us-ak/policy/acf/liheap-plan

(fy2026)Alaska LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan, FY 2026#

(fy2026)(1)1 Program Components#

THE PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT OF 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)Use of this model plan is optional. However, the information requested is required in order to receive a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grant.Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the collection of information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Section 1 Program Components Program Components, 2605(a), 2605(b)(1) - Assurance 1, 2605(c)(1)(C) 1.1 Check which components you will operate under the LIHEAP program. (Note: You must provide information for each component designated here as requested elsewhere in this plan.) Dates of Operation Start Date End Date Heating assistance 10/01/2025 04/30/2026 Cooling assistance Summer crisis assistance Winter crisis assistance 10/01/2025 06/30/2026 Year-round crisis assistance Weatherization assistance 10/01/2025 09/30/2026 Provide further explanation for the dates of operation, if necessary The dates of operation for each program component are contingent upon the availability of LIHEAP funding and may be adjusted accordingly. Estimated Funding Allocation, 2604(C), 2605(k)(1), 2605(b)(9), 2605(b)(16) - Assurances 9 and 16 1.2 Estimate what amount of available LIHEAP funds will be used for each component that you will operate: The total of all percentages must add up to 100%. Percentage ( % ) Prior year totals Heating assistance 63.00% 63.00% Cooling assistance 0.00% 0.00% Summer crisis assistance 0.00% 0.00% Winter crisis assistance 7.00% 0.00% Year-round crisis assistance 0.00% 7.00% Weatherization assistance 15.00% 15.00% Carryover to the following federal fiscal year 5.00% 5.00% Administrative and planning costs 10.00% 10.00% Services to reduce home energy needs including needs assessment (Assurance 16) 0.00% 0.00% Used to develop and implement leveraging activities 0.00% 0.00% TOTAL 100.00% 100.00% Tribal grant recipients: direct-grant tribes, tribal organizations, or territories with allotments of $20,000 or less may use for planning and administration up to 20% of the funds payable. Grant recipients that are direct grant tribes, tribal organizations, or territories with allotments over $20,000 may use for planning and administration purposes up to 20% of the first $20,000 (or $4,000) plus 10% of the funds payable that exceeds $20,000. Any administrative costs in excess of these limits must be paid from non-federal sources. Alternate Use of Crisis Assistance Funds, 2605(c)(1)(C) 1.3 The funds reserved for winter crisis assistance that have not been expended by March 15 will be reprogrammed to: Heating assistance Cooling assistance Weatherization assistance Other (specify:) Crisis applications received between March 16 - June 30. Categorical Eligibility, 2605(b)(2)(A) - Assurance 2, 2605(c)(1)(A), 2605(b)(8A) - Assurance 8 1.4 Do you consider households categorically eligible if at least one household member receives at least one of the following categories of benefits in the left column below? Yes No If you answered "Yes" to question 1.4, you must complete the table below and answer questions 1.5 and 1.6. Heating Cooling Crisis Weatherization TANF Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No SSI Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No SNAP Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Means-tested Veterans Programs Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No 1.4a. Provide your definition of categorical eligibility. Please explain how households are categorically eligible (i.e, do all household members need to receive the benefits or just one member, is there a data exchange in place?) and how categorical eligibility streamlines the LIHEAP application process. When all household members participate in federally funded Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Supplement Security Income (SSI). The caseworker will use the income from the household's open public assistance case in the state’s Eligibility Information System (EIS) as their gross monthly income for the income portion of the heating assistance benefit calculation. Household members are considered categorically eligible if they have received TANF, SNAP, or SSI from the month prior to the submission of the heating assistance application (HAP1) through the month in which LIHEAP eligibility is determined. If only a portion of the household members are receiving TANF, SNAP, or SSI, the caseworker may use the income in EIS to verify said member’s income but will still need to obtain proof of income for all other household members not on the public assistance case. Categorical eligibility streamlines the LIHEAP application process by removing the requirement to verify current income. It does not guarantee the household will be eligible to receive a benefit. 1.5 Do you automatically enroll households without a direct annual application? Yes No If Yes, explain: 1.6 How do you ensure there is no difference in the treatment of categorically eligible households from those not receiving other public assistance when determining eligibility and benefit amounts? Categorical Eligibility is used solely for the income verification portion of the benefit calculation. All households are required to complete an application, submit copies of their primary heating fuel and electric bills, and meet all other eligibility criteria. The same benefit determination methodology is applied to all households. SNAP Nominal Payments 1.7a Do you allocate LIHEAP funds toward a nominal payment for SNAP households? Yes No If you answered "Yes" to question 1.7a, you must provide a response to questions 1.7b, 1.7c, and 1.7d. 1.7b Amount of Nominal Assistance: $0.00 1.7c Frequency of Assistance Once Per Year Once every five years Other - Describe: 1.7d How do you confirm that the household receiving a nominal payment has an energy cost or need? Determination of Eligibility - Countable Income 1.8. In determining a household's income eligibility for LIHEAP, do you use gross income or net income? Gross Income Net Income Other - Describe 1.9. Select all the applicable forms of countable income used to determine a household's income eligibility for LIHEAP Wages Self - Employment Income Contract Income Payments from mortgage or Sales Contracts Unemployment insurance Strike Pay Social Security Administration (SSA ) benefits Including MediCare deduction Excluding MediCare deduction Supplemental Security Income (SSI ) Retirement / pension benefits General Assistance benefits Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits Loans that need to be repaid Cash gifts Savings account balance One-time lump-sum payments, such as rebates/credits, winnings from lotteries, refund deposits, etc. Jury duty compensation Rental income Income from employment through Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Income from work study programs Alimony Child support Interest, dividends, or royalties Commissions Legal settlements Insurance payments made directly to the insured Insurance payments made specifically for the repayment of a bill, debt, or estimate Veterans Administration (VA) benefits Earned income of a child under the age of 18 Balance of retirement, pension, or annuity accounts where funds cannot be withdrawn without a penalty. Income tax refunds Stipends from senior companion programs, such as VISTA Funds received by household for the care of a foster child Ameri-Corp Program payments for living allowances, earnings, and in-kind aid Reimbursements (for mileage, gas, lodging, meals, etc.) Other The following income is considered countable: Educational income if it is not for tuition, fees, etc.; excess reimbursements; military and family allotments; refugee assistance, subsidized adoption, income from sale of stocks, bonds, escrow, Trade Readjustment Act payments, capital gains, natural resource conservation service grants, health care stipends, subsidized utility allowances if paid directly to the household, General Assistance and Borough of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance benefits if paid directly to the household; and the monthly entitlement including the cost of Medicare, if deducted, is counted as income in the month of intended use. The following income is not considered countable: Cash gifts under $20; and 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. If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here. 1.10 Do you have an online application process Yes No 1.10a If yes, describe the type of online application (Select all boxes that apply) A PDF version of the application is available online and can be downloaded, filled out and mailed in for processing. A state-wide online application that allows a customer to complete data entry and submit an application electronically for processing. One or more locally available online applications that allows a customer to complete data entry and submit an application electronically for processing. Online application that is also mobile friendly Other, please describe The Division of Public Assistance (DPA) is developing an online application that will allow applicants to complete and submit their LIHEAP application electronically. The anticipated go-live date is October 1, 2025. Please include a link(s) to a statewide application, if available: 1.10b Can all program components be applied for online? Yes No If no, explain which components can and cannot be applied for online. The online LIHEAP application is in development as described above. Weatherization services are administered through the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation's grantees (information is available online here: https://www.ahfc.us/efficiency/weatherization). Application processes vary. 1.11 Do you have a process for conducting and completing applications by phone Yes No 1.12 Do you or any of your subrecipients require in person appointments in order to apply Yes No If yes, please provide more information regarding why in-person appointments are required and in what circumstances they are required. 1.13 How can applicants submit documentation for verification? Select all that apply: In-person Mail Email Portal application Other, please describe Fax and drop-box. Hidden for Section 1

(fy2026)Alaska LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan, FY 2026#

(fy2026)(1)1 Program Components#

(fy2026-benefit-matrix)Alaska LIHEAP FY 2026 plan attachment: Heating Assistance Benefit Computation#

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FY26 Alaska LIHEAP Model Plan Attachment FY2026 Heating Assistance Benefit 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. • 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 The Division will multiply the community heating cost points by the first factor listed below that describes the household's dwelling. 1. 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. 2. The factor of 0.4 if the household resides in a recreational vehicle, tent, or pickup camper. 3. the factor of 0.15 if the household resides in a one-room dwelling such as a studio apartment, hotel, or boarding home. 4. The factor of 0.35 if the household resides in a mobile home or boat with heated living space less than 980 square feet. 5. The factor of 0.55 if the household resides in a one-bedroom dwelling, or a one-room house or cabin without bedrooms. 6. The factor of 1.3 if the household resides in a three-or-more-bedroom single family, duplex, or triplex home. 7. 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. 8. The factor of 1 if the household resides in a two-bedroom single family home, duplex, or triplex home. 9. The factor of 0 if the household is applying for a SRHUD.

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FY26 Alaska LIHEAP Model Plan 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 The division reviews each household's gross income for the month prior to application. Household members are considered categorically eligible if they have received federally funded assistance from the month prior to the submission of the heating assistance application (HAP 1) through the month in which LIHEAP eligibility is determined. Verification for non-categorical eligible households may be provided through documentary evidence (wage stub, award letter, etc.), DPA and DOL records, or impartial third parties such as fee agents, village council representatives, or social service agencies. The division will 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. • 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; • 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; • 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; • 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: • 50 percent of points if the household's gross monthly income is more than 125 percent of Alaska's FPL but no more than 150 percent. If the household's gross monthly income exceeds the maximum allowable FPL, the household is not eligible. Step 4 – Priority Groups Add one point to the income adjusted heating cost points if the household includes one or more members 60 years of age or older, legally disabled, or under six years of age. 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. 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

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FY26 Alaska LIHEAP Model Plan ECOS 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:

The amount of the HAP 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 2026 heating assistance season, this rate is $175 per point.

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 underage 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, $2,700 125.01-150% 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

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FY26 Alaska LIHEAP Model Plan

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, $2,900 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, $1,900 125.01-150% 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

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Attachment Section 2.6 Benefit Levels, 2605(b)(5)-Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B

If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here. 2.6 - *The minimum benefit calculation is 2 points x $175 per point. The maximum benefit calculation is 35 points x $175 per point.

The minimum and maximum benefit amounts do not include the following household types: renters who receive a utility allowance as part of their subsidized housing agreement and household sharers.

The minimum benefit for an applicant who receives a utility allowance as part of their subsidized housing agreement is $175. This is because a 50% reduction is applied to the applicant’s total benefit calculation.

The minimum benefit for an applicant in a household sharer situation is dependent on how many households share a dwelling. The total grant is reduced to the household’s proportion of the total number of households in the dwelling. If the applicant household shares the dwelling with one other household their total benefit would be reduced to 50%. If the applicant household shares the dwelling with two other households their total benefit would be reduced to 33.33%. FY26 Alaska LIHEAP Model Plan

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Attachment Section 4.12 Benefit Levels, 2605(c)(1)(B) - Assurance 1 If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the f ields provided, attach a document with said explanation here. B enefit Levels, 2605(c)(1)(B) 4.12 Indicate the maximum benefit amount for each type of assistance offered Applicants can receive a crisis assistance payment and a heating system repair or replacement listed in 4.15. Repair or replacement is not subject to the $6,125 Winter Crisis maximum benefit. Funding of this component is contingent upon the availability of unexpended LIHEAP funds after April 30 and before September 1 of each year. FY26 Alaska LIHEAP Model Plan

(fy2026)Alaska LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan, FY 2026#

(fy2026)(1)1 Program Components#

(fy2026)Alaska LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan, FY 2026#

(fy2026)(1)1 Program Components#

(fy2026)(2)2 HEATING ASSISTANCE#

(fy2026)(3)3 COOLING ASSISTANCE#

(fy2026)(4)4 CRISIS ASSISTANCE#

(fy2026)(5)5 WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE#

(fy2026)(6)6 Outreach, 2605(b)(3) - Assurance 3, 2605(c)(3)(A)#

(fy2026)(7)7 Coordination, 2605(b)(4) - Assurance 4#

(fy2026)(8)8 Agency Designation,, 2605(b)(6) - Assurance 6#

(fy2026)(9)9 Energy Suppliers,, 2605(b)(7) - Assurance 7#

(fy2026)(10)10 Program, Fiscal Monitoring, and Audit, 2605(b)(10) - Assurance 10#

(fy2026)(11)11 Timely and Meaningful Public Participation, , 2605(b)(12) - Assurance 12, 2605(c)(2)#

(fy2026)(12)12 Fair Hearings,2605(b)(13) - Assurance 13#

(fy2026)(13)13 Reduction of home energy needs,2605(b)(16) - Assurance 16#

(fy2026)(14)14 Leveraging Incentive Program ,2607A#

(fy2026)(15)15 Training#

(fy2026)(16)16 Performance Goals and Measures, 2605(b)#

(fy2026)(17)17 Program Integrity, 2605(b)(10)#

(fy2026)(18)18 Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters#

(fy2026)(19)19 Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements#

(fy2026)(20)20 Certification Regarding Lobbying#

(fy2026-benefit-matrix)Alaska LIHEAP FY 2026 plan attachment: Heating Assistance Benefit Computation#

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