return, Schedule C Profit or Loss from Business, Schedule E Supplemental Income and Loss, Schedule F Profit or Loss from Farming, Form 1065 Partnership Return of Income including Schedule K-1 Partner's Share of Income, and Form 1120-S, Income Tax Return for an S-Corporation including Schedule K-1 Shareholder's Share of Income.

Some costs of doing business allowed by the IRS, such as depreciation, are not allowable costs of doing business under public assistance program policy. When using tax forms as verification, review the claimed expenses, noting which are allowed under program rules.

3. Third Party Contacts

Written documentation from a third party verifying the self-employed person's income or expenses is acceptable. This may include verification from city or borough offices, taxicab stand owners, parent companies, fish processors/canneries, and the Department of Fish and Game.

3003-4 D. UNIQUE SELF-EMPLOYMENT SITUATIONS

1. Household Members as Employees

For some households, the self-employment enterprises involves more than one member. In some of these cases, household members may be paid wages, contract payments, or crew shares of the catch proceeds from the enterprise. In these situation, the payments are treated as follows:

When a dependent child in the household receives payment of wages, contract payments, or crew shares for work in the self-employment enterprise, the amount paid to the child is not an allowable cost of doing business and the wages/shares do not count as income to the child. The amount paid to the child is not deducted from the gross self-employment income for the enterprise.

When another adult in the household receives payment of wages, contract payments, or crew shares for work in the self-employment enterprise, the amount paid to the adult is an allowable cost of doing business when allowing actual deductions and the wages/shares count as earned income to the adult receiving the payment. The amount paid to the adult is deducted from the gross self-employment income for the enterprise.

In other situations, the self-employment enterprise may be established as a partnership or S-corporation and more than one household member may share in the total business income. In these situations, the income received is counted as income as described in the following section.

2. Partnerships and Corporations

Most self-employment enterprises are owned and operated by a single individual and all of the business income belongs to that individual. These are known as sole proprietorships and the individual's countable income from these enterprises is determined by subtracting the total allowable costs of doing business from the total business receipts. Any salary or disbursement received by the individual from the business is not considered in the calculation of the gross self-employment income. These amounts are not allowable costs of doing business and are not deducted from the gross self-employment income for the enterprise.

Self-employment enterprises may also be formed as partnerships and corporations, which means that business income is shared.

Following are descriptions of these types of enterprises.

a. Partnerships

Some enterprises involve a partnership, which means two or more individuals have agreed to manage the business together and share the business income. A written agreement is not required for a partnership to exist, but there may be one. An individual's countable income from these enterprises is determined by subtracting the total allowable costs of doing business from the total business receipts, and dividing the amount by each partner's share. The share of income from a partnership is countable even if it is not distributed. Any salary or disbursements received by the individual from the business is not considered in the calculation of the gross self-employment income. These amounts are not allowable costs of doing business and are not deducted from the gross self-employment income for the enterprise.

A partnership is required to file an income tax Form 1065 Partnership Return of Income including Schedule K-1 Partner's Share of Income, which shows the income and expenses for the business. Unless the partnership is a new business, each partner should have a copy of these forms for reporting their share of the income.

Some partnerships involve a general partner, who is actively involved in operating the business, and a limited partner, who is an investor only, not an active participant. The general partner is considered self-employed and their portion of the income from the partnership counts as self-employment income. Any income received by the limited partner is treated as unearned income.

b. Corporations

A business may be a corporation, which is a distinct legal entity with legal status separate from the individuals who form it. One types of corporation, the S-corporation, is considered a self-employment enterprise. It confers a special tax status to shareholders and operates like a partnership. Income from an S-corporation is taxed at the individual level and is treated like self-employment income from a partnership. The income is passed through to the shareholders based on each shareholder's pro rata share.

The S-corporation must file a Form 1120-S, Income Tax Return for an S-Corporation including Schedule K-1 Shareholder's Share of Income. Unless the corporation is a new business, each shareholder should have a copy of these forms for reporting their share of the income.

Another type of corporation, the C-corporation, is not considered to be self-employment enterprise. In the C-corporation, taxes are paid on business income by the corporation and not by the stockholders. If profits are distributed to the stockholders as dividends, the dividend is treated as unearned income to the stockholder. An individual may receive a salary from a C-corporation. The salary is counted as wages, not self-employment income, even if the individual is the primary stockholder in the corporation. Such wages may include in-kind compensation resulting from the business paying for personal and household bills. Stocks that individuals own in these corporations are counted as resources, even if they are not publicly traded on the stock market.

3003-4 E. SELF-EMPLOYMENT ANNUALIZATION STANDARD

Each season, HAP Heating Assistance Program establishes a self-employment annualization standard. The annualization standard is used to determine if a prior month figure can be used for very low-income households with self-employment income, rather than the 12-month computation. See MS Manual Section 3000-2 Definitions "Gross Monthly Income."

To apply the annualization standard, the caseworker compares the gross amount of the self-employment ventures (after expenses) with the annualization standard. If the total annual adjusted gross self-employment income is equal or less than the annualization standard, the worker will compute the adjusted gross self-employment income of the calendar month prior to the month of application. If the total annual adjusted gross self-employment is more than the annualization standard, then the previous 12-month income average will be used to determine eligibility.

Example 1: Ralph applies for heating assistance for his household of 3, in November. He is a self-employed fisherman and earned $70,000 adjusted gross income in August. Ralph earns $0 in self-employment in October. Since Ralph's adjusted gross self-employment income of $70,000 is less than the $76,000 annualization standard for a household of 3, we will count Ralph's self-employment of $0 for October.

Example 2: Kelly applies for heating assistance for her household of 2, in January. Kelly's spouse is self-employed and earned $61,500 adjusted gross income for the last 12 months. Kelly's spouse was unable to work in December due to weather conditions and earned $0. Since the spouse's adjusted gross self-employment income of $61,500 is more than the $60,000 annualization standard for a household of 2, the 12-month computation needs to be used. $61,500 / 12 months = $5,125 per month (rounded up to the nearest dollar per MS 3003-6 ).

Self-Employment Annualization Standards (Effective October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027) Size of Household Monthly Guideline Annual Guideline 1 $3,739.00 $44,000 2 $5,071.00 $60,000 3 $6,401.00 $76,000 4 $7,733.00 $92,000 5 $9,065.00 $108,000 6 $10,395.00 $124,000 7 $11,727.00 $140,000 8 $13,059.00 $156,000 9 $14,388.00 $172,000 10 $15,720.00 $188,000 11 $17,052.00 $204,000 12 $18,382.00 $220,000 13 $19,714.00 $236,000 14 $21,046.00 $252,000 15 $22,376.00 $268,000 16 $23,708.00 $284,000 17 $25,040.00 $300,000 18 $26,370.00 $316,000 Monthly - All amounts rounded down to the nearest dollar.dollars rounded down by $1000. Annual – All amounts rounded down to the nearest $1000. Based on January 2026 Federal Register Notice.

Previous Section Next Section 2026-02 (09/26)

3003-5 MILITARY PAY

Members of the military receive their wages through the LES Leave and Earning Statement . This statement reflects a military person's monthly payments and allowances, tax deductions, and other allotments that are deducted from their gross pay. Please see Addendum D for a detailed list of LES Leave and Earning Statement Entitlement, Deduction and Allotment definitions and instructions on how to count each in the military household's benefit determination.

How the resources, income, and deductions of military personnel affect the household's benefits depends on:

The military person's location,

The military person's deployment status, and

Program policy.

Please see MS 3002-1 of this manual for more information about household composition.

3003-5 A. Resources

Types of resources typical to a military person's household are as follows:

1. Joint bank account.

If the military person is deployed, any monies deposited into a joint bank account and accessible to the household will count as unearned income to the household in the month received and as a resource the following month. However, the amount of money from a joint account used by a deployed individual is not countable income to the family.

2. Bonuses for reenlistment and special pay for warfare.

Bonuses paid to a military person will appear in the Entitlements section of the LES Leave and Earning Statement . Lump sums are countable in the month they received.

3. Vehicles.

There is no special treatment for the vehicles of military families.

4. The Thrift Savings Plan ( TSP Thrift Savings Plan ).

This is a form of a government employee retirement plan and is an excluded resource as long as the employee does not withdraw the funds.

5. Savings bonds.

The cash in value of a savings bond is a countable resource once the funds can be accessed.

3003-5 B. Income

A military person's income is treated differently if the military person is living with the household or if the person is deployed.

Note: The income on the LES Leave and Earning Statement is considered as monthly income, even when the military person receives a mid-month check.

1. Earned Income

a. Countable Income

If the military person is living in the home, payments and allowances shown in the Entitlements section of the LES Leave and Earning Statement will be considered earned income and counted in the budget. The most common of these are base pay, or basic pay, basic allowance for subsistence ( BAS Basic Allowance for Subsistence ), a military person's food allowance, and basic allowance for housing ( BAH Basic Allowance for Housing ).

If the allowance is listed in the Entitlements section and is also listed in the Deductions or Allotments section of the LES Leave and Earning Statement , count only the amount above the Deductions or Allotments amount as earned income in the budget.

1. Housing and food allowance ( BAS Basic Allowance for Subsistence , BAQ Basic Allowance for Quarters , or BAH Basic Allowance for Housing ):

Households living on base: exempt as in-kind income.

Households living off base who receive the allowance directly: counts as earned income.

Households living on or off base whose housing expenses are paid directly to the vendor: exempt vendor payment.

Note: BAS Basic Allowance for Subsistence is counted as income to the family. Families that live on base are allowed this income and while BAH Basic Allowance for Housing is excluded because it is paid directly to the vendor, BAS Basic Allowance for Subsistence is paid in cash to the family for food items.

2. Bonuses are paid to a military person will appear in the Entitlements section of the LES Leave and Earning Statement . If a bonus is received in a lump sum, it is exempt as income under the non-recurring lump sum provision but is counted as a resource in the month received. If the bonus is paid in installments, it counts as earned income in the month received.

Example: Doug and his family move to a new off-base location. He receives his monthly rent on his LES Leave and Earning Statement . His BAH Basic Allowance for Housing allotment in the entitlement column is $1500. Doug's landlord verifies that his monthly rent is $1300. The $1500 BAH Basic Allowance for Housing is countable earned income and rent of $1300 is allowed as a shelter deduction.

b. Excluded Income

Exclude the amount of the Clothing Maintenance Allowance ( CMA Clothing Maintenance Allowance ) used to purchase clothing as a reimbursement.

Dislocation Allowance ( DLA Dislocation Allowance ) or any other allowance which are one-time payments, will only count as earned income if the allowance can be anticipated.

The portion of a military retirement payment which goes to an ex-spouse under a divorce decree property settlement is not counted as income to the retiree.

Example: William receives his LES Leave and Earning Statement and it shows a CMA Clothing Maintenance Allowance of $125 in the entitlement column. In the deduction column, the CMA Clothing Maintenance Allowance is listed as $100. Even though William did not spend the entire amount of the clothing allowance, the entire $125 is exempt income.

2. Unearned Income

a. Deposit to a Joint Account

The amount that a deployed military person deposits to a joint account will be counted as unearned income to the household. Any amount spent by the deployed member is not available to the household so is not counted as income.

Example: Bill is in the military and receives $1000 per month in wages. Bill's wife Virginia and their daughter Anna have an open case. Bill has his military pay deposited into a bank account in his name only; Virginia has no access to the funds or to the account. Do not count any of Bill's income in the eligibility determination for Virginia and Anna.

Example: Joe is in the military. His paycheck is $1000 a month. He deposits $500 into his account and $500 into a joint account with his wife, Andrea. The $500 deposited into the joint account is budgeted as unearned income to the household. Since Andrea does not have access to Joe's account, only the amount deposited in their joint account counts.

Example: Ralph is in the military making $1200 a month. An allotment check of $1000 is paid directly to his wife Karla and $200 to himself. The money sent to Karla counts as unearned income.

Example: Bill is in the military making $1500 a month. He deposits the entire amount into a joint account with his wife, Joy. Bill uses his debit card to access monies from this account for his personal use. The money that Bill withdraws is not accessible to Joy, so it does not count as income.

b. Combat Pay

Combat pay is exempt when determining eligibility. Disregard any amount of combat pay that goes to the household in excess of the military person's pre-deployment earnings.

Combat pay will be listed in the Entitlements column and may appear as follows:

Combat pay

Hostile fire pay

SAVE Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements pay

Imminent danger pay

Incentive pay for hazardous duty

Hardship duty pay-Location

Hardship duty pay-Mission

Hardship duty pay-Involuntary Extension

Note: Combat zones are designated by an Executive Order from the President as areas in which the U.S. Armed Forces are engaging or have engaged in combat. For combat pay to be excluded as income, the military person must be deployed to one of the combat zones listed at: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/combat-zones .

c. Budgeting Combat Pay

If the military person was in the household before deployment, the amount of their military pay is countable earned income.

If the military person was not in the household before deployment, the amount provided to the household before deployment is considered countable unearned income.

Once the military person is deployed to a combat zone:

If the amount provided to the household is equal to or less than the amount provided before deployment, the amount provided is countable unearned income.

If the amount provided to the household is more than the amount provided before deployment, the additional amount is considered exempt combat pay.

Example: Mike is in the military stationed overseas. Mike's wife Bonnie and their daughter have an open case. Mike sends his $1000 every month. When Mike is deployed to a combat zone, his pay is increased to $1300 a month, which is deposited into a joint account. The additional $300 is considered combat pay and is exempt. The remaining $1000 is budgeted as countable unearned income because that's the amount she was receiving before Mike was deployed to a combat zone.

3. Deductions

There are certain allowable expenses that are specific to a military person's pay. Listed below are allowable expenses that are located in the Deductions column of the LES Leave and Earning Statement .

a. Housing Allowances ( BAQ Basic Allowance for Quarters or BAH Basic Allowance for Housing ):

Households living on base whose housing is paid as in-kind income: no deductions are allowed for expenses paid by in-kind income.

Households living off base whose housing allowance is received directly: shelter deductions paid by the household are allowed.

Households living on or off base whose housing expenses are paid directly to the vendor: no shelter deductions are allowed for expenses paid via a vendor payment.

b. Support or Community Debt.

This deduction is either a spousal or child support obligation. A deduction is allowed for the monthly child support obligation if verified by a court order or through CSED Child Support Enforcement Division .

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3003-6 GUIDELINES FOR COMPUTING INCOME

A. General Income Rule

The Heating Assistance Program generally uses actual gross countable income received by the household in the month prior to the application being received. Heating Assistance does not prospect income into the future to determine eligibility or the benefit amount. Exceptions to the general income calculation method are described in this section.

B. Categorically Eligible Households

Categorically eligible households are addressed in HAP Heating Assistance Program MS 3002-1(A)(8) . If a household is categorically eligible, HAP Heating Assistance Program will determine income eligibility as described in that section.

C. Variable or Irregular Income

If a household member worked a variable work schedule, such as workers who are employed in mining, construction, ferry workers, on-call workers, oil field and service workers, or other workers with rotating schedules, fluctuating payroll schedules, or seasonal lay-offs that do not reflect income on a monthly basis, HAP Heating Assistance Program will calculate their income using a 12-month average of all available income for the previous 12 months from the date they applied.

D. Application-Month Income Exception

If a household is over income based on income from the month prior to receipt of the application, but information available to DPA Division of Public Assistance indicates the household may be income eligible in the application month, the household does not have to reapply. Eligibility may be determined using actual income received in the application month.

If application-month income is used and verification is incomplete, the application must be pended for the information needed to determine the household’s actual application-month income.

E. Countable Household Income

Income from all members in the household, including ineligible aliens, is counted, except earned income from students under the age of 18 who are not the head of household.

All unearned income is counted unless it is specifically listed in HAP Heating Assistance Program MS 3003-2 , Non-Countable Income.

F. Notice and Verification Requirements

The notice must include what income was counted, who received the income, the source of income, and the calculation of the income in making the eligibility determination.

If the household’s income is not clearly indicated on the application and cannot be ascertained through other information resources available to HAP Heating Assistance Program , the application should be pended for this information.

Previous Section Next Section 2026-02 (09/26)

3003-7 INCOME GRID

For a quick reference regarding countable and non-countable income, please see Addendum G .

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3004-1 ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION TIME FRAMES

3004-1 A. ONE AWARD PER SEASON

Households are limited to one benefit per season from one of the three program components (Heating Assistance, Crisis Assistance, or SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit .)

Applications are accepted on the following dates throughout the season:

October 1 through April 30 - All applicants

October 1 through September 30 - SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit applicants

October 1 through June 30 - Crisis Assistance applicants

If funding remains at the end of the season, a supplement may be issued to each household receiving Heating Assistance or Crisis Assistance benefits before the end of the federal fiscal year.

3004-1 b. pROCESSING TIME FRAMES

1. Heating Assistance

HAP Heating Assistance Program will make an eligibility determination and mail the "Notice of Action" to the applicant within 45 days after receipt of the completed application. See HAP MS 3001-2E for what constitutes a completed application.

2. Crisis Assistance

An applicant in crisis qualifies for an expedited eligibility determination. An eligibility determination will be completed and assistance awarded within 18 hours for life threatening and 48 hours for non-life-threatening situations, after receipt of a complete application. Refer to HAP MS 3000-2 for crisis definitions.

3. Priority Processing

Alaska's vulnerable populations as defined in HAP MS 3000-2 receive priority processing. There are two categories of priority processing:

Early application mailouts; and

Additional grant computation point

Early Application Mailouts - Prior year HAP Heating Assistance Program recipients who are considered to be part of Alaska's vulnerable population are sent the current year application before other applicants.

Older adult or disabled households are mailed a current application between September 23 and September 30;

Households with children under 6 are mailed a current application between October 1 and October 8; and

Remaining prior year HAP recipients are mailed a current application between October 11 and October 15.

Additional Grant Computation Point - 1 point is added to the grant computation of vulnerable population households.The priority point is limited to 1 per household and is addressed in Step 4 of the grant computation ( HAP MS 3004-5 ).

4. Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit (SRHUD)

HAP Heating Assistance Program will make an eligibility determination and will authorize SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit assistance to an eligible household within 10 days after receipt of the completed application in a DPA Division of Public Assistance office. If the household's income is not clearly indicated in the application and cannot be ascertained through other resources available to HAP Heating Assistance Program , the application will be pended for this information.

Previous Section Next Section 2025-02 (09/25)

3004-2 ASSISTANCE CATEGORIES

The presence of an individual who is over age 60, is legally disabled, or a child under six years of age are factors in determining the benefit level. This information should be recorded in ECOS Energy Community Online System for each individual in the household on the "Application Members" screen. Income information related to these categories should be recorded on the "Income" screen.

Other categories tracked in ECOS Energy Community Online System include:

Veterans Disability Benefits – recorded for each applicable individual in the household on the "Application Members" and "Income" screens in ECOS Energy Community Online System .

SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – recorded for each applicable individual in the household on the "Application Summary" screen in ECOS Energy Community Online System .

ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program / TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families – recorded on the "Application Summary" and "Income" screens in ECOS Energy Community Online System .

Disabled – recorded for each applicable individual in the household on the "Application Members" and "Income" screens in ECOS Energy Community Online System .

Supplemental Security Income – recorded for each applicable individual in the household on the "Income" screen in ECOS Energy Community Online System .

Adult Public Assistance – recorded for each applicable individual in the household on the "Application Summary" and "Income" screens in ECOS Energy Community Online System .

Elderly – recorded for each applicable individual in the household on the "Application Members" screen in ECOS Energy Community Online System .

Unemployment Insurance Benefits ( UIB Unemployment Insurance Benefits ) – recorded for each applicable individual in the household on the "Income" screen in ECOS Energy Community Online System .

Categorical Eligibility - recorded for each applicable individual in the household on the "Application Members" and "Income" screen in ECOS.

Previous Section Next Section 2025-02 (09/25)

3004-3 DWELLING TYPE AND FACTOR

The number of bedrooms, square footage, or type of structure is an important and necessary factor in determining an applicant's eligibility and grant amount. Please see the following chart that outlines the various types of dwellings the program serves and their corresponding dwelling factor (multiplier) used to determine the applicant's benefit amount.

Type of Dwelling Dwelling Factor Mobile home or boat with heated living space of 980 square feet or more 1.4 Recreational vehicle, tent, truck, van, car or pickup camper 0.4 One-room dwelling such as a studio apartment, hotel, or boarding home 0.15 Boat with heated living space less than 980 square feet 0.35 One-bedroom dwelling or a one-room house or cabin without bedrooms 0.55 Three-or-more-bedroom single family, duplex, or triplex home 1.3 Two-bedroom unit in an apartment building of four or more attached units, or resides in a mobile home with less than 980 square feet of heating living space, regardless of the number of bedrooms 0.7 Two-bedroom single family home, duplex, or triplex home 1.0

Previous Section Next Section 2021-02 (09/21)

3004-4 FUEL TYPE

Primary fuel used to heat the home is an important factor in determining an applicant's eligibility and grant amount. The application must provide this information.

If the primary heat source is not clearly indicated on the application and no heating bills are included, the application must be pended for this information.

The fuel types are:

Coal

Electric/Steam

Gasoline

Kerosene

Natural Gas

Oil

Propane

Wood Pellets

Wood (cord)

For the purposes of identifying the fuel type, it does not matter if the applicant pays for their own heat or has heat included in the rent payment.

NOTE: Gasoline is only allowed if used to heat a vehicle the client has lived in for 60+ days or used to operate a generator that is the client's sole source of electricity. For proper ECOS Energy Community Online System data entry, refer to MS Manual Section 3004-5 Grant Computaion, Step 1, Bullet 7 .

Previous Section Next Section 2022-03 (12/22)

3004-5 GRANT COMPUTATION

Step 1 – Community Fuel Points

Heating cost points are assigned to each community in the state, based upon the community's annual fuel cost and climatic conditions. These points are listed in Addendum A .

ECOS Energy Community Online System calculates the points. Any point adjustments noted are only used for manual calculations.

If the household primarily uses natural gas for heat, use the community heating cost points for natural gas. If no natural gas points are listed for a specific community, use the points from the nearest community with natural gas on the listing.

If the household primarily uses self-harvested wood or coal for heat, use the community heating cost points for oil multiplied by 0.5.

If the household primarily uses purchased wood or coal for heat, use the community heating cost points for oil multiplied by 0.8.

If the household primarily uses wood pellets for heat, use the community heating cost points for oil multiplied by 0.9.

If the household primarily uses steam for heat, regardless of how the steam is produced, use the community heating cost points for oil.

If the household primarily uses electric for heat, use the community heating points for oil.

If the household primarily uses gasoline to heat their vehicle that has been used as their home for 60+ days, use the community heating points for oil

Step 2 – Dwelling Type

Multiply the community heating cost points by the first factor listed below that describes the household's dwelling:

the factor of 1.4 if the household resides in a mobile home or boat with heated living space of 980 square feet or more;

the factor of 0.4 if the household resides in a recreational vehicle, tent, or pickup camper;

the factor of 0.15 if the household resides in a one-room dwelling such as a studio apartment, hotel, or boarding home;

the factor of 0.35 if the household resides in a boat with heated living space less than 980 square feet;

the factor of 0.55 if the household resides in a one-bedroom dwelling, or a one-room house or cabin without bedrooms;

the factor of 1.3 if the household resides in a three-or-more-bedroom single family, duplex, or triplex home;

the factor of 0.7 if the household resides in a two-bedroom unit in an apartment building of four or more attached units or resides in a mobile home with less than 980 square feet of heated living space, regardless of the number of bedrooms;

the factor of 1 if the household resides in a two-bedroom single family home, duplex, or triplex home;

the factor of 0 if the household is applying for a SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit .

A loft counts as one bedroom.

If the household resides in a single residence with one or more households, the heating cost points are reduced to the household's proportionate share of the home heating expenses.

Step 3 – Household Size and Income

Verify each household's gross income for the month prior to application. Household members are considered categorically eligible if they have received federally funded assistance in any month during the following period: The month prior to the submission of the HAP1 State of Alaska's LIHEAP application through the month in which LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program eligibility is determined. Verification for non-categorical eligible households may be provided through documentary evidence (wage stub, award letter, etc.), DPA Division of Public Assistance and DOL Department of Labor records, or impartial third parties such as fee agents, village council representatives, or social service agencies.

Assign each household the following percentage of heating cost points based upon the household's gross monthly income and family size, expressed as a percentage of the Alaska poverty level. The Alaska poverty level figures are included in Addendum E .

100 percent of points if the household's gross monthly income is no more than 25 percent of Alaska's federal poverty level;

90 percent of points if the household's gross monthly income is more than 25 percent but no more than 50 percent of Alaska's FPL Federal Poverty Level ;

80 percent of points if the household's gross monthly income is more than 50 percent but no more than 75 percent of Alaska's FPL Federal Poverty Level ;

70 percent of points if the household's gross monthly income is more than 75 percent but no more than 100 percent of Alaska's FPL Federal Poverty Level ;

60 percent of points if the household's gross monthly income is more than 100 percent but no more than 125 percent of Alaska's FPL Federal Poverty Level ;

50 percent of points if the household's gross monthly income is more than 125 percent but no more than 150 percent of Alaska's FPL Federal Poverty Level .

40 percent of points if the household’s gross monthly income is more than 150 percent but no more than 175 percent of Alaska’s FPL Federal Poverty Level .

30 percent of points if the household’s gross monthly income is more than 175 percent but no more than 200 percent of Alaska’s FPL Federal Poverty Level .

20 percent of points if the household’s gross monthly income is more than 200 percent but no more than 225 percent of Alaska’s FPL Federal Poverty Level .

If the household's gross monthly income exceeds the maximum allowable FPL Federal Poverty Level , the household is not eligible.

Step 4 – Priority Groups

Add one point to the income adjusted heating cost points if the household meets the vulnerable population definition per HAP MS 3000-2.

Step 5 – Heating Points of 2.0 or More

Households must have heating cost points of 2.0 or more to be eligible for HAP Heating Assistance Program . If the household's total points compute to less than 2.0, the household is denied as "Limited Heating Points."

Step 6 – Round Points

Round the final total heating cost points to the nearest whole number. The total heating cost points is limited to 35 points.

Step 7 – Multiply by the Benefit Rate to Determine Household Benefit

ECOS Energy Community Online System will multiply the final heating points by the benefit rate to determine the amount of the household's heating assistance.

Step 8 – Subsidized Housing Adjustment – If Applicable

Households residing in any type of subsidized housing who are responsible for paying all or a portion of their heating costs directly to a vendor and who also receive a utility allowance as part of their housing cost calculation shall have their total benefit reduced by 50 percent, regardless of their utility allowance amount.

Note: Applicants living in subsidized housing and participating in a step-down program that automatically decreases the rental assistance subsidy paid by the authority after year one, for example AHFC Alaska Housing Finance Corporation , should be treated as a regular application with no utility allowance after the first year.

Note: The amount of the HAP Heating Assistance Program grant may be reduced by the amount of the unpaid balance that the household owes the division for previously awarded heating assistance to which the household was not entitled. The division will use this method of recoupment of overpayments only if the household has not responded to the division's request for repayment or the household defaults on its repayment agreement.

The following examples illustrate how a household's heating assistance benefit is determined using a price per point. For the FY Fiscal Year 2027 heating assistance season, this rate is $175 per point for LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program eligible households and $130 per point for AAHP Alaska Affordable Heating Program eligible households.

Example 1 Benefit Calculation: Step 1. Community, Fuel Anchorage , N Gas 5 points Step 2. Dwelling 3 bedroom house 5 points x 1.3 = 6.5 points Step 3. Household Size, Income 4, $3,500 100.1-125% of poverty = 60% 6.5 points x 0.6 = 3.9 points Step 4. Household includes elderly, disabled or child under age 6 No N/A Step 5. Heating points of 2.0 or more Yes 3.9 points Step 6. Round points Rounded = 4 points Step 7. Multiply by benefit rate 4 points x $175 = $700 Step 8. Subsidized Housing Adjustment Yes $700 x 0.5 = $350 Example 2 Benefit calculation: Step 1. Community, Fuel Fairbanks , Oil 10 points Step 2. Dwelling 2 bedroom, 4+ unit bldg 10 points x 0.7 = 7 points Step 3. Household Size, Income 2, $2,800 125.01-150% of poverty = 50% 7 points x 0.5 = 3.5 points Step 4. Household includes elderly, disabled or child underage 6 Yes 3.5 points + 1 = 4.5 points Step 5. Heating points of 2.0 or more Yes 4.5 points Step 6. Round points Rounded = 5 points Step 7. Multiply by benefit rate 5 points x $175 = $875 Step 8. Subsidized Housing Adjustment No $875 x 1.0 = $875 Example 3 Benefit calculation: Step 1. Community, Fuel Savoonga, Oil 27 points Step 2. Dwelling 2 bedroom house No adjustment Step 3. Household Size, Income 5, $3,000 75.01-100% of poverty = 70% 27 points x 0.7 = 18.9 points Step 4. Household includes elderly, disabled or child underage 6 Yes 18.9 points + 1 = 19.9 points Step 5. Heating points of 2.0 or more Yes 19.9 points Step 6. Round points Rounded = 20 points Step 7. Multiply by benefit rate 20 points x $175 = $3,500 Step 8. Subsidized Housing Adjustment No $3,500 x 1.0 = $3,500 Example 4 Benefit calculation: Step 1. Community, Fuel Anchorage , N Gas 5 points Step 2. Dwelling Studio apartment 5 points x 0.15 = 0.75 points Step 3. Household Size, Income 1, $2,100 125.01-150% of poverty = 50% .75 points x 0.5 = 0.375 points Step 4. Household includes elderly, disabled or child underage 6 No N/A Step 5. Heating points of 2.0 or more No 0.375 points = less than 1 point Step 6. Round points N/A Step 7. Multiply by benefit rate Ineligible Step 8. Subsidized Housing Adjustment n/a n/a

Previous Section Next Section 2026-02 (09/26)

3005-1 CRITERIA FOR EXPEDITED PROCESSING

Expedited service is provided to households only when all of the following expedited service criteria are met:

The applicant has requested expedited service by indicating they are in crisis on their HAP1 State of Alaska's LIHEAP application submission; or

The applicant has submitted a HAP1 State of Alaska's LIHEAP application and has also notified DPA Division of Public Assistance they are in crisis; verbally, via written statement, or a vendor has requested expedited service on the client's behalf; and

the applicant is experiencing a crisis, life-threatening crisis, or meets the medically necessary criteria as defined in HAP Heating Assistance Program MS 3000-2 ;

The applicant has submitted a complete HAP1 State of Alaska's LIHEAP application as defined in HAP Heating Assistance Program MS 3000-2 ; and

The applicant submits a copy of their current rent receipt or rental agreement, if heat is included in the rent; and

the applicant claims they are out of or within 48 hours of being out of deliverable or storefront pick-up primary heating fuel and has provided a copy of their last billing statement or purchase receipt;

The applicant submits a current copy of their primary heating fuel or electric service disconnection notice or provides a written statement from their vendor, which includes the date of the proposed action and the past due amount. If this information is not provided, the worker must attempt to obtain verbal verification of the service disconnection through the vendor. An attempt to contact the vendor must be written in the case note before the worker pends the application.

Note: Client statement must be accepted if a client reports they have run out of oil, firewood, or coal. The applicant is still required to provide both the primary heating fuel and electric billing statements or receipts of purchase with their request for expedited processing.

Previous Section Next Section 2024-02 (09/24)

3005-3 EXPEDITED PROCESSING FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH oLDER OR DISABLED MEMBERS

Older or disabled applicants must be able to apply for and receive assistance to resolve an emergency situation within 18 hours for life threatening and 48 hours for non-life threatening crisis, without leaving their home. In these cases, the previous year's application is used as a guideline if information is missing from the current HAP1 State of Alaska's LIHEAP application submission.

Previous Section Next Section 2024-02 (09/24)

3005-2 EXPEDITED TIME FRAMES

Expedited eligibility service is provided to a household if they have submitted a SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit application or if the applicant meets crisis or life-threatening crisis criteria.

Households eligible for expedited service because of a SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit application submission will have their application processed within 10 days after receipt of the completed application in a DPA Division of Public Assistance office. SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit applications are accepted year-round, October 1 through September 30.

Crisis applications are accepted October 1 through June 30 and should be processed within 18 hours after DPA Division of Public Assistance receives a complete application for a life-threatening crisis and within 48 hours for non-life threatening crisis.

Previous Section Next Section 2025-02 (09/25)

3006 SRHUD (SUBSIDIZED RENTAL HOUSING UTILITY DEPOSIT)

HAP Heating Assistance Program will grant assistance for the minimum amount needed (up to $500) to establish natural gas and/or electric utility service required to participate in subsidized rental housing. In order to be eligible for a SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit , the applicant must meet all of the following requirements:

The housing program will fully subsidize the household's income heating costs;

The applicant has requested a subsidized rental housing utility deposit;

The household has not received a regular grant within 180 days of the request for a subsidized rental housing utility deposit;

The division has verified the application as required by 7 AAC 44.041 or 7 AAC 44.240; and

The amount of the heating assistance, up to a maximum of $500, is sufficient to establish utility service.

Note: The amount of the SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit paid to the vendor may include the cost of the deposit and payment of any back balance from a previous location, up to $500 total, required to establish service in the applicant's name at their new, subsidized residence. SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit s should not be used to reestablish service that was disconnected at the current location. If/when the tenant moves from the property, the deposit paid by HAP is returned to the client, not returned to HAP.

Grant Computation

HAP Heating Assistance Program will not award SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit more than once to a household in a 24-month period.

Previous Section Next Section 2020-03 (12/20)

3007-1 SUBSIDIZED HEAT AND APPLICATION PROCESSING

Applications involving subsidized heat are handled in the following manner:

If the applicant lives in subsidized rental housing (public housing) and heat is included in the rent, the application is denied.

An applicant residing in subsidized housing and pays directly for heat may qualify for a partial or full benefit depending on if they are also receiving a utility allowance. The caseworker must contact the housing authority for a current client rental worksheet to determine if they are receiving a utility allowance as part of their rental calculation. If the household is receiving any type of utility allowance for heat, the HAP Heating Assistance Program benefit is processed normally and the final amount is reduced by 50 percent because they are already receiving a subsidy towards heating costs.

If the applicant is not receiving a utility allowance and is paying for their heat, their benefit is processed normally and they are awarded a full benefit.

If the household pays directly for heating costs and the worker determines the household is in the LIHTC Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program, Tax Credit Program, or other home purchase program, the caseworker will contact the housing authority to determine if there is a monthly utility allowance. If there is no subsidized utility allowance, the case is processed as any other homeowner or renter. If there is a utility allowance, the household's final point count will be reduced by 50 percent.

Previous Section Next Section 2023-02 (09/23)

3007-2 HUD AND OTHER HOUSING AUTHORITIES, MUTUAL HELP OR HOME PURCHASE PROGRAMS

For all other housing information, it must be obtained from the unit's Property Manager. Refer to Addendum F for Native Housing Authority property manager contact information.

3007-2 A. MUTUAL HELP

USDA Mutual Self-Help Loan program and HUD Housing & Urban Development Mutual Help Homeownership Programs are used primarily to help low-income households obtain financial assistance for the construction of individual homes. If a Mutual Help program applicant applies for assistance the caseworker must obtain copies of the utility worksheet from the housing program (if the applicant has not provided it). If the worksheet confirms the household is receiving a utility allowance, they are eligible for 50 percent of the HAP Heating Assistance Program benefit. If they do not receive a utility allowance, they are eligible to receive 100 percent of the HAP Heating Assistance Program benefit.

3007-2 B. LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT PROGRAMS (LIHTC)

May be a home ownership or rental program, such as THRHA Tlingit and Haida Regional Housing Authority in Southeast Alaska and is generally not considered subsidized housing unless there is a utility allowance. This program's credit is usually on favor of the developer. If there is a utility allowance, through AHFC Alaska Housing Finance Corporation or other program, then process accordingly under subsidized housing guidelines. If heat is included in the rent, and there is no utility allowance for heat, process as heat included in rent non-subsidized heat case.

Note: Some LIHTC Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties may have a mix of low-income, fair market and Section 8 housing vouchers in one complex. The caseworker must research the correct housing program for each household applying to determine the correct method of calculating the grant.

Previous Section Next Section 2024-02 (09/24)

3007 SPECIALIZED PROCEDURES

Previous Section Next Section 2021-02 (09/21)

3008-1 TIME FRAMES FOR ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS

If funding is available, the program begins awarding payments for the upcoming winter on the first working day in October of each year. Applications are generally processed in date order based on the date the application is received. Awards are issued as applications are processed throughout the year.

Expedited eligibility determination and assistance payment awards begin on October 1 of each year.

Households eligible for expedited service because of a SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit application submission will have their application processed within 10 days after receipt of the completed application in a DPA Division of Public Assistance office. SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit applications are accepted year-round, October 1 through September 30.

Crisis applications are accepted October 1 through June 30 and should be processed within 18 hours after DPA Division of Public Assistance receives a complete application for a life-threatening crisis and within 48 hours for non-life threatening crisis.

Payment runs are completed by the Administrative Services Financial Management Support unit three times per week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:00 a.m. Payment runs are not completed on state holidays. When a scheduled payment run falls on a state holiday, payments are issued during the next regularly scheduled payment run.

After a payment is issued, the Administrative Services Financial Management Support unit sends the vendor notice by mail or encrypted email, based on the vendor’s selected method for receiving notices. DPA Division of Public Assistance does not control when a vendor applies the payment to the client’s account; vendors are responsible for applying payments after they are received.

Note: Grants are available for client use during the season (federal fiscal year) of issuance and through the end of the following federal fiscal year. HAP Heating Assistance Program is required to return any unused benefits to the federal government after this specified time frame.

Previous Section Next Section 2026-02 (09/26)

3008-2 USE OF HAP PAYMENTS

3008-2 A. HEATING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS CAN ONLY BE USED FOR THE PURCHASE OF:

Fuel oil, kerosene, propane, natural gas, electricity, wood, wood pellets, coal, or other petroleum products used for home heating and lighting needs;

Payment of incidental charges, including deposits, delivery charges, connection fees, and late-payment charges associated with purchase or delivery;

Rental payments if the household pays home heating costs indirectly through rent;

A household may use up to 50% of their heating grant to purchase gasoline or propane to fuel a generator used to produce the household's electricity;

If a community is out of fuel, HAP Heating Assistance Program recipients may use a portion of their fuel grant to purchase gasoline to travel to a neighboring community to procure fuel. If this situation arises, the caseworker notifies hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov who will discuss the situation with the affected fuel vendors.

3008-2 B. HEATING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS CANNOT BE USED FOR:

A household cannot use a portion of their fuel grant to purchase gas to self-harvest wood as a secondary heating source. If they primarily heat with fuel other than self-harvested wood and receive a grant, it must be used to purchase their primary heating fuel.

Ethyl Glycol cannot be purchased with HAP Heating Assistance Program grant funds.

Gasoline used for the operation of vehicles, boats, ATV All Terrain Vehicle s, snowmobiles, etc. except for fuel gathering and transportation of energy sources in rural areas or if the vehicle has been the client's home for 60+ days.

Solar panels, wind turbines, or other alternate energy sources. Materials/equipment to install these systems are also not allowable uses of a HAP Heating Assistance Program grant.

Previous Section Next Section 2025-02 (09/25)

3008-3 DISTRIBUTION OF GRANT BETWEEN HEATING AND ELECTRICITY

3008-3 A. THE 50/50 SPLIT OPTION

While home heating is the priority of this program, applicants may elect to have 50% of their heating assistance benefit applied towards their electric vendor account. This option is allowed because electricity is required to operate select home heating systems, fuel pumps, water heating systems, well pumps, water filtration systems, and food preparation and preservation systems (stove, oven, refrigerator, freezer, etc.)

When a client chooses to split their benefit, 50 percent of the grant must be issued to the primary home heating fuel vendor, with the remaining 50 percent issued to the electric vendor. Partial splits, alternative percentages, or discretionary adjustments are not permitted. Use of the 50/50 split must be documented in the case note.

When a client chooses to split their benefit, 50 percent of the grant must be issued to the primary home heating fuel vendor, with the remaining 50 percent issued to the electric vendor. Partial splits, alternative percentages, or discretionary adjustments are not permitted. Use of the 50/50 split must be documented in the case note.

If the applicant requests the 50/50 split option, but the electric account has a credit balance that appears sufficient to cover approximately 12 months of electric expenses from the date of application submission, the electric portion of the grant must not be issued to the electric vendor. The credit balance indicates the household does not have more than $200 in anticipated electric expenses for the 12-month period beginning from the date of application submission and, therefore, does not meet the minimum annual expense requirement for receiving assistance with electricity. This does not make the household ineligible for Heating Assistance if the household otherwise meets the minimum annual expense requirement for the primary heating fuel. If the household is otherwise eligible, 100 percent of the grant must be issued to the primary home heating fuel vendor.

The caseworker must document the requested split, the electric account credit, and the reason the electric portion was not approved in the case note. The eligibility notice must acknowledge the applicant’s request for the 50/50 split and explain why 100 percent of the benefit is being issued to the primary home heating fuel vendor.

Applicants may not elect to have less than 50 percent of the grant issued to electricity. If the applicant does not choose the 50/50 split option, or if the 50/50 split option cannot be approved because the electric account does not meet the minimum annual expense requirement for receiving assistance with electricity, 100 percent of the grant must be issued to the primary home heating fuel vendor, unless an exception under HAP Heating Assistance Program MS 3008-3B applies.

Note: Secondary and/or tertiary home heating fuel expenses (i.e., supplement or back-up heat sources) are NOT eligible for assistance. No percentage of the HAP Heating Assistance Program grant should be distributed as a direct payment to the client or a vendor to pay for secondary and/or tertiary home heating fuel expenses.

3008-3 B. EXCEPTIONS TO THE 50/50 SPLIT OPTION

In the event that a client's electric account has been disconnected or is scheduled for disconnect, the heating assistance benefit can be used to reinstate or prevent electricity disconnect. However, this is only an option if:

The grant amount available to the client will cover all bad debt and fees the electric company requires the client to pay before reinstating or preventing service disconnection.

Payment issued to the electric vendor above the 50% split should be the lowest amount the vendor will accept to reinstate service or prevent service disconnection. Any remaining benefit amount should be issued to the client's primary home heating fuel vendor. Reason for the exception must be documented in the case note.

Note:

Some vendors have been set up under more than one fuel type in ECOS Energy Community Online System (Ex: Perryville-Fuel Oil and Perryville-Electric). If an applicant has the same vendor for both heating and electric, the caseworker must be careful to choose the correct vendor where they want the benefit credited. If they choose to split the benefit between fuel types, the caseworker must issue the fuel portion to the vendor's fuel oil account and the electric portion to the vendor's electric account in order for IRIS to generate the correct payments.

Previous Section Next Section 2026-02 (09/26)

3008-4 METHODS OF PAYMENT

3008-4 A. VENDOR PAYMENT

Payment is primarily issued directly to the applicant's vendor(s), who credits the payment to the household's account.

If an applicant's fuel service is in the landlord's name the grant is issued as a direct payment to the client.

Vendor payments are made only to vendors listed in ECOS Energy Community Online System , which means that they have signed a vendor agreement with the DPA Division of Public Assistance Heating Assistance Program and agree to the conditions contained in the agreement.

HAP Heating Assistance Program vendors must avert disconnection of service, reconnect discontinued service, or deliver fuel upon notification from HAP Heating Assistance Program that the household is entitled to receive heating assistance.

Applicants do not have the option to request a direct cash payment in order to "shop around for the best fuel." The applicant must name the vendor from whom they intend to purchase the fuel.

Applicants are not allowed to switch vendors after the grant has been issued unless they move out of the area or change primary fuel types.

Applicants are not allowed to change vendors after the benefit has been issued unless they have moved out of the current vendor's service area, their primary fuel type has changed due to a change of residence, or their primary heating system has become inoperable.

3008-4 B. DIRECT PAYMENT

Payment is issued directly to the applicant if the household:

is paying home heating and electricity costs indirectly through a non-subsidized rental payment or required homeowners association or condominium association dues;

is self-harvesting wood and the wood is used as the client's primary heat source;

is purchasing wood or pellets from a vendor that has not signed a HAP Heating Assistance Program vendor agreement;

is purchasing fuel from a vendor that has not signed a HAP Heating Assistance Program vendor agreement AND the processing worker initiated and received a response from vendors.liheap@alaska.gov confirming zero HAP Heating Assistance Program vendors currently service the client's area of residence. This requirement does not pertain to wood or pellet vendors;

is paying heating costs directly to their landlord or primary heating fuel and/or electric accounts are setup in the landlord's name or the name of an individual who is not a member of the household;

has electricity or natural gas as the primary heating fuel and has a grant in an amount which is insufficient to restore disconnected service; or

lives in their vehicle and the only heat source available to them is the vehicle itself which requires gasoline to produce heat.

Direct payments are not issued in response to an applicant's request to "shop around for the best price."

Justification for a direct payment must be documented in the case note.

Note: ENSTAR will only accept LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments issued on behalf of an ENSTAR account holder or their legal spouse. If the PI Primary Information person or the legal spouse of the PI Primary Information person on the HAP1 State of Alaska's LIHEAP application are not listed on the ENSTAR account their LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program benefit must be issued as a direct payment.

3008-4 c. vENDOR PAYMENT AND DIRECT PAYMENT

When a household pays their home heating costs indirectly through their non-subsidized rental payment AND pays a vendor directly for their home electricity cost, the HAP Heating Assistance Program grant should be distributed as follows: 50 percent direct payment to the household and 50 percent to the household's electric vendor.

Previous Section Next Section 2026-02 (09/26)

3008-5 BAD DEBT

Grant funds can no longer be used to pay the oldest portion of an outstanding bill. HAP Heating Assistance Program payments must be used for fuel/service obtained after October 1, unless the payment is being used to prevent a disconnect of service or reconnect service to the household. If, at the end of the season, a credit balance remains with the vendor, that balance may be applied to bad debt.

Previous Section Next Section 2021-01 (04/21)

3008-6 GRANT TRANSFERS AND rEFUNDS

A recipient requesting to transfer a portion of their grant balance because the household has a broken heating system is referred to their weatherization provider.

If a recipient moves their physical residence from one community to another or from one dwelling to another with a different heat source, within the state of Alaska, the recipient may request that their remaining balance be transferred to their new heating vendor. The original vendor must send any remaining balance back to HAP Heating Assistance Program . Once the client has provided DPA Division of Public Assistance with copies of both their current primary heating fuel and electric billing statements HAP Heating Assistance Program will reissue to the client's new vendor(s) in the new service area.

In special situations, a vendor may transfer a grant to another directly in their community at the request of the HAP Heating Assistance Program Coordinator. The circumstances for the situation must be documented in case notes in ECOS Energy Community Online System .

If a recipient moves to a dwelling within the state of Alaska where the heat and electricity are included in the rental payment, their grant refund will be issued to them as a direct payment. The recipient must provide a copy of their new rental agreement to DPA before payment will be made.

If a recipient moves into subsidized housing within the state of Alaska where the heat is included in the rental payment the client will not be eligible to receive the refunded benefit. The refunded benefit will remain available during the season of issuance and through the end of the following federal fiscal year for the client's use if they move into a subsidized or non-subsidized dwelling with heating expenses. Verification of the new living arrangement and heating expenses are required prior to a refunded benefit being reissued.

If a recipient moves without closing their account or leaving a forwarding address, the vendor should refund the remaining credit balance to the State after one year.

If the household moves out of state, the remaining grant is refunded to HAP Heating Assistance Program and is not reissued to the client or an out-of-state vendor.

A recipient may not request a transfer to a new vendor after benefit issuance unless they have moved out of their current vendor's service area, their primary fuel type has changed due to a change of residence, or their primary heating system has become inoperable.

Note: Grants are available for client use during the season of issuance and through the end of the following federal fiscal year. HAP Heating Assistance Program is required to return any unused benefit after this specified time frame to the Federal government.

3008-6 A. THE GRANT TRANSFER AND REFUND PROCESS

The LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Coordinator or LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Public Assistance Analyst (PAA) needs to be informed of all transfer and refund requests for the following reasons:

To confirm the client is eligible for a benefit transfer or a refund and re-issuance.

To authorize a benefit transfer or request a refund from the vendor.

To update the client's address and vendor information in ECOS Energy Community Online System .

To track the pending refund

To reissue the benefit once Administrative Services has posted the refund to the client's ECOS Energy Community Online System application.

STEP 1: The caseworker informs the LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Program Coordinator or LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program PAA Public Assistance Analyst via vendors.liheap@alaska.gov of the transfer or refund request and documents request in a case note. The email to vendors.liheap@alaska.gov needs to include the client's ECOS Energy Community Online System application ID number and the justification for the benefit transfer or refund and reissuance request. The justification needs to include the client's new physical and mailing addresses, new primary heating fuel type, and new vendor account information for both heating fuel and electric.

STEP 2: The program coordinator or PAA Public Assistance Analyst reviews the request and confirms the client does or does not meet the benefit transfer or refund and re-issuance criteria.

STEP 3: If the client meets the benefit transfer or refund and re-issuance criteria the program coordinator or PAA Public Assistance Analyst will contact the vendor and request either the benefit be transferred to a new account with the current vendor or the benefit be refunded. Refunded payments need to reference the client's name and address and be remitted to:

Department of Health

Division of Public Assistance

PO Box 110640

Juneau, AK 99811-0640

STEP 4: The program coordinator or PAA Public Assistance Analyst notifies the caseworker of the client's grant transfer or refund eligibility status. The caseworker informs the client that they either meet or do not meet the benefit transfer or refund and reissuance criteria. If the client does meet the benefit transfer or refund and reissuance criteria, they are informed that the benefit transfer has been completed or the refund has been requested and once received will be issued to their new vendor. They are also made aware that the refund and re-issuance process takes approximately 30 days to complete.

STEP 5: The worker documents the following:

The program coordinator or PAA Public Assistance Analyst 's approval or denial of the benefit transfer or refund and re-issuance request;

Client's new primary heating fuel type, new vendor names, and client account numbers;

Interaction with the client.

STEP 6: Administrative Services receives refund from vendor, posts refund to client's ECOS Energy Community Online System application and notifies the LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program program coordinator or PAA Public Assistance Analyst .

STEP 7: The program coordinator, PAA Public Assistance Analyst , or the caseworker input the client's vendor, fuel type, and account information into ECOS Energy Community Online System and reissues the refunded benefit to new vendor. To complete this step workers can refer the SharePoint document How to Process a Benefit Re-issuance for the Current Program Year in ECOS.

Previous Section Next Section 2025-01 (04/25)

3008 ISSUING BENEFITS & PAYMENTS

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3009 FAIR HEARINGS

A fair hearing provides the opportunity for an individual or household to have their case reviewed by an impartial party or authority outside DPA Division of Public Assistance . An opportunity for a fair hearing must be granted to an applicant who requests a hearing in writing within 30 days of the mailing of the notice of action. The hearing must be requested in writing.

Clients are also notified of their right to a fair hearing on the back of most notices sent to the household. This information includes:

How they may request a fair hearing;

That, if necessary, the agency will assist them in making the request;

The timeframe allowed to request a fair hearing.

For fair hearing availability, policies, and procedures, refer to Administrative Procedures Manual Section 117 .

Previous Section Next Section 2021-02 (09/21)

3010 PERFORMANCE mEASURES

Every year, HAP Heating Assistance Program must collect and report data to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), who in turn reports the information to Congress. Capturing this information nationally helps to shed light on just how crucial LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding is to low-income households throughout the country.

Why Collect Performance Measures Data?

To demonstrate the impact of HAP Heating Assistance Program on eligible households.

To support funding decisions (e.g., to help justify Program funding increases.)

To identify and guarantee states are targeting benefits to the neediest households.

To identify policies/benefits states may want to revisit/reconsider based upon the data collected.

Measures Include:

Benefit Targeting Index - Demonstrates whether Alaska is giving higher benefits to higher energy burden households.

Energy Burden Reduction Targeting Index - Shows how energy burden reduction for your high energy burden households compares to the energy burden reduction for the average recipient.

Service Restoration - How many clients had service restored by LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program .

Service Loss Prevention - Shows the number of clients who would have lost service if not for the intervention with LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds.

Information is reported as aggregate data to the Federal government. The following information is required for reporting:

The number of elders assisted.

The number of households assisted that include a disabled individual.

The number of households assisted that include children under the age of six.

The average yearly income of each household assisted.

The annual heating and electric expenses of each household assisted. This information is collected from our vendors annually. This is the reason it is important that we accurately record each household's electric and heating account number or information.

The benefit amount received by each household.

The number of households the program assisted who reported to be low on fuel.

The number of households the program prevented from heating fuel or electric service disconnection.

The number of households the HAP Heating Assistance Program benefit restored service to with the delivery of heating fuel to an empty tank or electric/gas service re-connections.

The number of households assisted who use air conditioning and the type of air conditioning used (central vs. window/wall units.)

This data is obtained through information reported on the HAP Heating Assistance Program application and through data exchanges with vendors. It is imperative that applicants answer all questions on their application and caseworkers record required information in ECOS Energy Community Online System to assist with accurate collection and reporting of program statistics.

Previous Section Next Section 2023-01 (04/23)

3011 FRAUD

HAP Heating Assistance Program must be responsive to reports of fraud committed by clients and by vendors.

A. Vendor Fraud

Types of vendor fraud include:

Vendors who do not credit the entire HAP Heating Assistance Program grant to the clients' account(s);

Vendors who discriminate, either in cost of goods supplied or the services provided, against the household receiving HAP Heating Assistance Program ;

The Vendor agrees that no household receiving heating assistance will be treated adversely because of such assistance under applicable provision of the State law or public regulatory requirements;

Vendors who knowingly dispense HAP Heating Assistance Program purchased fuel to a client who they know is selling, sharing, or trading their HAP Heating Assistance Program purchased fuel.

Vendors who fail to follow the conditions regarding the allowable uses for HAP Heating Assistance Program funds, how to apply HAP Heating Assistance Program payments to clients' accounts, and when to refund money back to HAP Heating Assistance Program for clients' who have closed their account. These conditions are covered in each vendors' signed Heating Assistance Vendor Agreement.

B. Client Fraud

Client fraud is committed when:

An applicant intentionally makes false statements, misrepresents facts, or misrepresent situations to get benefits a household is not eligible to receive.

Clients do not report all income received by their household.

Applicants misrepresent the number of people in their household.

Applicants misrepresent the type of dwelling they live in, total square footage, and/or the number of heated bedrooms in their home.

Clients do not live in the home for which they apply for heating assistance.

Clients sell or barter fuel paid for with Heating Assistance benefits.

Clients give away or share fuel or services paid for with Heating Assistance benefits.

If a household is found to commit fraud they will be asked to repay the benefits they received. If they do not repay the benefits the amount due will be withheld from future heating assistance payments made to the household until the total overpayment is recouped.

A witness to fraudulent behavior can verbally report to DPA Division of Public Assistance 's VCC Virtual Contact Center at 1-800-478-7778 or submit a report in writing via email to hss.dpa.offices@alaska.gov .

Previous Section Next Section 2023-01 (04/23)

3012 PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND COSTS

The following is an overview of what costs are considered administration versus direct program costs for the State of Alaska Heating Assistance Program:

Administrative Costs Direct Program Costs Administrative staff salary and benefits Client Benefits Procurement Outreach Travel to National Conferences & Trainings Application Printing & Mailing Costs Computer Maintenance & IT Support Weatherization Benefits Leases & Storage for Archives File Review/ QA Quality Assurance Dues Postage Public Relations Program and Eligibility Staff Salary & Benefits Supplies

Previous Section Next Section 2021-02 (09/21)

ADDENDUM A

Heating Assistance Program

FFY 2027 Community Listing

" * " Indicates the tribe serves Alaska Native/American Indians only. " 0 " Indicates the tribe serves all residents. " # " Indicates Non-Native Clear residents living on base are not eligible. If they live off base, they may be eligible. Native residents in Clear should apply with TCC " / " When the "Served By" section is blank the community is served by DPA. NOTE: 0/USA - Service members living on base do not qualify. Service members living off base should apply using their actual physical address. Zip Code Community Name Served By Points Oil / N Gas 99546 Adak (Station) / 06/00/ 99615 Akhiok / 08/00/ 99551 Akiachak 0/AVCP 21/00/ 99552 Akiak 0/AVCP 21/00/ 99553 Akutan */APIA 11/00/ 99554 Alakanuk 0/AVCP 21/00/ 99720 Alatna 0/TCC 27/00/ 99555 Aleknagik 0/BBNA 13/00/ 99645 Alexander Creek / 07/00/ 99720 Allakaket 0/TCC 27/00/ 99786 Ambler / 35/00/ 99721 Anaktuvuk Pass / 16/00/ 99556 Anchor Point / 06/06/ 99501 Anchorage */CITC 08/05/ 99744 Anderson */TCC 11/00/ 99820 Angoon 0/THRHA 08/00/ 99557 Aniak 0/ATC 21/00/ 99926 Annette / 06/00/ 99558 Anvik 0/TCC 19/00/ 99722 Arctic Village 0/TCC 32/00/ 99547 Atka */APIA 06/00/ 99559 Atmautluak 0/AVCP 19/00/ 99791 Atqasuk / 24/00/ 99821 Auke Bay */THRHA 05/00/ 99723 Barrow / 21/06/ 99724 Beaver 0/TCC 24/00/ 99695 Beluga / 07/06/ 99559 Bethel 0/ONC 16/00/ 99726 Bettles 0/TCC 29/00/ 99623 Big Lake / 07/05/ 99730 Birch Creek 0/TCC 27/00/ 99785 Brevig Mission / 23/00/ 99727 Buckland / 33/00/ 99729 Cantwell / 11/00/ 99730 Central 0/TCC 23/00/ 99788 Chalkyitsik 0/TCC 28/00/ 99676 Chase / 08/00/ 99561 Chefornak 0/AVCP 20/00/ 99790 Chena Hot Springs / 11/00/ 99574 Chenega Bay / 08/00/ 99563 Chevak 0/AVCP 25/00/ 99674 Chickaloon / 08/00/ 99732 Chicken 0/TCC 19/00/ 99564 Chignik 0/BBNA 09/00/ 99565 Chignik Lagoon 0/BBNA 09/00/ 99548 Chignik Lake 0/BBNA 09/00/ 99615 Chiniak / 06/00/ 99586 Chistochina / 12/00/ 99566 Chitina / 11/00/ 99557 Chuathbaluk 0/CTC 21/00/ 99567 Chugiak */CITC 07/05/ 99733 Circle 0/TCC 23/00/ 99730 Circle Hot Springs 0/TCC 23/00/ 99568 Clam Gulch / 07/06/ 99569 Clarks Point 0/BBNA 16/00/ 99704 Clear #*/TCC 11/00/ 99918 Coffman Cove / 06/00/ 99571 Cold Bay / 11/00/ 99701 Coldfoot 0/TCC 19/00/ 99709 College */TCC 10/00/ 99572 Cooper Landing */KIT 09/06/ 99573 Copper Center / 11/00/ 99574 Cordova / 07/00/ 99921 Craig 0/THRHA 05/00/ 99575 Crooked Creek / 26/00/ 99736 Deering / 31/00/ 99737 Delta Junction */TCC 11/00/ 99755 Denali Park / 10/00/ 99576 Dillingham 0/BBNA 11/00/ 99762 Diomede / 27/00/ 99737 Dot Lake 0/TCC 12/00/ 99824 Douglas */THRHA 05/00/ 99692 Dutch Harbor */APIA 06/00/ 99738 Eagle 0/TCC 19/00/ 99577 Eagle River */CITC 08/05/ 99921 Edna Bay / 11/00/ 99578 Eek 0/AVCP 22/00/ 99579 Egegik 0/BBNA 15/00/ 99702 Eilson AFB 0/USA 11/00/ 99567 Eklutna / 08/05/ 99576 Ekuk 0/BBNA 16/00/ 99580 Ekwok 0/BBNA 14/00/ 99825 Elfin Cove / 06/00/ 99739 Elim / 26/00/ 99506 Elmendorf AFB 0/USA 08/05/ 99581 Emmonak 0/AVCP 24/00/ 99603 English Bay / 19/00/ 99725 Ester */TCC 11/00/ 99726 Evansville 0/TCC 29/00/ 99827 Excursion Inlet / 07/00/ 99701 Fairbanks */TCC 10/08/ 99583 False Pass */APIA 11/00/ 99731 Fort Greely 0/USA 11/00/ 99505 Fort Richardson 0/USA 08/05/ 99703 Fort Wainwright / 10/00/ 99740 Fort Yukon 0/TCC 23/00/ 99712 Fox */TCC 11/00/ 99603 Fritz Creek / 07/06/ 99850 Funter Bay / 07/00/ 99586 Gakona / 11/00/ 99741 Galena 0/TCC 20/00/ 99742 Gambell / 27/00/ 99742 Georgetown 0/AVCP 26/00/ 99587 Girdwood */CITC 08/05/ 99588 Glennallen / 11/00/ 99762 Golovin / 26/00/ 99589 Goodnews Bay 0/AVCP 20/00/ 99590 Grayling 0/TCC 22/00/ 99586 Gulkana / 11/00/ 99826 Gustavus / 06/00/ 99827 Haines */THRHA 06/00/ 99603 Halibut Cove / 07/06/ 99714 Harding Lake */TCC 11/00/ 99743 Healy */TCC 10/00/ 99706 Healy Lake 0/TCC 13/00/ 99921 Hollis / 05/00/ 99602 Holy Cross 0/TCC 21/00/ 99603 Homer / 07/06/ 99829 Hoonah 0/THRHA 07/00/ 99604 Hooper Bay 0/AVCP 25/00/ 99605 Hope / 07/00/ 99623 Houston / 07/05/ 99745 Hughes 0/TCC 33/00/ 99746 Huslia 0/TCC 30/00/ 99922 Hydaburg 0/THRHA 05/00/ 99923 Hyder / 04/00/ 99613 Igiugig 0/BBNA 12/00/ 99606 Iliamna 0/BBNA 19/00/ 99540 Indian / 08/05/ 99695 Ivanof Bay 0/BBNA 12/00/ 99801 Juneau */THRHA 05/00/ 99830 Kake 0/THRHA 06/00/ 99747 Kaktovik / 24/00/ 99626 Kalskag (lower) 0/AVCP 23/00/ 99607 Kalskag (upper) 0/AVCP 23/00/ 99748 Kaltag 0/TCC 22/00/ 99608 Karluk / 10/00/ 99901 Kasaan 0/THRHA 05/00/ 99609 Kasigluk 0/AVCP 19/00/ 99610 Kasilof */KIT 07/06/ 99611 Kenai */KIT 08/06/ 99588 Kennicott / 11/00/ 99573 Kenny Lake (Tonsina) / 11/00/ 99901 Ketchikan */THRHA 04/00/ 99749 Kiana / 26/00/ 99612 King Cove */APIA 11/00/ 99549 King Salmon 0/BBNA 13/00/ 99614 Kipnuk 0/AVCP 20/00/ 99750 Kivalina / 28/00/ 99925 Klawock 0/THRHA 05/00/ 99827 Klukwan 0/THRHA 08/00/ 99654 Knik / 07/05/ 99751 Kobuk / 35/00/ 99615 Kodiak / 06/00/ 99606 Kokhanok 0/BBNA 19/00/ 99576 Koliganek 0/BBNA 16/00/ 99545 Kongiganak 0/AVCP 22/00/ 99620 Kotlik 0/AVCP 24/00/ 99752 Kotzebue / 21/00/ 99753 Koyuk / 25/00/ 99754 Koyukuk 0/TCC 20/00/ 99621 Kwethluk 0/AVCP 20/00/ 99622 Kwigillingok 0/AVCP 22/00/ 99757 Lake Minchumina 0/TCC 27/00/ 99624 Larsen Bay / 07/00/ 99625 Levelock 0/BBNA 12/00/ 99557 Lime Village 0/AVCP 26/00/ 99790 Livengood / 14/00/ 99901 Loring / 04/00/ 99756 Manley Hot Springs 0/TCC 13/00/ 99628 Manokotak 0/BBNA 16/00/ 99585 Marshall 0/AVCP 25/00/ 99588 McCarthy / 11/00/ 99627 McGrath 0/TCC 22/00/ 99755 Mckinley Park / 10/00/ 99630 Mekoryuk 0/AVCP 21/00/ 99780 Mentasta Lake / 12/00/ 99926 Metlakatla 0/THRHA 06/00/ 99758 Minto 0/TCC 16/00/ 99705 Moose Creek */TCC 11/00/ 99631 Moose Pass / 06/00/ 99835 Mount Edgecumbe */THRHA 06/00/ 99632 Mountain Village 0/AVCP 25/00/ 99903 Myers Chuck / 05/00/ 99633 Naknek 0/BBNA 13/00/ 99603 Nanwalek / 08/00/ 99634 Napakiak 0/AVCP 11/00/ 99559 Napaskiak 0/AVCP 20/00/ 99950 Naukati / 06/00/ 99571 Nelson Lagoon */APIA 08/00/ 99760 Nenana 0/TCC 11/00/ 99636 New Stuyahok 0/BBNA 16/00/ 99606 Newhalen 0/BBNA 19/00/ 99559 Newtok 0/AVCP 25/00/ 99690 Nightmute 0/AVCP 21/00/ 99611 Nikiski */KIT 07/06/ 99556 Nikolaevsk / 06/06/ 99691 Nikolai 0/TCC 27/00/ 99638 Nikolski */APIA 06/00/ 99639 Ninilchik / 08/06/ 99761 Noatak / 32/00/ 99762 Nome / 17/00/ 99640 Nondalton 0/BBNA 19/00/ 99763 Noorvik / 26/00/ 99705 North Pole */TCC 11/08/ 99764 Northway 0/TCC 12/00/ 99789 Nuiqsut / 20/00/ 99765 Nulato 0/TCC 24/00/ 99666 Nunam Iqua (Sheldon Point) 0/AVCP 24/00/ 99641 Nunapitchuk 0/AVCP 19/00/ 99643 Old Harbor / 07/00/ 99559 Oscarville 0/AVCP 20/00/ 99644 Ouzinkie / 06/00/ 99645 Palmer / 07/05/ 99586 Paxson / 12/00/ 99647 Pedro Bay / 19/00/ 99832 Pelican */THRHA 07/00/ 99648 Perryville / 09/00/ 99567 Peters Creek / 08/05/ 99833 Petersburg */THRHA 05/00/ 99649 Pilot Point 0/BBNA 12/00/ 99650 Pilot Station 0/AVCP 25/00/ 99658 Pitka's Point 0/AVCP 25/00/ 99651 Platinum 0/AVCP 20/00/ 99712 Pleasant Valley */TCC 11/00/ 99927 Point Baker / 11/00/ 99766 Point Hope / 23/00/ 99759 Point Lay / 18/00/ 99836 Port Alexander / 11/00/ 99653 Port Alsworth / 19/00/ 99603 Port Graham / 08/00/ 99549 Port Heiden 0/BBNA 12/00/ 99550 Port Lions / 08/00/ 99927 Port Protection / 11/00/ 99587 Portage */CITC 08/05/ 99576 Portage Creek 0/BBNA 14/00/ 99655 Quinhagak 0/AVCP 20/00/ 99767 Rampart 0/TCC 20/00/ 99656 Red Devil 0/AVCP 26/00/ 99768 Ruby 0/TCC 19/00/ 99657 Russian Mission 0/AVCP 25/00/ 99591 Saint George */APIA 11/00/ 99658 Saint Mary's 0/AVCP 25/00/ 99659 Saint Michael / 23/00/ 99660 Saint Paul */APIA 11/00/ 99714 Salcha */TCC 11/00/ 99661 Sand Point */APIA 08/00/ 99769 Savoonga / 27/00/ 99901 Saxman 0/THRHA 04/00/ 99662 Scammon Bay 0/AVCP 22/00/ 99770 Selawik / 29/00/ 99663 Seldovia */SVT 09/00/ 99664 Seward / 06/00/ 99665 Shageluk 0/TCC 24/00/ 99771 Shaktoolik / 21/00/ 99666 Sheldon Point-Nunam Iqua 0/AVCP 24/00/ 99772 Shishmaref / 29/00/ 99773 Shungnak / 35/00/ 99835 Sitka */STA 06/00/ 99840 Skagway */THRHA 08/00/ 99667 Skwentna / 11/00/ 99586 Slana / 12/00/ 99668 Sleetmute 0/AVCP 26/00/ 99669 Soldotna */KIT 09/06/ 99613 Solomon / 26/00/ 99670 South Naknek 0/BBNA 13/00/ 99671 Stebbins / 21/00/ 99672 Sterling */KIT 09/06/ 99774 Stevens Village 0/TCC 23/00/ 99557 Stony River / 26/00/ 99667 Susitna / 10/00/ 99674 Sutton / 07/05/ 99675 Takotna 0/TCC 20/00/ 99676 Talkeetna / 08/00/ 99776 Tanacross 0/TCC 12/00/ 99777 Tanana 0/TCC 20/00/ 99677 Tatitlek / 11/00/ 99757 Telida 0/TCC 27/00/ 99778 Teller / 23/00/ 99841 Tenakee */THRHA 07/00/ 99780 Tetlin 0/TCC 12/00/ 99919 Thorne Bay / 05/00/ 99678 Togiak 0/BBNA 17/00/ 99780 Tok */TCC 12/00/ 99637 Toksook Bay 0/AVCP 21/00/ 99573 Tonsina / 11/00/ 99683 Trapper Creek / 08/00/ 99679 Tuluksak 0/AVCP 21/00/ 99680 Tuntutuliak 0/AVCP 20/00/ 99681 Tununak 0/AVCP 20/00/ 99576 Twin Hills 0/BBNA 17/00/ 99716 Two Rivers */TCC 11/00/ 99682 Tyonek / 07/00/ 99649 Ugashik 0/BBNA 12/00/ 99684 Unalakleet / 21/00/ 99685 Unalaska */APIA 06/00/ 99686 Valdez / 08/00/ 99781 Venetie 0/TCC 23/00/ 99782 Wainwright / 21/00/ 99783 Wales / 27/00/ 99928 Ward Cove / 04/00/ 99623 Wasilla / 07/05/ 99921 Whale Pass / 06/00/ 99784 White Mountain / 26/00/ 99693 Whittier / 08/05/ 99688 Willow / 07/00/ 99701 Wiseman 0/TCC 19/00/ 99929 Wrangell */THRHA 05/00/ 99689 Yakutat 0/YTT 06/00/

Alaska is home to multiple Coast Guard bases including:

ISG Kodiak

Air Station Sitka

USCG Juneau

Marine Safety Unit in Valdez

USCG Ketchikan

If Guard members live on base, in provided housing, they do not qualify. If they live off base, they may qualify and should be encouraged to apply.

Previous Section Next Section 2026-02 (09/26)

FFY 2027

HAP TRIBAL PROVIDERS

Aleutian/Pribilof Islands Assoc. (APIA) Aniak Traditional Council (serving Aniak only) Jacob Timmons Cally Phillips, LIHEAP Coordinator 1131 W. International Airport Blvd P.O. Box 349 Anchorage, AK 99503-1408 Aniak, AK 99557 jacobt@apiai.org aniakliheap@gmail.com Ph: 1-800-478-2742 Fax: 907-222-9711 Ph: 907-675-4349 Fax: 907-675-4513 Ph: 907-222-9713 Bristol Bay Native Association (BBNA) Orutsaramiut Native Council (ONC) Serena Aikins-McArthur Steven Aluska P.O. Box 310 P.O. Box 927 Dillingham, AK 99576 Bethel, AK 99559 smcarthur@bbna.com saluska@nativecouncil.org Ph: 907-842-2262 X410 Fax: 907-842-3498 Ph: 907-543-2608 Fax: 907-543-2639 Direct: 907-842-6110 Assoc. of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) Seldovia Village Tribe (SVT) Katheryn Nenneman Crystal Collier P.O. Box 219 P.O. Drawer L Bethel, AK 99559 Seldovia, AK 99663 knenneman@avcp.org ccollier@svt.org Email is for inquiries only - Applications are not accepted via email. Ph: 907-543-8711 Fax: 907-543-7479 Ph: 907-234-7898 Fax: 907-234-7865 Kenaitze Indian Tribe I.R.A. (KIT) Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Roberta Turner Desiree Joseph, Program Director P.O. Box 988 122 First Avenue Kenai, AK 99611 Fairbanks, AK 99701 rturner@kenaitze.org or socialservices@kenaitze.org energyassist@tananachiefs.org Ph: 907-335-7600 Fax: 907-202-8359 Ph: 907-452-8251 x 3521 Fax: 907-459-3851 Cook Inlet Tribal Council Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority (THRHA) Antoinette Horn Kami Barros 3600 San Jeronimo Drive P.O. Box 32237 Anchorage, AK 99508 Juneau, AK 99803-2237 a.horn@citci.org energy@thrha.org Ph: 907-793-3300 Fax: 907-793-3394 Ph: 907-780-6868 Fax: 1-866-232-3681 Chuathbaluk Traditional Council Yakutat Tlingit Tribe (YTT) Tracy Simeon Penney James Teen Center Road P.O. Box 418 P.O. Box CHU Yakutat, AK 99689 Chuathbaluk, AK 99557 pjames @ytttribe.org chuathtradcouncil@gmail.com or ctc.tracysimeon@gmail.com Ph: 907-784-3124 Rachel Fax: 907-784-3595 Ph: 907-467-4313 Fax: 907-467-4113 Ph: 907-784-3368 Penney Sitka Tribe of Alaska Meg Mielke 204 Siginaka Way Sitka, AK 99835 meg.mielke@sitkatribe-nsn.gov Ph: 907-747-7293 Fax: 907-747-4915 Direct: 907-747-7221

Previous Section Next Section 2026-02 (09/26)

Section 5(d)(10) of the Food Stamp Act and Section 273.9(c)(10) of the regulations require the exclusion from income of any payments specifically excluded by any other Federal law. Section 273.8(e)(11) requires the exclusion of resources which are specifically excluded for SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program purposes by express provision of any other Federal law. Certain payments under the following laws are among those excluded. The list is broken down into two parts.

Part A -- GENERAL

P. L. 79-369, Section 12(e) of the National School Lunch Act, as amended by Section 9(d) of P. L. 94-105, provides that,

The value of assistance to children under this Act shall not be considered to be income or resources for any purposes under Federal or State laws, including laws relating to taxation and welfare and public assistance programs.

This law authorizes the School Lunch Program, the Summer Food Service Program for Children, the Commodity Distribution Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Note that the exclusion applies to assistance provided to children rather than that paid to providers.

P. L. 89-642, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, Section 11(b), provides in part that,

The value of assistance to children under this Act shall not be considered to be income or resources for any purpose under any Federal or State laws including, but not limited to, laws relating to taxation, welfare, and public assistance programs.

This law authorizes the Special Milk Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the Special Supplemental Food Program for women, infants, and children ( WIC Women, Infant and Children ).

P. L. 91-646, Section 216, the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policy Act of 1970.

Reimbursements are excluded from income and resources.

P. L. 93-113, the Domestic Volunteer Services Act of 1973, Titles I and II, as amended.

Payments under Title I of that Act, including payments from such Title I programs as VISTA Volunteer In Service To America , University Year for Action, and Urban Crime Prevention Program, to volunteers shall be excluded for those individuals receiving SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or public assistance at the time they joined the Title I program, except that households which were receiving an income exclusion for a Vista or other Title I Subsistence allowance at the time of conversion to the Food Stamp Act of 1977 shall continue to receive an income exclusion for VISTA Volunteer In Service To America for the length of their volunteer contraction in effect at the time of conversion. Temporary interruptions in food stamp participation shall not alter the exclusion once an initial determination has been made. New applicants who were not receiving public assistance or SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at the time they jointed VISTA Volunteer In Service To America shall have these volunteer payments included as earned income.

Payments to volunteers under Title II, including the Retired Senior Volunteer Program ( RSVP Retired Senior Volunteer Program ), Foster Grandparents Program, and Senior Companion Program, are excluded from income.

P. L. 93-288, Section 312(d), the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, as amended by P. L. 100-707,

Section 105(i), the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Amendments of 1988, 11/23/88.

Payments precipitated by an emergency or major disaster as defined in this Act, as amended, are not counted as income or resources for food stamp purposes. This exclusion applies to Federal assistance provided to persons directly affected and to comparable disaster assistance provided by States, local governments, and disaster assistance organizations.

A major disaster is any natural catastrophe such as a hurricane or drought, or, regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion, which the President determines causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance to supplement the efforts and available resources of States, local governments, and disaster relief organizations in alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby.

An emergency is any occasion or instance for which the President determines that Federal assistance is needed to supplant State and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.

Most, but not all, Federal Emergency Management Assistance ( FEMA Federal Emergency Management Assistance ) funds are excluded. For example, some payments made to homeless people to pay for rent, mortgage, food, and utility assistance when there is no major disaster or emergency is not excluded under this provision.

P. L. 97-300, the Job Training Partnership Act ( JTPA Job Training Partnership Act ), 10/13/82.

Section 142(b) provides that allowances, earnings and payments to individuals participating in programs under JTPA Job Training Partnership Act shall not be considered as income. Subsequently P. L. 99-198, the Food Security Act of 1985, 12/85, amended section 5(l) of the Food Stamp Act to require counting as income on-the-job training payments provided under section 204(5) of Title II of the JTPA Job Training Partnership Act except for dependents less than 19 years old.

Section 702(b) of P. L. 102-367, the Job Training Reform Amendments of 1992, further amended the Food Stamp Act (by changing the reference from section 204(5) to sections 204(b)(1)(C) [payments to adults] and 264(c)(1)(A) [year-round payments to youths]) to exclude on-the-job training payments received under the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program. This means that currently only on-the-job training payments to:

youths, other than dependents under 19, in year-round programs ad

adults can be counted. All other JTPA Job Training Partnership Act income is excluded.

P. L. 99-425, Section (e), the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act, 9/30/86.

The amount of any home energy assistance payments or allowances provided directly to, or indirectly on behalf of, a household is excluded from income and resources. In determining any excess shelter expense deduction, the full amount of such payments or allowances shall be deemed to be expended by such household for heating or cooling expenses.

P. L. 99-498, the Higher Education Act Amendments of 1986, Section 479B, as amended by P. L. 100-50, June 3, 1987.

Amounts made available for tuition and fees and, for students attending an institution at least half-time, books, supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses (other than room, board, and dependent care) provided under Title IV of the Act and by the Bureau of Indian Affairs were excluded from income and resources.

P. L. 102-325, the Higher Education Amendments of 1992, dated 7/23/92, contain two separate provisions that affect the treatment of payments made under the Higher Education Act. In regard to Title IV -- Student Assistance, Part F, Section 479B provides that:

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, student financial assistance received under this title, or under Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance programs, shall not be taken into account in determining the need or eligibility of any person for benefits or assistance, or the amount of such benefits or assistance, under any Federal, State, or local program financed in whole or in part with Federal funds.

Student assistance authorized under Title IV includes the following: (State and local agencies select students for some of these programs. In addition, some State and local agencies have separate programs of their own with similar names.)

Basic Educational Opportunity Grants (BEOG or Federal Pell Grants)

Presidential Access Scholarships (PAS-Super Pell Grants)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants ( FSEOG Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunities Grants )

State Student Incentives Grants ( SSIG State Student Incentives Grants )

Federal Direct Student Loan Programs ( FDSLP Federal Direct Student Loan Programs ) (Formerly GSL and FFELP): Federal Direct Supplemental Loan Program (provides loans to students) Federal Direct PLUS Program (provides loans to parents) Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program, and Federal Consolidated Loan Program

Federal Perkins Loan Program - Direct loans to students in institutions of higher education (Perkins Loans, formerly NDSL)

Federal Work Study Program (Note: Not all Federal work study funds come under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.)

TRIO Grants (Go to organizations or institutions for students from disadvantaged backgrounds): Upward Bound (Some stipends go to students) Student Support Services Robert E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program

College Assistance Migrant Program ( CAMP College Assistance Migrant Program ) for students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farm work

High School Equivalency Program (HEP)

National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership Program ( NEISP National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership Program ).

There is only one BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance program per se. It is the Higher Education Grant Program, which is sometimes called the Scholarship Grant Program. However, education or training assistance received under any BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs program must be excluded. There is an Adult Education Program that provides money to adults to get a GED General Educational Development , attend technical schools, and for job training. There is also an employment assistance program. In addition, education and training may be made available under separate programs like the Indian Child and Family Programs. Each tribe has a BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs agency that may be contacted for more information about education and training assistance.

Section 480(b) provides that:

The changes made in part F of title IV of the Act by the amendment made by this section shall apply with respect to determinations of need under such part F for award years beginning on or after July 1, 1993.

Title XIII, Indian Higher Education Programs, Part E -- Tribal Development Student Assistance Revolving Loan Program (Tribal Development Student Assistance Act), Section 1343(c) provides in part that:

... for purposes of determining eligibility, loans provided under this program may not be considered in needs analysis under any other Federal law, and may not penalize students in determining eligibility for other funds.

The Part E exclusion was effective October 1, 1992.

P. L. 98-524, the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act, Section 507, as amended by P. L. 101-392, 9/25/90, Sections 501and 701 of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act Amendments of 1990. Amounts made available for tuition and fees and, for students attending an institution at least half-time, books, supplies, transportation, dependent care, and miscellaneous personal expenses (other than room and board). This provision was effective July 1, 1991. The programs under this Act include the following:

Indian Vocational Education Program

Native Hawaiian Vocational Education Program

State Vocational and Applied Technology Education Program which contains the: State Program and State Leadership Activities Program for Single Parents, Displaced Homemakers, and Single Pregnant Women Sex Equity Program Programs for Criminal Offenders Secondary School Vocational Education Program Postsecondary and Adult Vocational Education Program State Assistance for Vocational Education Support Programs by Community-Based Organizations Consumer and Homemaking Education Program Comprehensive Career Guidance and Counseling Program

Training Program

National Tech-Prep Education Program

State-administered Tech-Prep Education Program

Supplementary State Grants for Facilities and Equipment and Other Program Improvement Activities

Community Education Employment Centers Program

Vocational Education Lighthouse Schools Program

Tribally Controlled Postsecondary Vocational Institutions Program

Vocational Education Research Program

National Network for Curriculum Coordination in Vocational and Technical Education

National Center or Centers for Research in Vocational Education

Materials Development in Telecommunications Program

Demonstration Centers for the Training of Dislocated Workers Program

Vocational Education Training and Study Grants Program

Vocational Education Leadership Development Awards Program

Vocational Educator Training Fellowships Program

Internships for Gifted and Talented Vocational Education Students Program

Business and Education Standards Program

Blue Ribbon Vocational Education Program

Educational Programs for Federal Correctional Institutions

Vocational Education Dropout Prevention Program

Model Programs of Regional Training for Skilled Trades

Demonstration Projects for the Integration of Vocational and Academic Learning Program

Cooperative Demonstration Programs

Bilingual Vocational Training Program

Bilingual Vocational Instructor Training Program

Bilingual Materials, Methods, and Techniques Programs

(Federal Perkins Loans authorized under Part E of Title IV of the Higher Education Act must be handled in accordance with other Title IV income.)

Section 5(d)(3) of the Food Stamp Act, as amended by P. L. 101-624, Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act 1990, Title XVIII, Mickey Leland Memorial Domestic Hunger Relief Act, 11/28/90, and P. L. 102-237, Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act Amendments of 1991, Section 903, provides that educational monies are excluded from income:

when they are awarded to a person enrolled at a recognized institution of post-secondary education, at a school for the handicapped, in a vocational education program, or in a program that provides for completion of a secondary school diploma or obtaining the equivalent thereof,

to the extent that they do not exceed the amount used for or made available as an allowance determined by such school, institution, program, or other grantor, for tuition, mandatory fees (including the rental or purchase of any equipment, materials, and supplies related to the pursuit of the course of study involved), books, supplies, transportation, and other miscellaneous personal expenses (other than living expenses), of the student incidental to attending such school, institution, or program, and

to the extent loans include any origination fees and insurance premiums.

P. L. 99-576, Veterans' Benefits Improvement and Health-Care Authorization Act of 1986,

Section 303(a)(1), 8/7/86, which amended Section 1411(b) and 1412(c) of the Veterans' Educational Act of 1984 (GI Bill) provides that any amount by which the basic pay of an individual is reduced under this subsection shall revert to the Treasury and shall not, for purposes of any Federal law, be considered to have been received by or to be within the control of such individual. Title 38 of the USC, Chapter 30, Section 1411 refers to basic educational assistance entitlement for service on active duty and Section 1412 refers to basic educational assistance entitlement for service in the Selected Reserve. (Section 216 of P. L. 99-576 authorized stipends for participation in study of Vietnam-era veterans' psychological problems. These payments are not excluded by law.)

P. L. 100-175, Section 166, Older Americans Act, 11/29/87.

Funds received by persons 55 and older under the Senior Community Service Employment Program under Title V of the Older Americans Act are excluded from income. Each State and eight organizations receive Title V funds. The organizations that receive some Title V funds are as follows:

Green Thumb

National Council on Aging

National Council of Senior Citizens

American Association of Retired Persons

U. S. Forest Service

National Association for Spanish Speaking Elderly

National Urban League

National Council on Black Aging

P. L. 100-242, Section 126(c)(5)(A), 11-6-87, The Housing and Community Development Act of 1987,

Excludes most increases in the earned income of a family residing in certain housing while participating in HUD Housing & Urban Development demonstration projects authorized by section 126. Demonstration projects were authorized by this law for Charlotte, North Carolina, and 10 additional locations. As of 3/8/96 only the Charlotte project was operating. The others were frozen because it would cost too much money. The Charlotte project was named in the legislation and that is why it is operating.

P. L. 100-383, Section 105(f)(2), Wartime Relocation of Civilians, 8/10/88 (the Civil Liberties Act of 1988).

Payments to U. S. citizens of Japanese ancestry and permanent resident Japanese aliens or their survivors and Aleut residents of the Pribilof Islands and the Aleutian Islands West of Unimak Island are excluded from income and resources.

P. L. 100-435, Section 501, 9/19/88, which amended Section 17(m)(7) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.

Under WIC Women, Infant and Children demonstration projects, coupons that may be exchanged for food at farmers' markets are excluded from income and resources.

P. L. 101-201, Agent Orange Compensation Exclusion Act, 12/6/89.

All payments from the Agent Orange Settlement fund or any other fund established pursuant to the settlement in the Agent Orange product liability litigation are excluded from income and resources retroactive to January 1, 1989. The disabled veteran will receive yearly payments. Survivors of deceased disabled veterans will receive a lump-sum payment. These payments were disbursed by the AETNA insurance company.

P. L. 101-239, 12/19/89, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989, Section 10405, also excluded payments made from the Agent Orange settlement fund or any other fund established pursuant to the settlement in the Agent Orange product liability litigation, M.D.L. No. 381 (E.D.N.Y.) from income and resources in determining eligibility for the amount of benefits under the Food Stamp Program.

(Note: P. L. 102-4, Agent Orange Act of 1991, 2/6/91, authorized veterans' benefits to some veterans with service connected disabilities resulting from exposure to agent orange. These VA Veteran Affairs payments are not excluded by law.)

P. L. 101-426, Section 6 (h)(2), the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, dated October 15, 1990,

Excludes payments made under this public law from food stamp income and resources.

P. L. 101-508, 11/5/90, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, Title XI Revenue Provisions, Section 11111,

Modifications of Earned Income Tax Credit, subsection (b) provides that any Federal earned income tax credit shall not be treated as income and shall not be taken into account in determining resources for the month of its receipt and the following month.

The September 1988 amendments to the Food Stamp Act require the exclusion from income of any payments made to the household under section 3507 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to advance payment of earned income credit). The August 1993 amendments to the Food Stamp Act require the exclusion from resources of any earned income tax credits received by any member of the household for a period of 12 months from receipt if such member was participating in the food stamp program at the time the credits were received and participated in such program continuously during the 12-month period.

P. L. 101-610, Section 177(d), 11/16/90, National and Community Service Act ( NCSA National and Community Service Act ) of 1990,

Provides that Section 142(b) of the JTPA Job Training Partnership Act applies to projects conducted under Title I of the NCSA National and Community Service Act as if such projects were conducted under the JTPA Job Training Partnership Act . See item 6 above for the JTPA Job Training Partnership Act income exclusion. Title I includes three Acts: (1) Serve-America: The Community Service, Schools and Service-Learning Act of 1990, (2) the American Conservation and Youth Service Corps Act of 1990, and (3) the National and Community Service Act. Most of the payments are made as a weekly stipend or for educational assistance. The Higher Education Service-Learning program and the AmeriCorps umbrella program come under this Title. The National Civilian Community Corps ( NCCC National Civilian Community Corps ) is a federally managed AmeriCorps program. The Summer for Safety program is an AmeriCorps program under which participants earn a stipend and a $1000 post-service educational award. The National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, P. L. 103-82, 9/23/93, amended the National and Community Services Act of 1990 but it did not change the exclusion.

P. L. 101-625, Section 22(i), Cranston-Gonzales National Affordable Housing Act, dated 11/28/90 (42 USCS 1437t(i)) provides that,

i. Treatment of Income. -- No service provided to a public housing resident under this section [Family Investment Centers] may be treated as income for purposes of any other program or provision of State or Federal law.

This exclusion applies to services such as childcare, employment training and counseling, literacy training, computer skills training, assistance in the attainment of certificates of high school equivalency and other services. It does not apply to wages or stipends.

This same public law, Section 522(i)(4), excludes most increases in the earned income of a family residing in certain housing while participating in HUD Housing & Urban Development demonstration projects authorized by this public law. Demonstration projects are authorized by this law for Chicago, Illinois, and 3 other locations. The affected regional offices will be contacted individually regarding these projects.

P. L. 102-550, Housing and Community Development Act of 1992,

Section 456(e) provides that payments made under the Youthbuild Program are to be treated like JTPA Job Training Partnership Act payments. Therefore, they should be excluded from income in accordance with item 6 above.

P. L. 102-586, signed 11/4/92,

Section 8, amended the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act Amendments of 1992 by adding a new Section 658S to exclude the value of any child care provided or arranged (or any amount received as payment for such care or reimbursement for costs incurred for such care) under this subchapter from income for purposes of any other Federal or Federally-assisted program that bases eligibility, or the amount of benefits, on need. (These payments are made under the Social Security Act, as amended.)

P. L. 103-286, dated 8/1/94, Section 1 (a) provides in part that:

Payments made to individuals because of their status as victims of Nazi persecution shall be disregarded in determining eligibility for and the amount of benefits or services to be provided under any Federal or federally assisted program which provides benefits or services based, in whole or in part, on need.

P. L. 103-322, section 230202, dated 9/13/94, amended Section 1403 of the Crime Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. 10602) to provide in part that:

Notwithstanding any other law, if the compensation paid by an eligible crime victim compensation program would cover costs that a Federal program, or a federally financed State or local program, would otherwise pay,

such crime victim compensation program shall not pay that compensation; and

the other program shall make its payments without regard to the existence of the crime victim compensation program.

Based on this language, payments received under this program must be excluded from income and resources for food stamp purposes.

P. L. 104-193, section 103(a), dated 8/22/96,

Amended Section 404(h) of Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act to provide that for the purpose of * determining eligibility to receive, or the amount of, any benefit authorized by the Food Stamp Act, funds (including interest accruing) in an individual * development account under the TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families block grant program shall be disregarded with respect to any period during which such individual maintains or makes contributions into such an account.

P. L. 104-204, section 1805(d), dated 9/26/96 provides that:

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the allowance paid to a child under this section shall not be considered income or resources in determining eligibility for or the amount of benefits under any Federal or federally assisted program.

A monthly allowance (from $200-$1,200) is paid to a child of a Vietnam veteran for any disability resulting from spina bifida suffered by such child.

Part B -- AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKA NATIVE

Usually, a law will authorize payments to members of a tribe or band, and the law will apply to the members enrolled in the tribe or band wherever they live. However, items 2, 3, and 4 are general laws, and they apply to all tribes. The individuals should have documentation showing the type of payment and where it originated.

P. L. 92-203, section 29, dated 1/2/76,

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and Section 15 of P. L. 100-241, 2/3/88, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Amendments of 1987 - All compensation (including cash, stock, partnership interest, land, interest in land, and other benefits) received under this Act are excluded from income and resources.

25 USCS 640d-22 (P. L. 93-531, section 22, dated 12/22/74)

Provides in part that the availability of financial assistance to any Navajo or Hopi Indian pursuant to 25 USCS § 460d-460d-31 may not be considered as income or resources or otherwise used as the basis for denying or reducing the financial assistance or other benefits to which such household or member would otherwise be entitled to under the Social Security Act or any other Federal or federally assisted program.

25 USCS 1407 Judgement Funds (as amended by P. L. 93-134 and P. L. 97-458) provides that:

None of the funds [appropriated in satisfaction of judgments of the Indian Claims Commission or Claims Court in favor of any Indian tribe, band, etc.] which--

are distributed per capita or held in trust pursuant to a plan approved under the provisions of this Act [25 USCS §§ 1401 et seq.], or

on the date of enactment of this Act [enacted Jan. 12, 1983], are to be distributed per capita or are held in trust pursuant to a plan approved by Congress prior to the date of enactment of this Act [enacted Jan. 12, 1983], or

were distributed pursuant to a plan approved by Congress after December 31, 1981 but prior to the date of enactment of this Act [enacted Jan. 12, 1983], and any purchases made with such funds, including all interest and investment income accrued thereon while such funds are so held in trust, shall be subject to Federal or State income taxes, nor shall such funds nor their availability be considered as income or resources nor otherwise utilized as the basis for denying or reducing the financial assistance or other benefits to which such household or member would otherwise be entitled under the Social Security Act [42 USCS §§ 301 et seq.] or, except for per capita shares in excess of $2,000, any Federal or federally assisted program.

This $2,000 per capita exclusion applies to each payment made to each person. Initial purchases made with exempt payments distributed between January 1, 1982 and January 12, 1983, are excluded from resources to the extent that excluded funds were used.

P. L. 98-64, 8/2/83,

Applied the exclusion in 25 USCS 1407 to per capita payments from funds, which are held in trust by the Secretary of Interior (trust fund distributions) for an Indian tribe. (Per capita payments may be authorized for specific tribes under other public laws.)

25 USCS 1408 (as amended by P. L. 93-134, P. L. 97-458, and P. L. 103-66, Section 13736, 10/7/93)

Provides that interests of individual Indians in trust or restricted lands shall not be considered a resource and up to $2,000 per year of income received by individual Indians that is derived from such interests shall not be considered income in determining eligibility for assistance under the Social Security Act or any other Federal or federally assisted program. Interests include the Indian's right to or legal share of the trust or restricted land and any income accrued from the funds in trust or the restricted lands. The exclusion applies to each individual Indian that has an interest. The income exclusion applies for both eligibility and benefit level purposes for food stamp purposes. The income exclusion applies to calendar years.

P. L. 93-531, section 22

Relocation assistance payments to members of the Navajo and Hopi Tribes are excluded from income and resources.

P. L. 94-114, section 6, 10/17/75

Income derived from certain submarginal land held in trust for certain Indian tribes is excluded from income and resources. The tribes that may benefit are:

Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin

Blackfeet Tribe

Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

Crow Creek Sioux Tribe

Lower Brule Sioux Tribe

Devils Lake Sioux Tribe

Fort Belknap Indian Community

Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes

Lac Courte Oreille Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Minnesota Chippewa Tribe

Navajo Tribe

Oglala Sioux Tribe

Rosebud Sioux Tribe

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

P. L. 94-189, Section 6, 12/31/75

Funds distributed per capita to the Sac and Fox Indians or held in trust are excluded from income and resources. The funds are divided between members of the Sac and Fox Tribe of Oklahoma and the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Minnesota in Iowa. The judgements were awarded in Indian Claims Commission dockets numbered 219, 153, 135, 158, 231, 83, and 95.

P. L. 94-540

Payments from the disposition of funds to the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians are excluded from income and resources.

P. L. 95-433, section 2

Indian Claims Commission payments made pursuant to this Public Law to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakima Indian Nation and the Apache Tribe of the Mescalero Reservation are excluded from income and resources.

25 USCS 1931 Indian Child Welfare (P. L. 95-608, 11/8/78),

Subparagraph (a) provides for child and family service grant programs on or near reservations in the preparation and implementation of child welfare codes. Such programs may include, but are not limited to, family assistance, including homemaker and home counselors, day care, after school care, and employment, recreational activities, and respite care; home improvement; the employment of professional and other trained personnel to assist the tribal court in the disposition of domestic relations and child welfare matters; and education and training of Indians; including tribal court judges and staff, in skills relating to child and family assistance and service programs. Subparagraph (b) provides that assistance under 25 USCS 1901 et seq. shall not be a basis for the denial or reduction of any assistance otherwise authorized under any federally assisted programs. (Similar off-reservation programs are authorized by 25 USCS 1932. We have asked the Office of General Counsel if the exclusion applies to these programs.)

P. L. 96-420, section 9(c), 10/10/80, Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980

Payments made to the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet are excluded from income and resources.

P. L. 97-403

Payments to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewas, Arizona are excluded from income and resources.

P. L. 97-408

Payments to the Blackfeet, Grosventure, and Assiniboine tribes, Montana and the Papago, Arizona, are excluded from income and resources.

P. L. 98-123, Section 3, 10/13/83

Funds distributed under this Act to members of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians are excluded from income and resources. Funds were awarded in docket number 15-72 of the United States Court of Claims.

P. L. 98-124, Section 5

Per capita and interest payments made to members of the Assinoboine Tribe of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, Montana, and the Assiniboine Tribe of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Montana, under this Act are excluded from income and resources. Funds were awarded in docket 10-81L.

P. L. 98-500, Section 8, 10/17/84

Old Age Assistance Claims Settlement Act, provides that funds made to heirs of deceased Indians under this Act shall not be considered as income or resources nor otherwise used to reduce or deny SNAP benefits except for per capita shares in excess of $2,000.

P. L. 99-146, Section 6(b), 11/11/85

Funds distributed per capita or held in trust for members of the Chippewas of Lake Superior are excluded from income and resources. Judgements were awarded in Dockets Numbered 18-S, 18-U, 18-C, and 18-T.

Dockets 18-S and 18-U are divided among the following reservations.

Wisconsin:

Bad River Reservation

Lac du Flambeau Reservation

Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation

Sokaogon Chippewa Community

Red Cliff Reservation

St. Croix Reservation

Michigan:

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (L'Anse, Lac Vieux Desert, and Ontonagon Bands)

Minnesota:

Fond du Lac Reservation

Grand Portage Reservation

Nett Lake Reservation (including Vermillion Lake and Deer Creek)

White Earth Reservation

Under dockets 18-C and 18-T funds are given to the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of the Lake Superior Bands of the Chippewa Indians of the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation of Wisconsin, the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians of the Bad River Reservation, the Sokaogon Chippewa Community of the Mole Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, and the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin.

P. L. 99-264, White Earth Reservation Land Settlement Act of 1985, 3/24/86

Section 16 excludes moneys paid under this Act from income and resources. This Act involves members of the White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians in Minnesota.

P. L. 99-346, Section 6(b)(2)

Payments to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan are excluded from income and resources.

P. L. 99-377, Section 4(b), 8/8/86,

Funds distributed per capita to the Chippewas of the Mississippi or held in trust under this Act are excluded from income and resources. The judgements were awarded in Docket Number 18-S. The funds are divided by reservation affiliation for the Mille Lac Reservation, Minnesota; White Earth Reservation, Minnesota; and Leech Lake Reservation, Minnesota.

P. L. 101-41, 6/21/89, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Settlement Act of 1989

Section 10 (b) provides that nothing in this Act shall affect the eligibility of the Tribe or any of its members for any Federal program. Section 10(c) provides that none of the funds, assets, or income from the trust fund established in section 6 (b) shall at any time be used as a basis for denying or reducing funds to the Tribe or its members under any Federal, State, or local program. (The Puyallup Tribe is located in the State of Washington.)

P. L. 101-277, 4/30/90

Funds appropriated in satisfaction of judgements awarded to the Seminole Indians in dockets 73, 151, and 73-A of the Indian Claims Commission are excluded from income and resources except for per capita payments in excess of $2,000. Payments were allocated for per capita payments in excess of $2,000. Payments were allocated to the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, and the independent Seminole Indians of Florida.

P. L. 101-503, Section 8(b)

Seneca Nation Settlement Act of 1990, dated November 3, 1990, provides that none of the payments, funds or distributions authorized, established, or directed by this Act, and none of the income derived therefrom, shall affect the eligibility of the Seneca Nation or its members for, or be used as a basis for denying or reducing funds under, any Federal program.

P. L. 103-436, 11/2/94

Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Grand Coulee Dam Settlement Act, Section 7(b), provides that payments made pursuant to that Act are totally excluded from income and resources for food stamp purposes.

P. L. 105-143, 12/5/97

Michigan Indian Land Claims Settlement Act, Section 111, provides in part that the eligibility for or receipt of distributions under this Act by a tribe or individual shall not be considered as income, resources, or otherwise when determining the eligibility for or computation of any payment or other benefit to such tribe, individual, or household under any financial aid program or any other benefit to which such tribe household, or individual would otherwise be entitled under any Federal or federally assisted program. This public law pertains to judgement funds of the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan.

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Military personnel receive their wages through the LES Leave and Earning Statement .

The Entitlements column reflects a military person's payments and allowances.

The Deductions column shows items that are deducted from the entitlements column including tax withholdings, tax payments, Medicare and debt collections.

The Allotments column shows items paid to a qualified person or business.

There are numerous items that can appear in these three columns for different military personnel in different types of deployment and housing situations. The following lists the most common of these items and how each are counted in the budget when determining eligibility.

Note: Military pay is received via direct deposit. The name of the bank and account number are listed at the bottom right of the Leave and Earnings Statement.

ENTITLEMENTS

ENTITLEMENT DEFINITIONS COUNTS AS INCOME? ADVANCE DEBT: Debt repayment from advance pay. NO ADVANCE PAY: Pay that can be drawn interest free up to three months in advance. NO AMOUNT BROUGHT FORWARD FROM PREVIOUS MONTH (AMTFWD): Amount of all unpaid pay or allowances brought forward from the previous month. NO AVIATION CAREER INCENTIVE PAY: Special pay to officers who hold positions or are in training to get positions in aviation. YES BAH Basic Allowance for Housing DIFFERENTIAL ( BAH Basic Allowance for Housing -DIF): The difference between the full married BAH Basic Allowance for Housing rate and full single BAH Basic Allowance for Housing is paid to military personnel who do not have custody of their children and are paying court ordered child support. YES BASE PAY OR BASIC PAY: A military person's base pay before other entitlements are added. YES BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING ( BAH Basic Allowance for Housing ) or BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR QUARTERS ( BAQ Basic Allowance for Quarters ): The military offers free or subsidized housing to all its personnel. The amount of BAH Basic Allowance for Housing is dependent upon the rank, location, and whether they have dependents. VARIES SEE SNAP MS 605-2 (E)(2) & (3) BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR SUBSISTENCE ( BAS Basic Allowance for Subsistence ): This is a military person's food allowance. Most (but not all) of the BAS Basic Allowance for Subsistence is automatically deducted from the paychecks of members required to consume meals in the dining facilities. YES CAREER SEA PAY & REGULAR SEA PAY: Special pay received by military personnel on sea duty. YES CAREER ENLISTED FLYER INCENTIVE PAY ( CEFIP Career Enlisted Flyer Incentive Pay ): Special pay for Navy or Air Force who perform operational flying duties. YES CLOTHING ALLOWANCE ( CMA Clothing Maintenance Allowance ): Annual clothing allowance paid to military personnel for the repair/replacement of military clothing issued during basic training. NO COMBAT PAY (or incentive pay for hazardous duty, hostile fire pay, or imminent danger pay): Payments to a military person assigned or deployed to a combat zone. NO COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE ( COLA Cost of Living Allowance ): Compensation paid to military personnel who are stationed in certain "high-cost" locations in the continental United States. YES DISLOCATION ALLOWANCE ( DLA Dislocation Allowance ) due to PCL Permanent Change of Location . Partial payment of relocation expenses (not otherwise reimbursed) paid to military personnel when relocating their household due to a PCL Permanent Change of Location . NO DIVING DUTY PAY: Special pay for Armed Force military personnel assigned to diving duty. YES FAMILY SEPARATION ALLOWANCE ( FSA Family Separation Allowance ): Allowance to military personnel with dependents anytime they are away from their families (due to military orders) for 30 days or longer. YES FAMILY SUBSISTENCE SUPPLEMENTAL ALLOWANCE ( FSSA Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance ): Assistance to certain military personnel and their families so they will not have to rely on food stamps to make ends meet. YES FLIGHT PAY: Allowances to military personnel who are on flying status. YES FOREIGN DUTY PAY ( FDP Foreign Duty Pay ): Special pay received by military personnel on duty outside the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. YES FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY PAY ( FLPP Foreign Language Proficiency Pay ): Special pay to military personnel receiving basic pay and certified by the individual service secretary to be proficient in a foreign language. YES HARDSHIP DUTY PAY-INVOLUNTARY EXTENSION: Extra pay to military personnel on designated involuntary extension. VARIES, SEE SNAP MS 605-2 E (b)(ii) HARDSHIP DUTY PAY-LOCATION ( HDP-L Hardship Duty Pay-Location ): Compensation paid to military personnel assigned outside the continental United States in Quality of Life (QoL) Hardship locations. VARIES, SEE SNAP MS 605-2 E (b)(ii) HARDSHIP DUTY PAY-MISSION ( HDP-M Hardship Duty Pay-Mission ): Special pay to military personnel for performing designated hardship missions. VARIES, SEE SNAP MS 605-2 E (b)(ii) JUMP PAY: Special pay or allotment if required to jump from an airplane. YES LEAVE OR SEPARATE RATIONS: Special pay to military personnel who live in housing that are not required to consume meals in the dining facilities. YES MOVING HOUSING ALLOWANCE ( MIHA Moving Housing Allowance ), MISCELLANEOUS, RENT, AND SECURITY: MIHA Moving Housing Allowance -Up front - Reimbursement for household necessities. MIHA Moving Housing Allowance Rent - Reimbursement for one time fees such as real estate agent or redecoration fees. MIHA Moving Housing Allowance Security - Reimbursement for security improvements. NO NATIONAL GUARD PAY: Basic pay for service personnel of the National Guard. YES PER DIEM: Special pay to military personnel to help defer the costs of traveling on temporary orders. NO, unless exceeds actual costs. REENLISTMENT BONUSES: This payment could be received a lump sum or in installments. YES, if received in installments. NO, if received in as a non-recurring lump sum. SAVE PAY: This is pay received by an enlisted military person who accepts an appointment as an officer. NO SPECIAL DUTY ASSIGNMENT PAY ( SDAP Special Duty Assignment Pay ): Pay to military personnel in addition to basic pay for performing extremely difficult duties, or duties involving as unusual degree of responsibility. YES SPECIAL PAY FOR MEDICAL AND DENTAL OFFICERS: Special pay for health professionals. YES SPECIAL PAY FOR WARFARE: A bonus paid to an officer who remains in active duty in special warfare service for at least one year, up to $15,000 for each year of continuation. YES, if received in installments. NO, if received in as a non-recurring lump sum. SUBMARINE DUTY INCENTIVE PAY: Special pay to sailors under orders to a submarine. YES SUPPORT/COMMUNITY DEBT (CHILD SUPPORT): This is normally child or spousal support owed outside the household and is not extra pay. NO WOUNDED WARRIOR PAY: Pay to military personnel receiving medical treatment and rehabilitation until they have returned to active duty. YES

DEDUCTIONS

DEDUCTION DEFINITIONS ALLOWABLE DEDUCTION? ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME ( AFRH Armed Forces Retirement Home ): A retirement community that offers residential living quarters, health care, social services, recreational and entertainment programs. NO DEBT: This is repayment of a debt by a military person. NO FAMILY SGLI Service member's Group Life Insurance ( FSGLI Family Service Members' Group Life Insurance ): A low cost group life insurance for a military person's spouse and children. NO REPAY ADVANCE: This is a repayment of advance pay. NO, not an allowable deduction. This is repayment of a debt. SERVICE MEMBER'S GROUP LIFE INSURANCE ( SGLI Service member's Group Life Insurance ): A low cost group life insurance for military personnel. NO SUPPORT/COMM DEBT (CHILD SUPPORT): This is a child or spousal support payment. YES, if legal child support obligation is verified through CSED Child Support Enforcement Division or a court order. THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN ( TSP Thrift Savings Plan ): This is a retirement savings account. NO Alimony paid to a spouse by retired military YES

ALLOTMENTS

ALLOTMENT DEFINITIONS IS IT AN ISSUE? DISCRETIONARY ALLOTMENT: This is a designated amount of money that is automatically distributed from a military person's pay and may be stopped, started, or adjusted at will. These can include payments of premiums for commercial life insurance for the military person or the military person's spouse or children. Possible countable resource or deduction. NON-DISCRETIONARY ALLOTMENT: This is a designated amount of money that is automatically distributed from a military person's pay that may or may not be voluntary and cannot be started or stopped at the member's will. Possible countable resource or deduction. SAVINGS BONDS: A bond issued by the U.S. Government and backed by its full faith and credit. Possible countable resource. TRI-CARE DENTAL ( TDP Tri-Care Dental Plan ): A voluntary dental insurance program available to military personnel. Possible medical deduction. U.S. DEBT: A repayment of debt to the U.S. Government. NO

Note: A list of discretionary or non-discretionary allotments can be found at https://www.dfas.mil/MilitaryMembers/paydeductions/allotments/#:~:text=Non-Discretionary%20allotments%20are%20made,contractor%2C%20to%20collect%20the%20debt .

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Addendum E

FFY 2027

AK Federal Poverty Income Guidelines

October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027

Percent of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Income Factor 0% - 25% 1 25.01% - 50% 0.9 50.01% - 75% 0.8 75.01% - 100% 0.7 100.01% - 125% 0.6 125.01% - 150% 0.5 150.01% - 175% 0.4 175.01% - 200% 0.3 200.01% - 225% 0.2 # of People 1 $407 $831 $1,246 $1,662 $2,077 $2,493 $2,908 $3,324 $3,739 2 $563 $1,127 $1,690 $2,254 $2,817 $3,381 $3,944 $4,508 $5,071 3 $711 $1,422 $2,133 $2,845 $3,556 $4,267 $4,978 $5,690 $6,401 4 $859 $1,718 $2,577 $3,437 $4,296 $5,155 $6,014 $6,874 $7,733 5 $1,007 $2,014 $3,021 $4,029 $5,036 $6,043 $7,050 $8,058 $9,065 6 $1,155 $2,310 $3,465 $4,620 $5,775 $6,930 $8,085 $9,240 $10,395 7 $1,303 $2,606 $3,909 $5,212 $6,515 $7,818 $9,121 $10,424 $11,727 8 $1,451 $2,902 $4,353 $5,804 $7,255 $8,706 $10,157 $11,608 $13,059 9 $1,598 $3,197 $4,796 $6,395 $7,993 $9,592 $11,191 $12,790 $14,388 10 $1,746 $3,493 $5,240 $6,987 $8,733 $10,480 $12,227 $13,974 $15,720 11 $1,894 $3,789 $5,684 $7,579 $9,473 $11,368 $13,263 $15,158 $17,052 12 $2,042 $4,085 $6,127 $8,170 $10,212 $12,255 $14,297 $16,340 $18,382 13 $2,190 $4,381 $6,571 $8,762 $10,952 $13,143 $15,333 $17,524 $19,714 14 $2,338 $4,677 $7,015 $9,354 $11,692 $14,031 $16,369 $18,708 $21,046 15 $2,486 $4,972 $7,458 $9,945 $12,431 $14,917 $17,403 $19,890 $22,376 16 $2,634 $5,268 $7,902 $10,537 $13,171 $15,805 $18,439 $21,074 $23,708 17 $2,782 $5,564 $8,346 $11,129 $13,911 $16,693 $19,475 $22,258 $25,040 18 $2,930 $5,860 $8,790 $11,720 $14,650 $17,580 $20,510 $23,440 $26,370

All dollars rounded down to guarantee they are below income guidelines. Based on January 2026 Federal Register Notice.

Previous Section Next Section 2026-02 (09/26)

Housing Authority Contact Name Contact Numbers Email Address Alaska Housing Finance Corporation ( AHFC Alaska Housing Finance Corporation ) Anchorage Fairbanks Juneau 330-6100 456-3738 586-3750 www.ahfc.state.us Association of Alaska Housing Authorities Colleen Dushkin, Administrator 330-8398 www.aahaak.org Aleutian Housing Authority Viola Yatchmeneff, Executive Director 563-2146 www.ahaak.org Association of Village Council Presidents ( AVCP Association of Village Council Presidents ) Regional Housing Authority Stanley Hoffman, Director, Housing Management 543-3121 543-3933 (fax) www.avcphousing.org Baranof Island Housing Authority Cliff Richter, Executive Director 747-5088 747-5701 (fax) www.bihasitka.org Bering Straits Regional Housing Authority Jolene Lyon, President & CEO 443-5256 443-8652 (fax) www.bsrha.org jlyon@bsrha.org Bristol Bay Housing Authority Brenda Akelkok, Executive Director 842-5956 842-2784 (fax) bakelkok@bbha.org www.bristolbayhousingauthority.org Cook Inlet Housing Authority Carol Gore, CEO 793-3000 793-3070 cgore@cookinlethousing.org info@cookinlethousing.org www.cookinlethousing.org Copper River Basin Regional Housing Authority Teri Nutter, Executive Director 822-3633 822-3662 (fax) tnutter@crbrha.org www.crbrha.org Interior Regional Housing Authority Orie Williams, CEO 452-8315 456-8941 (fax) https://irha.org Ketchikan Indian Community Housing Authority Myrna Chaney, Housing Director 228-9222 housing@kictribe.org https://kichousing.webs.com Kodiak Island Housing Authority Mindy Pruitt, Director 486-8111 www.kodiakislandhousing.com North Pacific Rim Housing Authority Olen Harris, Executive Director 562-1444 562-1445 (fax) olen@nprha.com www . nprha.com Northwest Inupiat Housing Authority Lena Ferguson, Office Manager 442-3450 442-3486 (fax) lferguson@nwiha.com www.nwiha.com Tagiugmiullu Nunamiullu Housing Authority ( TNHA Tagiugmiullu Nunamiullu Housing Authority ) Griffin Hagle, Executive Director 852-7150 https://tnha.info Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority Jacqueline Pata, President & CEO 780-6868 780-6895 (fax) info@thrha.org www.regionalhousingauthority.com

Updated 12.01.2022

Previous Section Next Section 2022-03 (12/22)

Income Types Definition Considered Income - Yes Considered Income - No Proof of Income Adoption Subsidy Subsidy payment to parents who adopted a special needs child. X Adult Public Assistance ( APA Adult Public Assistance ) Gross regular and adjustments or recoupment payments from Public Assistance. X EIS Eligibility Information System screens ( APBH Adult Public Assistance Benefit History / APIH Adult Public Assistance Issuance History ), current award letter, statement from worker AHFC Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Mortgage Payments ( UAP Utility Allowance Payment ) UAP Utility Allowance Payment payments are cash payments to the household and noted on the AHFC Alaska Housing Finance Corporation worksheet. X AHFC Alaska Housing Finance Corporation worksheet Alaska General Relief Assistance ( GRA General Relief Assistance ) Alaska General Relief Assistance. X Alaska Longevity Bonus See Senior Benefits. X Alaska Native Corporation Payments Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( ANCSA Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ), Alaska Native corporation payments. X Alaska Temporary Assistance ( ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program ) Gross regular and adjustments or recoupment payments from Public Assistance. X EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( TABH Temporary Assistance Benefit History / TAIH Temporary Assistance Issuance History ), award letter, worker statement Alaska Senior Benefits ( GA General Assistance ) Alaska Senior Assistance and Alaska Native Elder Assistance. X Alimony Support from an absent family member or someone not living in the household. Child support or alimony payment made directly to a mortgage company on behalf of a client is considered income. X EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ), court order showing amount awarded, check stub Annuities/insurance, pension, retirement, and disability benefits Annuity payments paid quarterly shall be averaged over the three months and counted as monthly income. Annuity payments paid annually shall be averaged over twelve months and counted as monthly income. X EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ), benefit statement letter, year-end statement, R-1099 Basic Allowance for Housing ( BAH Basic Allowance for Housing ) Military housing allowance. X Copy of checks/stub BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance When paid directly to the household. Paid to the vendor. General Assistance Program burial payments made to a vendor are excluded as income. X X X EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ), check stub, letter from BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs office Bingo and lottery winnings X EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ), Bingo/Pull Tab Statement, letter from provider Capital gains Any profit that results from investments into a capital asset, such as stocks , bonds or real estate , which exceeds the purchase price. X IRS form 1040, EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ) Cash gifts That do not exceed a total of $20 per month per individual in the household. X EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ), HAP Heating Assistance Program application, statement from person providing cash gifts Cash-out Pension or Retirement X Benefit statement, year-end statement, current pay stubs showing gross Cash payments Including payments to household from a wage earner not residing with the household because of his or her employment, or an absent parent family member or someone not living in the household. X EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ), copies of checks/stubs, work statement Child support Support from an absent family member or someone not living in the household. Child support or alimony payment made directly to a mortgage company on behalf of a client is considered income. Payments received from the non-custodial parent or a child support enforcement agency, including full or partial monthly obligation payments, payments toward obligation arrearage, and voluntary payments. Payments paid by the non-custodial parents to a third party to pay for a household expense. CSED Child Support Enforcement Division pass-through payments paid through DPA Division of Public Assistance or a Native Family Assistance Program agency to a TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families recipient. X CSED Child Support Enforcement Division screen, a signed statement from the non-custodial parent, EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ), court order showing amount awarded, check stub, stated on application, the TAIH Temporary Assistance Issuance History screen on EIS Eligibility Information System showing the issuance of a pass-through payment. Census Income Earned income from temporary employment with the 2020 Census. X Copy of checks/stub COLA Cost of living allowance. X Copy of checks/stub Combat Pay Additional payment received by a member of the U.S. Armed forces deployed to a designated combat zone is excluded income for the duration of the deployment if the additional pay is the result of deployment to or while serving in a combat zone, and it was not received immediately prior to serving in the combat zone. X Pay stub Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) NRCS National Resource Conservation Service funding opportunity for agriculturalists to stimulate development of conservation approaches. X Contract for deed Consider annual interest payment. X Annual interest statement Crime Victims Benefits X Declaration of Personal Income Irregular income resulting from occasional sources such as yard work, childcare, collecting cans/bottles, donating blood/plasma, payments from sale of personal belongings, house, boat, loan repayments, escrow payments, etc. X Client statement on HAP Heating Assistance Program application. Deposits Made into bank accounts owned or jointly owned by the household, unless identified as income previously considered. X Copy of bank statement Disability benefits Payment from: - Veterans disability benefit - Social Security disability insurance - SS-Ds Supplemental Security Income ( SSI Supplemental Security Income ) - State of Alaska Adult Public Assistance ( APA Adult Public Assistance or IA Interim Assistance ) - Disability retirement benefits from a government agency because of a disability considered permanent, or - Railroad Retirement Act (below) - EXCEPTIONS: Veterans benefits provided to children of Vietnam veterans (including adult children) who were born with the congenital defect of spinal bifida, benefits paid to children of women, Vietnam veterans, born with certain other birth defects. X X EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ), current benefit statement, bank statement ( VA Veteran Affairs disability benefits are not subject to deductions) or call VA Veteran Affairs Office 1-800-827-1000 Diversion payments TA payment X EIS Eligibility Information System Screen ( GAIH General Relief Assistance Issuance History ) Dividends, interest, & royalties From non-native corporations, investments, stocks. Excluded: PFD Permanent Fund Dividend s received by household members. X Letter declaring amounts, bank statements Dividends, Native Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( ANCSA Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ). Alaska Native corporation payments to shareholders. X Earned Income Tax Credits Any Earned Income Credit displayed on a pay check should be deducted from the gross income. EIC Earned Income Credit is not counted as income. X Checks/stubs Education Income (Non-Title IV) Education assistance that is not funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act or the Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance program funds are excluded as income if it is used or will be used for paying tuition, fees, or other necessary education expenses at any educational institution, including vocational, techical, and correspondence schools, and schools for people with disabilities. See exception below. X Education Income (Title IV) Higher Education Act and Bureau of Indian Affairs Student Assistance Programs: Pell, Byrd Scholoars, LEAP, SLEAP, Upward Bound, SIG, Stafford, Perkins, Work-Study, etc. X Award Letter or Contact awarding institution Education Income Any portion of education assistance that is not used or set aside for paying tuition, fees, or other necessary education expenses is countable unearned income . X Escrow Income X Letter declaring monthly amount, bank statement Excess Reimbursements When payments received as an advance or reimbursement for volunteer job training or work-related services exceed the expense incurred, the excess amount is included as income. X Federal income tax refunds X SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program X Foster Care Households receiving foster care income may choose not to count foster care income if they do not consider the foster child/adult to be a member of their household. In these cases, the foster child/adult is not counted as a household member. A foster adult not considered a member of the household must be considered a household sharer, or room renter. X Check stubs, EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ) General Relief Assistance Payments State of Alaska General Relief Assistance Program payments paid on behalf of the household to a vendor for household expenses such as rent, food, fuel, clothing, utilities, house repair, transportation, and burial are exempt. X In Regs, exempt. G.I. Bill payment X Current award letter, checks/stub Housing Allowance In kind, non-cash housing is exempt. Housing allowances as cash on a pay stub is countable income. X X Ineligible Alien Households with household members that are: - ineligible alien, - non-U.S. Citizen, - failure to provide a social security number We count their income but they will not be counted as a household member. X Wage stubs or statement from employer specifying gross wages, EIS Eligibility Information System screen Inheritance X Letter regarding conditions of payments In-kind/non-cash income Any gain or benefit that is not in the form of money in exchange for food and shelter, produce from a garden, clothing, non-cash employee benefits, such as the Legal Trust benefit provided to State of Alaska employees, and non-cash assistance such as the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy. All bona fide loans, including educational, personal, and commercial loans, are disregarded as income. A bonafide loan is a debt that the borrower has an obligation to repay and expresses his or her intention to repay. X The nature of a loan must be verified and documented in the case file. Commercial and educational loans: a copy of written loan agreement or any document identifying the payment as a loan. Personal loans: must provide acknowledgment by the borrower and lender that there is an obligation to repay the loan. Interest Bank or investment interest X Bank Statement Interim Assistance ( IA Interim Assistance ) Interim Assistance. Gross regular and adjustments or recoupment payments from Public Assistance. X EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( APBH Adult Public Assistance Benefit History / APIH Adult Public Assistance Issuance History ) JOBS Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Alaska Job Opportunities and Basic Skills allowances. X JTPA Job Training Partnership Act The Job Training Partnership Act of 1983. X Jury duty pay & witness fees Jury duty payments and witness fees count as earned income. Any portion of a jury duty payment or witness fee that is designated as a reimbursement for items such as food, lodging, parking, or transportation is excluded as income. Exception: Jury duty payments issued directly to the employer is exempt income. X Copy of check, check stub, official letter Loans Money received from an educational, personal, commercial, or other loan for which the borrower has an obligation to repay. X Lottery Winnings Lottery winnings paid on an annual basis shall be averaged over twelve months and counted as monthly income. X Lump sum payments Unless specified as not countable. X MASST Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training (Title V) Allowances, earnings, and payments from an employer and funded by the Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training program ( MASST Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training ), federally known as the Senior Community Service Employment Program ( SCSEP Senior Community Service Employment Program ) is administered under Title V of the Older Americans Act, P. L. 100-175. X Wage stubs or statement from employer specifying gross wages, EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ) Military Pay When a household member is deployed, the deployed person's income is counted as household income, except that portion paid directly to the deployed person for expenses. Also add in their COLA Cost of Living Allowance and BAH Basic Allowance for Housing . NOTE ON MILITARY PAY: The income on the Leave and Earnings Statement is considered a single monthly repayment, even when military personnel receive a mid-month paycheck. For example, a military person receives a mid-month check on November 15 and the end of the month check on November 30. The November, showing income for November 1 through 30, is received December 1. The income shown on this is countable income for November. See Combat Pay. SAVE Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Pay is excluded military income. X X Leave and Earnings Statement, EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ) Money from 3rd Party Funds provided and used for the care of a third party beneficiary who is not a household member (third party payee) are exempt. For example, a household receives child support for a child not living in the home. The household sends the child support to the child. This child support is not income to the household. This also includes situations where separate households share rent and one household receives a rent payment from the other and pays the landlord. The household that pays the landlord would not have the money counted as income that was given to it by the other household to pay the rent. X Native Dividends Native Corporation Dividends. X Dividend Check stub or 1099 Native Elders Assistance Tribal payments to elders because they are elders. X Natural Resource Conservation Grants Grants awarded through the NRCS National Resource Conservation Service to improve water management and/or improve resource conditions. X Copy of the grant award or letter showing the total grant amount and the time period of the award (6 months, 1 year, 2 years.) Offsets ( DOL Department of Labor ) Dept. of Labor offsets. Per 7 AAC 44.040 I "The department will calculate the household's gross monthly income by counting total cash receipts before taxes, earned and unearned, derived from any source by any member of the household in the calendar month before the date of signature on the completed application." X Other Income Income will be attributed to the household from individuals not considered to be household members. These situations include: Households with a member disqualified as an ineligible alien or for failure to provide a social security number or declare citizenship. The excluded member's income is countable income. X Acceptable verification depends on the type and source of income. Other Income Sale of personal property, house, boat, car, receipt of a loan payment, escrow payment, etc. X PASS Child Care Payments PASS I, II, and III Child Care payments paid to persons for their child care expenses are excluded income. These payments are countable earned income to the child care provider. X Pensions X EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ), benefit statement, year-end statement, R-1099 PERS/TRS State of Alaska retirement plans, including cash-outs. X EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ), benefit statement, year-end statement, current pay stubs showing gross amount PFD Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend. Exception: A PFD Permanent Fund Dividend received by the household by a non-household member. This would be considered countable income. X EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ), bank statement Public Assistance Public Assistance income includes TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families payments (Alaska Temporary Assistance Program and Native Family Assistance) and Adult Public Assistance payments (Aid to the Disabled, Aid to the Blind, Old Age Assistance, and Interim Assistance). X EIS Eligibility Information System screen or Native Family Assistance Agency. Railroad Retirement Act payments An annuity payment under the Railroad Retirement Act and determined to be eligible to receive Medicare or determined disabled. X Current award letter EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ), year-end statement, R-1099 Recoupment Monies withheld from an assistance payment, earned income, or other income source or monies received from any income source which is voluntarily or involuntarily returned, to repay a prior overpayment from that income source. X Reduction for Fraud Reductions due to Fraud: When a TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families or APA Adult Public Assistance benefit is reduced to repay a fraud overpayment, the calculation of the food stamp allotment will use the TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families or APA Adult Public Assistance amount the household would have received without the grant reduction. This applies only if a formal fraud finding was determined by the administrative disqualification process or a conviction by court. X Reimbursements Payments received for reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with employment, such as travel, meals, mileage, training, or per diem reimbursement, payments received for reimbursement of medical expenses and reimbursements made to an individual serving as a volunteer. X Rental Income Rental income (gross income minus costs of doing business). Costs of doing business may include the mortgage, taxes, and insurance. Note: Rental income received in a lump sum shall be averaged over the months of intended use and counted as monthly income. X Retirement & SBS Payments or cash-outs. X Reverse Mortgage Payments from a reverse mortgage. X Room Renter Count the rent but don't count the room renter as part of the household. X Rent receipt, EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ), last year's HAP Heating Assistance Program case SAVE Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements PAY Military Pay that is not countable income. X See MS 3003-5 B 2 b Seasonal Work A regular season of 11 months or less. May include fishing, logging, school district, tourism, fire fighting jobs. X Completed seasonal work statement, DOL Department of Labor (BTWI), 1099 form, final settlement statement (fishing) Self-Employment Net self-employment income for the previous 12-month period after allowable deductions. Self-employment includes occupations such as small business, crafts, boarding house manager/owner, ownership of rental property, and seasonal self-employment such as fishing. X Completed self-employment form, IRS Internal Revenue Service 1040 + Schedule C income tax form, DOL Department of Labor (BTWI) Acceptable: tax and bookkeeping records, account statements. Written verification of self-employment income and expenses are required. Senior Benefits Per our regulations – exempt. X SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as Food Stamps) X Social Security Advances This income is a loan from a financial institution to a person receiving direct deposit SSA Social Security Administration income. It is paid to the bank when the month SSA Social Security Administration benefit is received. X Social Security Benefits ( SSI Supplemental Security Income / SSA Social Security Administration ) Social Security benefits ( SSA Social Security Administration ) – retirement, survivor's disability and dependents benefits; Supplemental Income ( SSI Supplemental Security Income ) – aged, blind, and disabled person's benefits, and Veterans benefits are considered unearned income. X Award letters, SVES SDX/Bendex, EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ), a statement from Social Security, last year's HAP Heating Assistance Program case SSI Supplemental Security Income Payment – Exception The portion of the SSI Supplemental Security Income payment that is deducted as a payee fee, up to 10% of the monthly benefit not to exceed $35* is excluded. If the client's disability is based on drug addiction or alcoholism, the fee can be 10% of the monthly benefit not to exceed $68*. To qualify to collect a payee fee, the organization must be a community based nonprofit social service agency. (*Fee amounts effective December 2007). X Stock & Bonds X Letter regarding condition of payment, bank statement Strike Benefits Cash payments, including payments to a household from a wage earner not residing with the household because of his or her employment. X Copy of check, statement/Union. Student Reimbursements or Allowances Any payment made under Title IV of the Higher Education Act or under BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance programs is entirely excluded. Other educational income that is either used or intended to be used for allowable educational expenses is excluded. X Student Loans Grants X Award Letters, billing statements, statement from household Student Study grants Also known as Work-Study grants. X Student Wages Wages received by a half-time student less than 18 years of age (this exclusion continues during semester breaks and summer vacation) and who is not the head of household. Use the date and signature to determine if the person was 18 years old at the time of application. X Subsidized Adoption payments Including adoption stipends X EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ) or Native Family Assistance agency, 3rd party Supplemental Security X SVES, benefit statement, last year's HAP Heating Assistance Program case TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Gross regular and adjustments or recoupment payments from Public Assistance. X EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ) or Native Family Assistance agency, TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families records or check stub Tips or Gratuities X Pay stubs that list the tips, EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ), client statement Title IV Higher Education Act and Bureau of Indian Affairs Student Assistance Programs: Pell, Byrd Scholars, LEAP Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership , SLEAP Special Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership , Upward Bound, SIG Student Incentive Grants , Stafford, Perkins, Work-Study, etc. X Award Letter or Contact awarding institution Title V ( CSEP Community Service Employment Program ) Received by senior citizens under the CSEP Community Service Employment Program and/or MASST Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training X Trade Readjustment Act ( TRA Trade Readjustment Act ) X Trust Disbursements to the individual Income to a Special Needs Trust Monthly payments to the client. Only count disbursements received from the trust account by the client during the month. Paid to a third party payee for client. SSA Social Security Administration , SSI Supplemental Security Income , or Inheritances. X X Statements from trust regarding disbursements amount, EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ) Unemployment Insurance ( UIB Unemployment Insurance Benefits ) Direct deposits benefits are counted as income on the date of issuance, including amounts garnished, off-sets/recoupment. X DOL Department of Labor screen BB53, statements from other states re: disbursements amounts, EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ) Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 The following payments are excluded as income under Title II: payments to persons displaced as a result of the acquisition payments to a displaced homeowner toward the purchase of a replacement dwelling (such payment may only be to a displaced owner who purchases and occupies a dwelling within one year following displacement); replacement housing payments to a disabled person not eligible for a homeowner's payment. X Vendor payments Cash payments made by a person or organization outside of a household directly to a vendor or provider to meet expenses for a household. Including former spouse paying rent/mortgage. X Statement from person providing the payment, copies of checks/stubs, EIS Eligibility Information System screen Veterans Retirement Benefits For Retired Military Personnel, that are veterans, but not disabled. Different from Veterans Disability Benefits. X Current award letter, EIS Eligibility Information System screen, year end statement, R-1099. Retiree Account Statement, which will show income tax deductions. Veterans Disability Benefits X Bank statement permitted since these payments have no deductions. Veterans [Vietnam] Disability Benefits Veterans benefits provided to children of Vietnam veterans (including adult children) who were born with the congenital defect spinal bifida, benefits paid to children of women, Vietnam veterans, born with certain other birth defects. X Veterans Voc Rehab Schools X Veterans Voc Rehab Housing X Victims of Crime Any payment received from a fund established by a State to aid victims of crime is excluded from income. X Vocation Rehabilitation Payments Payments made to or on behalf of a household member by the division of vocational rehabilitation, DOLWD, for purposes related to training programs in which the individual is enrolled. X Volunteer Payments Any payments (salary, wages, stipend, or reimbursements) paid to volunteers under the Senior Corp and AmeriCorps programs of the Corporation for National and Community Services ( CNCS Corporation for National and Community Service ) are excluded income: AmeriCorps-State and National AmeriCorps- VISTA Volunteer In Service To America AmeriCorps- NCCC National Civilian Community Corps – National Civilian Community Corps Foster Grandparents RSVP Retired Senior Volunteer Program – Retired & Senior Volunteer Corps Senior Companion Program X Volunteer status and participation in an exempt program must be verified Volunteers Payments received for support services or reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, such as lunches or transportation, made to an individual serving as a volunteer. X Wages Wages and salaries before any deductions or garnishments, cost of living allowance ( COLA Cost of Living Allowance ), leave cash-outs, vacation pay, bonuses, training stipends, and back-pay. Including commissions, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, stipends, severance pay, sick leave, royalties, and honoraria which result from the client's work service, cash advances. Income from babysitting, housekeeping, craft sales, fishing, etc. is considered wages unless the applicant is claiming self-employment. X Employer's statement signed and dated, employer's wage record, paycheck stub, collateral contact with the employer, EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ) Wage Withholding Wages held by an employer without the employee's approval are exempt income, except for garnishments. X WIC Women, Infant and Children Payments or benefits received under the Women, Infant, and Children Program ( WIC Women, Infant and Children ) are exempt. X Workers Compensation Gross income including recoupments and adjustment payments. X Fax, email, or statement from Workers Comp, EIS Eligibility Information System screen ( CANO Case Notes ) Workforce Investment Act On the job training program: earnings paid to persons participating in on-the-job training under a Workforce Investment Act ( WIA Workforce Investment Act ) program are exempt when the person earning the money is under 19 years old. WIA Workforce Investment Act earnings paid to persons 19 years or older are countable earned income. X Employer's statement signed and dated, employer's wage record, paycheck stub, collateral contact with the employer, EIS Eligibility Information System screen Work-Study Earned Income College or university students may be enrolled in a work-study program in which they attend school part-time and work part-time at a job. Any income a household or recipient earns from employment in a work-study program will not be counted as income. X This disregard applies to both adults and children. The worker must verify that part-time employment of recipient who claims to be in a work-study program is in fact in a work-study job and not an individually acquired regular part-time job.

Previous Section 2025-03 (12/25)

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2024-03

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: December 2, 2024

Sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our division's policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development Team at hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 3000-2 DEFINITIONS

Revised signature requirement to allow for digital and handwritten signatures created on an electronic device (finger/stylus to screen).

Added "Acceptable Application" to the definition terms.

Updated the term "Identifiable Application" to reference HAP Heating Assistance Program MS 3001-2B .

MS 3001 APPLICATION PROCESS

Updated the application process to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other programs.

Added note outlining the application methods.

MS 3001-2 THE APPLICATION FORM

Updated the application form section to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other programs.

Addendum A COMMUNITY LISTING

Revised date from FY2023 to FY2025.

Updated the community listing based on the new TCC Tanana Chiefs Conference MOA Memorandum of Agreement that is effective 10/01/2024.

Addendum B HAP Heating Assistance Program TRIBAL PROVIDERS

Added note that AVCP Association of Village Council Presidents does not accept applications via email.

Addendum G INCOME GRID

Added native dividend exemption.

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2022-01

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: April 1, 2022

Several sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our division's policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development Team at hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 3001-4 VERIFICATION

Clarified that SOLQ cannot be used to determine eligibility for HAP Heating Assistance Program .

Clarified that SVES must always be checked at application and recertification, and death match alerts that are generated during the certification period must be processed within 10 days.

MS 3001-5 ACTIONS TAKEN ON THE APPLICATION

Clarified that re-pends (additional requests for information) have a 15 day pend period.

Removed outdated reference in regards to pending the application to verify a wood vendor.

Clarified that verification of identity notated in EIS Eligibility Information System meets the "Proof of ID" requirement.

Clarified that a request to withdraw a HAP Heating Assistance Program application must be made in writing.

MS 3002-1 TYPES OF HOUSEHOLDS

Updated how benefits are paid on behalf of the deceased, from issuing only what is owed on the client's accounts to issuing the full benefit and requesting the vendor return any credit on the account after the client's debt has been paid. This change is due to ECOS' payment limitations.

MS 3003-1 COUNTABLE INCOME

Added "severance pay" to the wages definition, as it is included in the wages definition in Addendum G.

MS 3008-4 METHODS OF PAYMENT

Removed requirement for a caseworker to confirm with policy that there are zero HAP Heating Assistance Program vendors in a client's service area before issuing a direct payment for purchasing wood. This aligns with policy established in the News Flash dated 03/03/2021.

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2020-01

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: September 1, 2020

Several sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy and Program Development Team at dpapolicy@alaska.gov .

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 3000-1 (B) RECORDS AND REPORTS

Rewrote section to better align with other DPA Division of Public Assistance programs

MS 3000-1 (C) NONDISCRIMINATION

Rewrote section to better align with other DPA Division of Public Assistance programs

MS 3000-1 (E) DISCLOSURE AND USE OF INFORMATION

Rewrote section to better align with other DPA Division of Public Assistance programs

MS 3000-1 (F) VOLUNTEERS

Rewrote section to better align with other DPA Division of Public Assistance programs

MS 3000-1 (G) QUALITY ASSESSMENT REVIEWS

Rewrote section to better align with other DPA Division of Public Assistance programs

MS 3000-1 (I) PRUDENT PERSON JUDGEMENT (PPJ)

Rewrote section to better align with other DPA Division of Public Assistance programs

MS 3000-1 (J) PROCESSING APPLICATIONS OF STAFF, FRIENDS, OR RELATIVES

Removed section as this subject is addressed in Alaska Administrative Procedures Manual section 100-10 C 2

MS 3000-2 DEFINITIONS

Revised definition of fee agents by removing the link to current fee agents as this is not available to the public

Revised definition of gross monthly income to clarify that the month prior to receipt of the application is used

Revised definition of shelter costs by removing the heating source limitations as these are no longer applicable

Revised definition of supplemental benefit to clarify that issuance of supplemental benefits when the State has received contingency funding or has unspent funds remaining from the block grant are not guaranteed

MS 3001 APPLICATION PROCESS

Removed hyperlink to current fee agents as it is not available to the public

MS 3001-1 APPLICATION FORM AVAILABILITY

Removed online application submission option as this is not currently available

Removed reference to specific application page numbers since the HAP Heating Assistance Program application content has changed

MS 3001-2 (A) WHAT IS AN IDENTIFIABLE APPLICATION FORM?

Rewrote section to better align with other DPA Division of Public Assistance programs

MS 3001-2 (F) COMPLETE APPLICATION

Generalized the need for proof of ID by removing specific reference to head of household

MS 3001-2 (G) SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION

Removed section as this subject is covered in the Alaska Administrative Procedures Manual

The section was renumbered and renamed to 3001-2 G Tribal Applications

MS 3001-2 (H) DUPLICATE APPLICATIONS

Removed section as it is located in the ECOS Energy Community Online System How To User Guide

The section was renumbered and renamed to 3001-2 H Voter Registration Applications

MS 3001-2 (I) TRIBAL APPLICATIONS

Removed reference to inputting an alert as this procedure is no longer applicable

This section was renumbered to 3001-2 G

MS 3001-2 (J) APPLICATIONS NOT TIMELY/LATE APPLICATIONS

Removed section since now that HAP Heating Assistance Program runs 12 months a year there is no submission date requirement

MS 3001-4 VERIFICATIONS

Removed reference to HAP Heating Assistance Program 's retired database ( HAS Heating Assistance Software )

MS 3001-4(A) VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATIONS

Removed screen shots of HAP's retired database ( HAS Heating Assistance Software )

MS 3001-4 (E) HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION

Removed reference to old policy where the signature date of the application was a factor of eligibility and replace with new policy referencing application received in DPA Division of Public Assistance office as a factor of eligibility

MS 3001-4 (F) INCOME

Removed reference to old policy where the signature date of the application was a factor eligibility and replaced with new policy referencing application received in DPA Division of Public Assistance office as a factor of eligibility

MS 3001-5 (C) EXPEDITE PROCESSING OF THE APPLICATION

Removed seasonal references as HAP Heating Assistance Program now runs 12 months a year

Removed the heating source limitations referenced in HAP Heating Assistance Program 's shelter costs as these are no longer applicable

MS 3001-5 (E) PENDING THE APPLICATION

Removed the direction to re-pend when only partial requested verification is received to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program policies

Removed reference to old policy where the signature date on the application was a factor of eligibility

Removed requirement for self-employment documentation as verbal statement from the client is now considered acceptable to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program policies

Removed "elderly or disabled" as a reason to re-pend an application as this client base is covered under re-pend reason "extenuating circumstances"

MS 3001-5 (F) DENYING THE APPLICATION

Removed the requirement to submit a complete application to the HAP Heating Assistance Program office as all DPA Division of Public Assistance Field Offices will now accept HAP Heating Assistance Program applications

Rewrote section to better align with other DPA Division of Public Assistance programs

MS 3002-1 (E) SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

Revised to only require verification of SSN Social Security Number when questionable to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program policies

MS 3003 INCOME

Added reference to how income is countable in the month prior to receipt of an application. This provides for better understanding of the new policy change of using the application receipt date instead of the signature date

MS 3003-1 (A) EARNED INCOME

Added the option to use written or verbal verification of self-employment income to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program policies

MS 3003-3 (C) BUDGET

Removed duplicate reference to Threshold Test

MS 3003-4 INCOME FROM SELF-EMPLOYMENT

Removed note referencing requirement for hard copy documentation of self-employment verification as this requirement is no longer applicable

MS 3003-4 (C) VERIFICATION OF SELF-EMPLOYMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES

Rewrote section to better align with other DPA Division of Public Assistance programs

MS 3003-4 (E) THRESHOLD TEST

Changed reference of "threshold test" to "annualization standard" to keep policy terminology consistent between DPA Division of Public Assistance programs

Renamed section to Self-Employment Annualization Standard

Updated reference from FY2020 to FY2021

MS 3003-6 GUIDELINES FOR COMPUTING INCOME

Added reference to how income is countable in the month prior to receipt of an application. This provides for better understanding of the new policy change of using the application receipt date instead of the signature date.

To avoid confusion, reiterated HAP Heating Assistance Program does not prospect future income like the other DPA Division of Public Assistance programs

MS 3004-1 (A) ORDER RECEIVED

Deleted section referencing how applications are processed as procedural content should be addressed in the HowWe Guide

MS 3004-1 (B) ONE AWARD PER SEASON

Due to section deletion, 3004-1B One Award Per Season has been renumbered to 3004-1A

Changed seasonal reference from September 1 - April 30 to September 1 - August 31

MS 3004-1 (C) PROCESSING TIME FRAMES

Due to section deletion, 3004-1C Processing Time Frames has been renumbered to 3004-1B

Removed the requirement to submit a complete application to the HAP Heating Assistance Program office as all DPA Division of Public Assistance Field Offices will now accept HAP Heating Assistance Program applications

MS 3004-5 GRANT COMPUTATION

Updated Fiscal Year to FY2021

Changed rate from $140 to $165 per point

MS 3005-1 (A) CRITERIA FOR EXPEDITED PROCESSING

Removed the heating source limitations referenced in HAP Heating Assistance Program 's shelter costs as these are no longer applicable

MS 3005-1 (B) EXPEDITED TIME FRAMES

Updated expedited eligibility service from November 1 - April 30 to September 1 - August 31

Added note to clarify that the issuance of expedited payments start November 1

MS 3008-1 TIME FRAMES FOR ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS

Extended payment award dates from November 1 - April 30 to November 1 - August 31 as HAP Heating Assistance Program is now being processed 12 months out of the year

MS 3010 PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Deleted section. Performance Measures are not used by field staff to determine eligibility

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2020-02

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: October 1, 2020

A section of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual has been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy and Program Development Team at dpapolicy@alaska.gov .

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

ADDENDUM E INCOME GUIDELINES

Updated the FFY 2021 Income Guidelines based on the January 2020 Federal Reserve Notice

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2020-03

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: December 1, 2020

Several sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy and Program Development Team at dpapolicy@alaska.gov .

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 3001-4 (A) VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATIONS

Removed the requirement for a client to provide an electric vendor account number and billing statement, when 0% of the grant will be used to pay the electric bill, as this action is no longer required.

Replaced lettered list with bulleted list, to better align with the SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program manual.

MS 3001-4 (F) INCOME

Replaced "signature" month with "submission" month to better align with the SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program manual.

Added "note" to clarify that DOL Department of Labor records should only be used to verify Unemployment Insurance Benefits.

MS 3002-1 (E) SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

Aligned section with SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program MS Manual Section 602-1E

MS 3003-4 (A) DEFINITIONS RELATING TO SELF-EMPLOYMENT

Corrected subsections by replacing subsection lettering with subsection numbering.

MS 3003-4 (A)(3) RENTAL INCOME

Aligned section with SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program MS 605-2D(1c)

MS 3003-4 (A)(8) SELF-EMPLOYMENT COSTS OF DOING BUSINESS

Aligned section with SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program MS Manual Section 605-2D(1h)

MS 3003-4 (B) COSTS OF DOING BUSINESS

Corrected subsections by replacing subsection lettering with subsection numbering.

MS 3003-4 (B)(2a) EXPENSES ALLOWED AS COSTS OF DOING BUSINESS

Aligned section with SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program MS Manual Section 605-2D(3b1)

MS 3003-4E SELF-EMPLOYMENT ANNUALIZATION STANDARD

Aligned section with SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program MS Manual Section 605--2D(7)

Added Annualization Standards Table.

MS 3004-1 ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION TIME FRAMES

Replaced reference to " HAP Heating Assistance Program Juneau office" with " DPA Division of Public Assistance offices," due to HAP Heating Assistance Program now processing statewide.

MS 3006 SRHUD (SUBSIDIZED RENTAL HOUSING UTILITY DEPOSIT)

Removed dated reference to HAP not being available year-round.

Replaced numbered list with bullets.

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2021-02

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: September 1, 2021

Several sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy and Program Development Team at dpapolicy@alaska.gov .

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 3000 INTRODUCTIONS AND DEFINITIONS

Added direct pay as allowable for clients who self-harvest or purchase wood as their primary heat source.

MS 3000-1B RECORDS AND REPORTS

Updated location of client records from the case file to ILINX.

MS 3000-1E DISCLOSURE AND USE OF INFORMATION

Added weatherization services as an agency DPA Division of Public Assistance obtains information from and discloses information to.

MS 3000-2 DEFINITIONS

Made known that the Head of Household is commonly referred to as the Primary Information Person (PI) and is the first person listed on the application.

Removed Alaska Native/American Indian as part of the "Mixed" Household definition. This type of household is now explained in section 3002-1 .

Updated the "Vendor" definition to include an explanation of an "Approved" Vendor" and direction on how a vendor can contact DPA Division of Public Assistance to become an approved vendor.

Corrected SSI Supplemental Security Income definition.

MS 3001-1 APPLICATION FORM AVAILABILITY

Updated the HAP Heating Assistance Program season start-up application mailing dates for the elderly, disabled, families with young children, and all other previous season participants.

MS 3001-2G COMPLETE APPLICATION

Removed reference to the number associated with questions on the application as these may change from year to year when updates to the application are made.

Removed requirement for all adults in the household to sign the application.

MS 3001-2H TRIBAL APPLICATIONS

Replaced reference to "mixed" household with "household containing both Native and non-Native members." This aligns with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

Removed definition "head of household" since this term is defined in section 3000-2 .

Removed reference to obsolete eligibility system codes.

MS 3001-4A VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATIONS

Updated note with explanation of why DPA Division of Public Assistance requires both the fuel and electric billing statements.

MS 3001-4C HEAT OR RENT COST

Removed reference to not needing a copy of the rental agreement for the client's file, as all submitted documentation is now scanned into ILINX.

Changed reference from " HAP Heating Assistance Program staff" to "caseworker" to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

MS 3001-4H INFORMATION FROM DATA SYSTEMS AND EIS Eligibility Information System INTERFACES

Changed section title from "Use of Interface DPA Division of Public Assistance s" to "Information from Data Systems and EIS Eligibility Information System Interfaces" to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

Changed reference from "worker" to "caseworker" to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

Updated section to mirror DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

MS 3001-4J QUESTIONABLE INFORMATION

Changed reference from " ET Eligibility Technician " to "caseworker" to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

MS 3001-5A ENTERING APPLICATIONS

Referred to and provided link to Administrative Procedures Manual, Section 101-7 .

MS 3001-5C EXPEDITE PROCESSING OF THE APPLICATION

Added SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit applications to the expedite processing criteria, since mention of expediting this type of application was removed from MS 3001-5A .

MS 3001-5D CHANGES REPORTED TO DPA Division of Public Assistance

Inserted new subsection to address changes reported and additional applications received before a case decision is made, to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

MS 3001-5E APPROVING THE APPLICATION

Renumbered subsection from 3001-5D to 3001-5E to accommodate the insertion of new subsection "Changes Reported to DPA Division of Public Assistance ."

MS 3001-5F PENDING THE APPLICATION

Renumbered the subsection from 3001-5E to 3001-5F to accommodate the insertion of new subsection "Changes Reported to DPA Division of Public Assistance ."

Added reference to submitted documentation being filed electronically in ILINX.

Added incorrect timeframe for the initial pend notice as a reason for re-pending the application.

MS 3001-5G DENYING THE APPLICATION

Renumbered the subsection from 3001-5F to 3001-5G to accommodate the insertion of new subsection "Changes Reported to DPA Division of Public Assistance ."

MS 3001-5H REASONS FOR DENYING AN APPLICATION

Renumbered the subsection from 3001-5G to 3001-5H to accommodate the insertion of new subsection "Changes Reported to DPA Division of Public Assistance ."

Removed reference to obsolete eligibility system codes.

Removed example of wording used in a denial notice for a client living in a temporary shelter. This information should be referenced in a job aid.

Removed example of wording used in a denial notice for a client who is eligible to be served by Tribal LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program . This information should be referenced in a job aid.

Changed reference from "worker" to "caseworker" to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

MS 3002-1A TYPES OF HOUSEHOLDS

Changed reference from "worker" to "caseworker" to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

Changed how benefits are issued to a deceased client's account to align with functionality limitations of ECOS Energy Community Online System .

Removed reference to obsolete eligibility system codes.

Changed reference from "putting" documentation in the client's file to "uploading" it into ILINX.

Added reference to the "mixed" household definition when describing a household in which only a portion of the household members receive public assistance.

Removed reference to the number associated with questions on the application as these may change from year to year when updates to the application are made.

Removed the option for parents to choose who will claim the children in a shared custody situation because children are included in the first application received for the program year.

MS 3002-1C IDENTITY

Changed the reference from a person "making" an application to "listed as head of household" on the application.

Removed requirement for a copy of the head of household's ID Identification to be on file. This section lists out all the acceptable forms of identity verification.

MS 3002-1D CITIZENSHIP AND ELIGIBLE ALIEN STATUS

Removed reference to the number associated with questions on the application as these may change from year to year when updates to the application are made.

Removed reference to "pend application for 30 days when requesting US citizenship verification." The 30 day pend is the standard pend period for all initial HAP Heating Assistance Program pends.

Added the requirement to validate citizenship documentation through IEVS Instant Eligibility Verification System when aliens are listed in the household, to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

MS 3003 INCOME

Moved reference to garnishments to HAP Heating Assistance Program MS 3003-1C Garnishments to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

Moved reference to recoupments to HAP Heating Assistance Program MS 3003-2A Non-Countable (Exempt) Income to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

MS 3003-1B UNEARNED INCOME

Removed recouped UIB Unemployment Insurance Benefits benefits as countable unearned income. This type of income is not countable.

Changed reference from "worker" to "caseworker" to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

MS 3003-1C GARNISHMENTS

Added subsection for garnishments to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

MS 3003-2A NON-COUNTABLE (EXEMPT) INCOME

Added October 31, 2021 expiration date to the exemption of the 2020 Census income, to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

Added recoupments as a type of non-countable income to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals and renumbered section to accommodate added noncountable income category.

Changed reference from "worker" to "caseworker" to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

Added major disaster and emergency assistance as non-countable income, to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

MS 3003-3 SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT

Replaced reference to obsolete DOL Department of Labor screen with reference to current DOL Department of Labor / SAM Secure Access Manager screen.

MS 3003-4E SELF-EMPLOYMENT ANNUALIZATION STANDARD

Updated self-employment annualization standards.

Changed reference from 'worker" to "caseworker" to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

MS 3003-6 GUIDELINES FOR COMPUTING INCOME

Removed reference to obsolete system codes.

MS 3004-1 ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION TIME FRAMES

Updated HAP Heating Assistance Program season start and end dates from September 1 - August 31 to October 1 - September 30.

Removed "as soon as possible" from the processing time frames guidelines. Required processing time frames remain outlined within the section.

MS 3004-2 ASSISTANCE CATEGORIES

Removed reference to obsolete eligibility system.

MS 3004-3 DWELLING TYPE AND FACTOR

Added duplex and triplex units to the two-bedroom single family home dwelling type.

MS 3004-5 GRANT COMPUTATION

Removed reference to the division when explaining how to calculate the HAP Heating Assistance Program grant.

Added duplex and triplex units to the two-bedroom single family home dwelling type.

Named the heating assistance software ( ECOS Energy Community Online System ) referenced in this section.

Updated FY Fiscal Year 2021 to FY Fiscal Year 2022.

Updated the income and price per point for FY Fiscal Year 2022 referenced in the examples.

MS 3005-1A CRITERIA FOR EXPEDITED PROCESSING

Added exception requiring the caseworker to attempt to obtain verification of disconnect through the vendor if disconnect notice is not provided with application.

MS 3005-1B EXPEDITED TIMEFRAMES

Updated HAP Heating Assistance Program season start and end dates from September 1 - August 31 to October 1 - September 30.

Removed reference to the first payment issuance date of November 1 as there will no longer be a payment delay at the beginning of the season.

MS 3005-2 EXPEDITED PROCESSING FOR HOUSEHOLD WITH ELDERLY OR DISABLED MEMBERS

Changed reference from " HAP Heating Assistance Program worker" to "caseworker" to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

Added caveat removing the expedite entitlement in future years if a client fails to provide requested information that was temporarily waived in order to resolve an emergency situation. This aligns with the SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program manual.

MS 3007 SPECIALIZED PROCEDURES

Removed the introductory statement since it described standard procedure for all public assistance case types.

MS 3007-1 ECOS Energy Community Online System ALERT CODES - THIS SECTION WILL BE UPDATED ONCE ECOS Energy Community Online System IS FULLY FUNCTIONAL

Removed section. ECOS Energy Community Online System does not issue alert codes.

Renumbered subsequent subsections.

MS 3007-1 SUBSIDIZED HEAT AND APPLICATION PROCESSING

Changed reference from "worker" to "caseworker" to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

Removed reference to obsolete system codes.

Converted subsections to bullets. Subsections became significantly shorter after removing the obsolete system code references.

MS 3007-2A MUTUAL HELP

Changed reference from "worker" to "caseworker" to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

MS 3007-2B LOW INCOME TAX CREDIT PROGRAMS (LITC)

Changed reference from "worker" to caseworker" to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

MS 3007-4 OTHER UNIQUE SITUATIONS

Removed subsection as all situations are discussed in HAP Heating Assistance Program MS Manual Section 3002-1A .

MS 3008-1 TIMEFRAMES FOR ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS

Updated timeframe and payment information from November 1 - August 31 to October 1 - September 30.

Removed reference to issuing payments prior to the program start date for disaster proclamations. The new HAP Heating Assistance Program season is now a year long program.

Removed reference to SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit s being payable throughout the year. The new HAP Heating Assistance Program season is now a year long program.

MS 3008-2A HEATING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS CAN ONLY BE USED FOR THE PURCHASE OF:

Changed "oil" to "fuel" as oil is not the only fuel type used for home heating.

Removed requirement for the vendor notice to spell out what can be purchased with a grant issued for a client who self-harvests wood. These clients will be issued a direct payment.

MS 3008-2B HEATING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS CANNOT BE USED FOR:

Changed "oil" to "fuel" as oil is not the only fuel type used for home heating.

MS 3008-3A DISTRIBUTION OF GRANT BETWEEN HEATING AND ELECTRICITY

Removed redundant sentence regarding the 75/25 benefit split option.

MS 3008-4A VENDOR PAYMENT

Removed reference to obsolete system codes.

Changed reference from "worker" to "caseworker" to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

Removed note regarding issuing a direct payment for the first year when the client uses a non-approved vendor. New policy requires the caseworker to notify dpapolicy@alaska.gov and await further instruction when this situation arises.

Removed note referring to the Direct Payment log. This log is no longer in use.

Removed reference to "Two-Party Payment." This payment type is no longer an option.

MS 3008-6 GRANT TRANSFER

Changed reference from "furnace" to "heating system" as a furnace is not the only type of heating system used to heat a home.

Changed references of "supervisor" to "sending an email to dpapolicy@alaska.gov " when determining when a grant may be transferred from one vendor to another.

MS 3009 FAIR HEARINGS

Removed the detailed fair hearing process and provided link to Administrative Procedures Manual Section 117 , to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

MS 3011 FRAUD

Replaced current content with policy written in DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other program manuals.

MS 3012 PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND CO STS

Updated administrative and direct program costs table.

Addendum B HAP Heating Assistance Program TRIBAL PROVIDERS

Changed FY Fiscal Year 2020 to FFY Federal Fiscal Year 2022.

Addendum E FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES

Changed FFY Federal Fiscal Year 2021 to FFY Federal Fiscal Year 2022.

Updated HAP Heating Assistance Program season start and end dates from September 1 - August 31 to October 1 - September 30.

Updated FPL Federal Poverty Level income guidelines.

Addendum F HOUSING AUTHORITY CONTACT INFORMATION

Updated housing authority contact information.

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2021-03

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: December 1, 2021

Several sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development Team at dpapolicy@alaska.gov .

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 3001 APPLICATION PROCESS

Updated application process to allow for applications to be completed and signed via telephonic recording to align with DPA Division of Public Assistance 's other policy manuals.

MS 3001-1 APPLICATION FORM AVAILABILITY

Added telephonic application as a method of form availability.

MS 3001-2F TAKING AN APPLICATION BY PHONE

Removed subsection as this action is no longer limited to the elderly or disabled, and is now addressed in MS 3001 .

MS 3005-2 EXPEDITED PROCESSING FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH ELDERLY OR DISABLED MEMBERS

Removed reference to the exception for telephonic applications and signature requirements for the elderly or disabled as all clients are now allowed to complete and sign an application via telephonic recording. This process is now referenced in manual section 3001 .

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2022-02

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: September 1, 2022

Several sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our division's policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development Team at hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 3000-2 DEFINITIONS

Added oil and kerosene definitions to clarify the difference between the two fuels.

Updated the signature requirements to align with all other DPA Division of Public Assistance programs.

MS 3001-4A VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION

Added examples of extenuating circumstances that will allow for the caseworker to seek verbal verification from a vendor.

MS 3008-4 METHODS OF PAYMENT

Removed section directing caseworkers to issue payment to a landlord's vendor account. Clarified that clients paying for their utilities through their landlord's vendor accounts should be issued a direct payment.

Clarified tha Policy does not need to be contacted prior to a caseworker authorizing a direct payment to a client who purchases wood or pellets from a non-approved vendor.

Added natural gas as a primary heat source eligible to receive direct payment if the grant amount is insufficient to restore disconnected service.

Addendum B HAP TRIBAL PROVIDERS

Changed FY Fiscal Year 2022 to FY Fiscal Year 2023

Addendum E FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES

Updated FPL Federal Poverty Level income guidelines.

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2022-03

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: December 1, 2022

Several sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our division's policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development Team at hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

ENTIRE MANUAL

Changed all references from DHSS Department of Health and Social Services to DOH Department of Health , including any email addresses and websites.

MS 3000-2 DEFINITIONS

Added link to Home Heating Costs definition, directing caseworkers to MS Manual Section 3001-4C.

Added the term "Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN)" and included HAP Heating Assistance Program 's definition, to align with the HAP Heating Assistance Program State Plan.

Updated the definition for "Crisis" to align with the HAP Heating Assistance Program State Plan.

Updated the definition for "Home Heating Costs" to align with the HAP Heating Assistance Program State Plan.

Updated the definition for "Life Threatening Crisis" to align with the HAP Heating Assistance Program State Plan.

Added the term "Medically Necessary" and included HAP Heating Assistance Program 's definition, to align with the HAP Heating Assistance Program State Plan.

Added link to Expedite definition, directing caseworkers to MS Manual Section 3005.

MS 3001-2G TRIBAL APPLICATIONS

Added note clarifying clients who meet the criteria to be served by a tribal organization do not gain eligibility to be served by DPA Division of Public Assistance due to the start or end dates of a tribal organization's LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program season.

MS 3001-4H INFORMATION FROM DATA SYSTEMS AND EIS INTERFACES

Clarified IEVS Instant Eligibility Verification System is used to check PFD Permanent Fund Dividend and Quarterly Wage.

Added SVES to Interface table and explained it is used to verify date of death and SSA Social Security Administration and SSI Supplemental Security Income Payments.

Clarified IEVS is used to check qualified alien status of household members who are not U.S. Citizens.

Removed reference to NFIN, the acronym for the database NSTAR Northern Support through Automated Resources , as this is a system DPA Division of Public Assistance no longer uses.

MS 3001-5H REASONS FOR DENYING THE APPLICATION

Removed reference to obsolete eligibility codes.

Updated list of denial reasons to match the denial reasons listed in ECOS Energy Community Online System .

MS 3002-1A TYPES OF HOUSEHOLDS

Added note clarifying clients who meet the criteria to be served by a tribal organization do not gain eligibility to be served by DPA Division of Public Assistance due to the start or end dates of a tribal organization's LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program season.

Corrected formula for Housing Percent Share from total "cost points" to "grant amount."

MS 3003-4E SELF-EMPLOYMENT ANNUALIZATION STANDARDS

Revised the self-employment annualization standards that changed effective October 1, 2022 (this was missed in the 09/22 manual change.)

Clarified how to apply the annualization standard and provided examples.

MS 3004-4 FUEL TYPE

Added gasoline as a fuel type and added a note clarifying when gasoline is an allowable fuel type.

MS 3004-5 GRANT COMPUTATION

Added instruction to use the community fuel points for oil when clients primary fuel type is gasoline.

Updated FFY Federal Fiscal Year 2022 to FFY Federal Fiscal Year 2023.

MS 3005-1 EXPEDITED APPLICATIONS

Updated expedited service to include households with an elderly or disabled individual and children under 6 years of age, to align with the HAP Heating Assistance Program State Plan.

MS 3005-1A EXPEDITE CRITERIA

Added "Crisis" and "Life Threatening Crisis" as expedite criteria to align with the HAP Heating Assistance Program State Plan.

Removed income test criteria to align with the HAP Heating Assistance Program State Plan.

MS 3007-1 SUBSIDIZED HEAT

Replaced reference to Section 8 (Choice) voucher and AHFC Alaska Housing Finance Corporation with the geric term "subsidized housing" as to not exclude any subsidized housing entities.

MS 3008-3 DISTRIBUTION OF GRANT

Added note explaining the HAP Heating Assistance Program grant can only be split between the primary heat source and electric. Additional/back-up heat sources are not eligible to receive a portion of the grant.

MS 3008-6A THE GRANT TRANSFER PROCESS

Added subsection titled "The Grant Transfer Process." Content outlines the caseworker, Policy and Program Development, and Administrative steps required to complete a grant transfer that adheres to policy requirements for HAP Heating Assistance Program .

MS 3010 PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Changed section title from "Reserved" to "Performance Measures."

Added introduction to HAP Heating Assistance Program Performance Measures to alleviate staff confusion regarding program requirements to collect information.

Addendum A HAP COMMUNITY LISTING

Added all military bases in Alaska to community listing.

Addendum B HAP TRIBAL PROVIDERS

Updated tribal provider contact information.

Addendum F HOUSING AUTHORITY CONTACT INFORMATION

Updated housing authority contact information.

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2023-01

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: April 3, 2023

Several sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our division's policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development Team at hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 3001-4C HEAT OR RENT COST

Added examples to assist caseworkers in identifying when a client is paying for heat indirectly through rent.

MS 3002-1A TYPES OF HOUSEHOLDS

Replaced obsolete housing category codes with current ECOS Energy Community Online System codes.

MS 3003-1B UNEARNED INCOME

Added language to clarify how Native dividends are counted.

MS 3010 PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Updated to include explanation of what the performance measures are and the importance of collecting all client data required by LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding source, Administration of Children and Families (ACF).

MS 3011 FRAUD

Created subsections for client and vendor fraud.

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2023-02

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: September 1, 2023

Several sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our division's policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development Team at hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 3000 INTRODUCTIONS AND DEFINITIONS

Clarified clients living in non-subsidized housing where heat is included in the rental payment will be issued a direct payment if they are determined eligible for a benefit.

MS 3000-1 E. DISCLOSURES AND USE OF INFORMATION

Clarified that client information can be disclosed to Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.

MS 3000-2 DEFINITIONS

Clarified that a vendor may require a pledge to be submitted in writing.

Removed the definition of "shelter costs" in relation to expedite criteria, as it is no longer used to determine eligibility for expedited processing.

Clarified what expenses are considered to be under the "Home Heating Costs" deduction.

MS 3001-5 C. EXPEDITE PROCESSING OF THE APPLICATION

Removed references to shelter costs as they are no longer a factor of eligibility for expedited processing.

Added "medically necessary" as a factor of eligibility for expedited processing.

MS 3002-1 A. ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS

Clarified how to determine if heat is included in the rental payment.

Clarified how to determine a HAP household.

Clarified how to determine a Boarder/Room Renter.

MS 3003-4 E. SELF-EMPLOYMENT ANNUALIZATION STANDARD

Revised the self-employment annualization standards, based on the January 2023 Federal Register Notice.

MS 3004-5 GRANT COMPUTATION

Clarified that the 50% deduction for living in subsidized housing while receiving a utility allowance is applied to the point count total and not the total benefit amount.

Updated FY2023 to FY2024.

Updated the benefit rate to $175 per point.

MS 3005-1 A. CRITERIA FOR EXPEDITED PROCESSING

Added "medical necessity" as a factor of eligibility for expedited processing.

MS 3005-1 B. EXPEDITED TIME FRAMES

Changed expedited processing time frames in response to Federal audit recommendations.

MS 3007-1 SUBSIDIZED HEAT AND APPLICATION PROCESSING

Clarified that the 50 percent deduction for living in subsidized housing while receiving a utility allowance is applied to the point count total and not the total benefit amount.

MS 3008-1 TIME FRAMES

Changed expedited processing time frames in response to federal audit recommendations.

Added note clarifying how long a client has to use their grant.

MS 3008-4 METHODS OF PAYMENT

Clarified that direct payments are issued to a client when home heating and electric costs are paid indirectly through a current non-subsidized rental payment.

MS 3008-6 GRANT TRANSFERS

Clarified that clients are required to submit copies of their new primary heating fuel and electric billing statements when requesting a grant transfer.

Clarified that clients that move into subsidized housing where heat is included in the rent do not qualify for a grant transfer or direct payment.

Added note clarifying how long a client has to use their grant.

Addendum B HAP TRIBAL PROVIDERS

Updated tribal provider information for FFY Federal Fiscal Year 2024.

Addendum E INCOME GUIDELINES

Updated the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines for FFY Federal Fiscal Year 2024.

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2023-03

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: December 1, 2023

Sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our division's policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development Team at hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 3003-1 B. UNEARNED INCOME

Removed "recoupment" as a countable source of unearned income. Recoupments are exempt income and are addressed in section 3003-2 A.(8) .

MS 3004-1 ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION TIMEFRAMES

Added the dates of when applications are accepted throughout the season.

MS 3004-5 GRANT COMPUTATION

Changed the subsidized housing deduction from 50% of the client's point count to 50% of the client's total benefit amount and moved the subsidized housing calculation from Step 5 to Step 8. These changes increase eligibility among Alaska's subsidized housing population.

Updated the household income amount in Example 1 so the benefit calculation remains in the 10.1 - 125% of poverty and Example 2 remains in the 125.01 - 150% of poverty category.

Addendum B TRIBAL PROVIDERS

Updated the Kenaitze fax number from 907-335-7239 to 907-202-8359.

Addendum E FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES

Added "AK" to the title of the addendum to clarify that we use the Alaska Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2024-01

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: April 1, 2024

Sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our division's policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development Team at hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 3000-2 DEFINITIONS

Updated the "Identifiable Application" definition to include Tribal energy assistance applications.

MS 3001-2 A. WHAT IS AN IDENTIFIABLE APPLICATION

Clarified that both HAP and Tribal energy assistance applications are considered identifiable and are accepted for DPA Division of Public Assistance eligibility determination.

MS 3001-2 G. TRIBAL APPLICATIONS

Added note clarifying that applications that are registered and auto denied and referred to a tribal agency still need to be filed in ILINX.

MS 3001-5 H. REASONS FOR DENYING AN APPLICATION

Clarified that an application denied as, "Tribal LIHEAP" must be filed in ILINX and a copy of the denied application must be sent to the applicable Tribal LIHEAP Office.

MS 3003-2 A. NON-COUNTABLE (EXEMPT INCOME)

Revised subsection 10. Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Income to exempt all ANCSA Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act payments.

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2024-02

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: September 3, 2024

Several sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our division's policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development Team at hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 3000-2 DEFINITIONS

Added new term, "administrative costs" and provided definition. This is a term ACF Administration for Children and Families requested DPA Division of Public Assistance define.

Clarified households are considered categorically eligible if they receive TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families , SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , APA Adult Public Assistance , or SSI Supplemental Security Income .

Outlined the period in which clients can be considered categorically eligible.

Added note clarifying that clients who receive only Medicaid, General Relief Assistance, or Senior Benefits are not categorically eligible.

Added note/exception under the definition "categorical eligibility" explaining that actual income information provided with the application may be used instead of the income input into EIS Eligibility Information System if it would be in the client's best interest.

Removed "Certificate of Medical Necessity" definition as this document is no longer required.

Added new term, "completed application" and provided definition.

Added a definition to the term "expedite" instead of only referring to "crisis" and "life-threatening crisis" definitions.

Added new term, "expenditure timeframe" and provided definition. This is a term ACF Administration for Children and Families requested DPA Division of Public Assistance define.

Updated the note under "medically necessary" to allow client statement as acceptable verification.

Added new term, "priority processing" and added link to manual section that defines the term.

Added new term, "older adult" and provided ACF Administration for Children and Families 's definition.

Added new term, "vulnerable population" and added definition.

MS 3001-5C EXPEDITE PROCESSING OF THE APPLICATION

Updated the expedite application acceptance period from January 1 through September 30 to October 1 through September 30.

MS 3002-1 TYPES OF HOUSEHOLDS

Changed reference to the 75/25 split to the 50/50 split.

Clarified households are considered categorically eligible if they receive TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families , SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , APA Adult Public Assistance , or SSI Supplemental Security Income .

Outlined the period in which clients can be considered categorically eligible.

Added note under "Categorical Households" explaining that actual income information provided with the application may be used instead of the income input into EIS Eligibility Information System if it would be in the client's best interest. Caseworkers should not pend for income information if it is already input into EIS Eligibility Information System .

MS 3002-1 D . CITIZENSHIP AND ELIGIBLE ALIEN STATUS

Added COFA Compact of Free Association migrants as a group eligible for HAP Heating Assistance Program due to a change in law effective March 9, 2024.

MS 3003-1 B. UNEARNED INCOME

Removed reference to Native Dividends as countable income, as they are considered exempt income per 7 AAC 44.042.

MS 3003-4 E. SELF-EMPLOYMENT ANNUALIZATION STANDARDS

Revised the self-employment annualization standards that change effective October 1, 2024.

MS 3003-6 GUIDELINES FOR COMPUTING INCOME

Added exception to the period in which we count income for categorically eligible clients.

MS 3004-1 ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION TIME FRAMES

Removed the September 1 through April 30 application acceptance dates for elderly and disabled applicants. Applications for all applicants are accepted from October 1 through April 30.

Changed references to "Expedited Heating Assistance" to "Crisis Assistance".

Changed the Crisis Assistance acceptance dates from January 1 through September 30 to October 1 through September 30.

Added priority processing eligibility determination timeframes.

Renumbered "Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit (SRHUD)".

MS 3004-5 GRANT COMPUTATION

Updated FY2024 to FY2025

Added reference to categorically eligibility and clarified the income verification requirement is for non-categorical eligible households.

Removed note stating AHFC Alaska Housing Finance Corporation households should be treated as a regular application with no utility allowance after the first year. These households are still subsidized and are still subject to the subsidized housing adjustment.

MS 3005 EXPEDITED CASES

Changed section title from "Expedited Cases" to "Expedited Applications" because HAP Heating Assistance Program clients are not assigned case numbers.

MS 3005-1 EXPEDITED APPLICATIONS

Renumbered section 3005-1 to 3005.

Renumbered section 3005-1A to 3005-1.

Renumbered section 3005-1B to 3005-2.

Removed elderly, disabled, and children under 6 years of age as qualifying criteria for expediting an application. Applications are only expedited if the client is in crisis or meets medically necessary criteria.

Clarified that client statement is accepted when a client states they have run out of oil, firewood, or coal.

Clarified applicants are required to provide both their primary heating fuel and electric billing statements when requesting expedited processing.

Changed availability of expedited service from January 1 to October 1.

Removed reference to referring clients to community resources if they request expedited service prior to January 1. Expedite service is now available all season.

MS 3005-2 EXPEDITED TIME FRAMES

Clarified that expedited eligibility service is available October 1 through September 30.

MS 3007-2 B. LOW INCOME TAX CREDIT PROGRAMS (LITC)

Updated the term "Low Income Tax Credit" to Low-Income Housing Tax Credit".

Changed the expandable acronym from " T&H Tlingit & Haida " to " THRHA Tlingit and Haida Regional Housing Authority " to distinguish between the Tlingit & Haida Regional Housing Authority (THRHA) and the Central Council for the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA or T&H).

MS 3008-1 TIME FRAMES

Updated the expedited acceptance and processing dates.

MS 3008-2 A . HEATING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS CAN ONLY BE USED FOR THE PURCHASE OF:

Changed grant percentage from 25% to 50% for the purchase of gasoline or propane for households who use a generator to produce their electricity.

Removed "lights" as one of the reasons to allow the purchase of a 30# bottle of propane. Households are now allowed to use 50% of their grant to purchase fuel to produce electricity if they live off-grid.

MS 3008-3 A. THE 75/25 SPLIT OPTION

Changed grant percentage from 75% primary home heating fuel / 25% electric to 50% primary home heating fuel / 50% for electric.

MS 3008-3 B. EXCEPTIONS TO THE 75/25 SPLIT OPTION

Updated the manual section title from "Exceptions to the 75/25 Split" to "Exceptions to the 50/50 Split."

Changed the grant percentage option from 75% primary home heating fuel / 25% electric to 50% primary home heating fuel / 50% for electric.

Removed the requirement for electricity to be the client's primary fuel type in order to receive payment to prevent electric service disconnection or reinstatement.

MS 3008-4 B. DIRECT PAYMENT

Changed email from hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov to vendors.liheap@alaska.gov.

Clarified that a direct payment can be made to a client if their primary heating fuel or electric account are setup in the landlord's name or the name of an individual who is not a member of the household.

Added note informing staff that ENSTAR will only accept LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments issued on behalf of an ENSTAR account holder or their legal spouse and to issue a direct payment to the household if the payment will issue under another household member's name.

MS 3008-4 C. VENDOR PAYMENT AND DIRECT PAYMENT

Changed the 75/25 grant split to 50/50 split.

MS 3008-6 GRANT TRANSFERS

Changed section title from "Grant Transfers" to "Grant Transfers and Refunds" to account for the refund information already presented in the section.

MS 3008-6 A. THE GRANT TRANSFER PROCESS

Changed subsection title from "The Grant Transfer Process" to "The Grant Transfer and Refund Process" to allow for the refund process to be addressed in this subsection.

Changed the grant transfer contact from the Policy Unit to the LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program coordinator.

Changed the contact email address from hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov to vendors.liheap@alaska.gov

Clarified that the justification for a refund and re-issuance request needs to include the client's new address information, primary heating fuel type, and new vendor account information for both heating fuel and electric.

Clarified that the caseworker informs the client of their payment refund and reissuance status.

ADDENDUM B HAP TRIBAL PROVIDERS

Changed FY2024 to FFY 2025.

ADDENDUM E INCOME GUIDELINES

Updated the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines for FFY2025.

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2025-01

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: April 1, 2025

Sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy and clarify existing policy.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development Team at hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

THROUGHOUT THE MANUAL

Changed Child Support Services Division (CSSD) to Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED) due to their name change

3001-4(H) INFORMATION FROM DATA SOURCES AND EIS INTERFACES

Revised section for clarity

3002-1(B) RESIDENCY

Clarified when caseworkers should consider Alaska residency questionable

3002-1(D) CITIZENSHIP AND ELIGIBLE ALIEN STATUS

Revised to clarify that alien status documentation must be validated through SAVE Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements in IEVS Instant Eligibility Verification System

3004-5 GRANT COMPUTATION

Clarified that ECOS Energy Community Online System calculates the points and that any point adjustments noted in the manual are only used for manual calculations

3008-4(A) VENDOR PAYMENT

Clarified that clients are not allowed to change vendors after benefit issuance unless they have moved out of their current vendor's service area, their primary fuel type has changed due to a change in residence, or their primary heating system has become inoperable

3008-6 GRANT TRANSFERS AND REFUNDS

Clarified that clients are not allowed to change vendors after benefit issuance unless they have moved out of their current vendor's service area, their primary fuel type has changed due to a change in residence, or their primary heating system has become inoperable

Addendum B TRIBAL PROVIDERS

Updated contact information for Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority (THRHA)

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2025-02

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: September 2, 2025

Several sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our division's policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development Team at hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 3000 INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITIONS

Clarified payments are made to HAP Heating Assistance Program approved vendors.

MS 3000-2 DEFINITIONS

Revised categorically eligible definition for clarity and removed APA Adult Public Assistance as an allowable program.

Updated categorically eligible note to clarify that state funded programs do not qualify for categorical eligibility status.

Updated the crisis definition by removing reference to outdoor temperature and the restriction of only on expedite request per season to align with the LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Model Plan.

Updated the life-threatening crisis definition by removing the weather restriction and the restriction of only one expedite request per season to align with the LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Model Plan.

Added definitions for the following terms: deliverable fuel, dwelling, emancipated minor, metered fuel, and minor child.

Added LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Model Plan definition, as defined in 7 AAC 44.900(16) .

Revised vulnerable population definition for clarity.

MS 3001-4 VERIFICATIONS

Clarified that all applicants must have annual heating costs exceeding $200.

Clarified that approved vendors are not required for wood purchases.

Revised house sitter verification options for clarity.

Removed the option to provide a rent receipt for verification of heat expenses. An applicant is not required to be current on their rental payments in order to receive assistance and the rental receipt does not verify the other factors required to determine eligibility, such as: primary fuel type, type of dwelling, number of bedrooms, etc.

Removed rent receipt from Example 3.

Clarified that applicants living in temporary shelter for more than 60 days must provide verification of an annual heating cost that exceeds $200. Heating costs may include daily shelter fees.

Revised section for clarity replaced "Priority Points" links with a link to HAP MS 3002-1A(13) .

Removed rent receipt requirement in Example 5, to align with updated policy within the section.

MS 3001-5 ACTIONS TAKEN ON THE APPLICATION

Removed reference to "office assistant" since DPA Division of Public Assistance has reclassed this position to a caseworker.

Removed note, stating households can only request expedite service once per season, as there is no limit to the number of applications a person can submit to the program.

Removed "medically necessary" criteria and replaced with "crisis" and "life-threatening crisis."

Clarified that DPA Division of Public Assistance can accept the verbal equivalent of a shut-off notice from a vendor.

Added note clarifying that client statement is acceptable when a client claims to be out of or within 48 hours of being out of deliverable fuel.

Clarified non-life-threatening crisis applications must be processed within 48 hours of DPA Division of Public Assistance receiving a complete application.

Changed the crisis application acceptance period from October 1 through September 30 to October 1 through June 30.

Clarified that address and vendor changes need to be documented and updated in ECOS Energy Community Online System .

MS 3002-1 TYPES OF HOUSEHOLDS

Revised section for clarity.

Corrected house sitter's required heating costs from "at least $200" to "exceeds $200."

Updated "Categorical Households" to "Categorically Eligible Households."

Replaced "income tested" with a list of the actual programs that a household may participate in to be considered Categorically Eligible.

Removed references to ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program as the reference to TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families includes ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program .

Clarified how categorical eligibility streamlines the HAP Heating Assistance Program application processing.

Updated categorically eligible note to clarify that state funded programs do not qualify for categorical eligibility status.

Added section regarding vulnerable populations and explained their eligibility priority over other applicants.

MS 3003-4 SELF-EMPLOYMENT ANNUALIZATION STANDARDS

Revised the self-employment annualization standards that change effective October 1, 2025.

MS 3004-1 ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION TIME FRAMES

Revised section for clarity.

Updated the Crisis Assistance application period from October 1 through September 30 to October 1 through June 30.

Clarified households are limited to one benefit per season from one of the three program components.

Clarified that supplement payments may be issued if the budget allows for it.

Added reference and link to "crisis" definition.

Added reference and link to the "vulnerable populations" definition.

Removed priority processing category "Application Priority Processing" as applications are required to be processed in date order of receipt per 7 AAC 44.030 .

Referenced "vulnerable population" households instead of listing out all of the different types of households that make-up the vulnerable population.

MS 3004-2 ASSISTANCE CATEGORIES

Added Categorical Eligibility as an assistance category tracked in ECOS Energy Community Online System .

MS 3004-5 GRANT COMPUTATION

Referenced "vulnerable population" households instead of listing out all of the different types of households that make-up the vulnerable population.

Updated FY 2025 to FY 2026.

MS 3005-2 EXPEDITED TIMEFRAMES

Added SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit as an expedited application type and outlined the season and timeframe for processing timely.

Updated the crisis application acceptance dates and timeframes for processing timely.

MS 3008-1 TIME FRAMES FOR ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS

Updated the timeframe for acceptance and processing of SRHUD Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit and crisis applications.

MS 3008-2 USE OF HAP PAYMENTS

Revised section for clarity.

Removed option to purchase propane when propane is not the primary home heating fuel or primary fuel used for power consumption.

Removed note requiring caseworkers to contact the local electric company to confirm a client lives off-grid. Client statement is acceptable.

Removed reference to types of oil and gasoline a vendor is allowed to let a household purchase when their primary heating fuel is self-harvested wood. Self-harvest wood households no longer have their benefit issued to a vendor; they receive direct payment.

MS 3008-4 METHODS OF PAYMENT

Removed reference to wood prices when shopping for the best deal through an approved vendor, as households who use wood as their primary heating fuel are not required to use an approved vendor and are issued a direct payment.

ADDENDUM A COMMUNITY LISTING

Updated Community Listying for FFY Federal Fiscal Year 2026.

ADDENDUM B HAP TRIBAL PROVIDERS

Updated Tribal Provider information for FFY Federal Fiscal Year 2026.

ADDENDUM E INCOME GUIDELINES

Updated the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines for FFY Federal Fiscal Year 2026.

ADDENDUM G INCOME GRID

Updated addendum title from "Income Grid" to "Countable and Excluded Income for HAP Heating Assistance Program " to align with DPA's other program manuals.

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2025-03

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: December 1, 2025

Several sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our division's policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development Team at hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 3000-2 DEFINITIONS

Removed Adult Public Assistance (APA) from the "mixed household" definition, as receipt of APA does not qualify a household as categorically eligible. This change prevents misinterpretation and aligns the manual with federal LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program guidance.

Removed "Public Assistance Household" definition as it is an obsolete term, which was specific to the previous eligibility system and is not applicable within ECOS Energy Community Online System .

3001-4 VERIFICATIONS

Updated the name of the child support payment system from WinStar to ACSESS Alaska Child Support Enforcement Services System .

ADDENDUM G COUNTABLE AND EXCLUDED INCOME FOR HAP

Added Census income to align with DPA manuals.

Added clarity to Educational Income rows (Title IV and Non-Title IV.)

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2026-01

MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program

DATE: April 1, 2026

Several sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our division's policy manuals.

If you have questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development Team at hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES