Transmittal 2022-02 (09/22)

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.