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7 It is the local agency’s decision whether a household member is in a life-threatening situation due to severe weather. Verification of required documentation may be waived if such verification cannot be obtained within 18 hours. Instead, the applicant's statements may be accepted and recorded in Customer Notes in the state-wide intake database, FACSPro.
3.2.2 Resolving a Crisis Crisis households are protected under Title V of the Human Service Reauthorization Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-425). This Act mandates that all LIHEAP agencies implement procedures designed to:
a) Resolve the crisis within 48 hours from the time all required documentation has been verified and the client signs the completed application. If the crisis is life- threatening, it must be resolved within 18 hours from the time the client signs the completed application; and
b) Take applications at geographically accessible locations; and
c) Arrange transportation for or provide the means for the elderly or disabled to apply for assistance without leaving their home.
Requirement "a" can only be met by the implementation of procedures which allow the local LIHEAP agencies to respond to crisis cases within 48 hours and within 18 hours if life- threatening. During annual monitoring visits and on an as-needed basis throughout the program year, the State Office will review the local agency’s procedures on how it responds to Crisis applications.
Requirement "b" is currently being met by the State policy which requires the local agencies to maintain at least one office in every county in their purview.
Requirement "c" is currently being met by the State policy which allows elderly and disabled applicants to designate an authorized representative to apply on their behalf.
Allowable activities to meet the Federally mandated 18-hour and 48-hour requirement include the following:
1. Providing a pledge of payment to a utility company in the amount necessary to maintain service for the next 30 days or to restore service.
2. Providing a pledge of payment to a deliverable fuel (propane, wood, coal or kerosene) company in the amount necessary for enough deliverable fuel to provide the household with heat for the next 30 days.
3. Payment for minor repair/replacement of worn parts on air conditioners and existing heating units.