2 HEATING ASSISTANCE

Eligibility, 2605(b)(2) - Assurance 2 2.1 Designate the income eligibility threshold used for the heating component: Add Household size Eligibility Guideline Eligibility Threshold 1 9 State Median Income 60.00% 2 10 HHS Poverty Guidelines 150.00% 2.2 Do you have additional eligibility requirements for Heating Assistance? Yes No 2.3 Check the appropriate boxes below and describe the policies for each. Do you require an Assets test? Yes No If yes, describe: N/A Do you have additional/differing eligibility policies for: Renters? Yes No If yes, describe: N/A Renters Living in subsidized housing? Yes No If yes, describe: Renters living in subsidizing housing, who receive a utility reimbursement, are not eligible for LIHEAP if the amount of the reimbursement exceeds the amount of their monthly utility bill. Renters with utilities included in the rent? Yes No If yes, describe: N/A Do you give priority in eligibility to: Older Adults (60 years or older)? Yes No If yes, describe: Prioritization for vulnerable populations is completed by allowing for higher benefit payments. This is calculated through the benefit matrix. Vulnerable populations will not receive prioritized/expedited application processing (unless they are experiencing a crisis). Individuals with a disability? Yes No If yes, describe: Prioritization for vulnerable populations is completed by allowing for higher benefit payments. This is calculated through the benefit matrix. Vulnerable populations will not receive prioritized/expedited application processing (unless they are experiencing a crisis). Young children? Yes No If yes, describe: Prioritization for vulnerable populations is completed by allowing for higher benefit payments. This is calculated through the benefit matrix. Vulnerable populations will not receive prioritized/expedited application processing (unless they are experiencing a crisis). Households with high energy burdens? Yes No If yes, describe: Prioritization for vulnerable populations is completed by allowing for higher benefit payments. This is calculated through the benefit matrix. Vulnerable populations will not receive prioritized/expedited application processing (unless they are experiencing a crisis). Other? Veterans Yes No If yes, describe: Prioritization for vulnerable populations is completed by allowing for higher benefit payments. This is calculated through the benefit matrix. Vulnerable populations will not receive prioritized/expedited application processing (unless they are experiencing a crisis). Explanations of policies for each "yes" checked above: Renters living in subsidizing housing, who receive a utility reimbursement, are not eligible for LIHEAP if the amount of the reimbursement exceeds the amount of their monthly utility bill. Prioritization for vulnerable populations is completed by allowing for higher benefit payments. This is calculated through the benefit matrix. Vulnerable populations will not receive prioritized/expedited application processing (unless they are experiencing a crisis). When determining benefit amounts, additional points are given to households with high energy burdens, elderly (60+ years old), disabled, veterans, and children 6 years old and under. A household may receive one point for each category, if eligible. The DES Senior Utility Assistance Program (SUAP) allows elderly participants to recertify using a shorter application and guarantees the maximum benefit allowed on the benefit matrix. DES will also hold aside funding specifically for those within the recertification program to ensure vulnerable populations are served equitably. Determination of Benefits 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 2.4 Describe how you prioritize the provision of heating assistance to vulnerable populations, e.g., benefit amounts, early application periods, etc. When determining benefit amounts, additional points are given to households with high energy burdens, elderly (60+ years old), disabled, veterans, and children 6 years old and under. A household may receive one point for each category, if eligible. Elderly participants in recertification programs may use a pre-register/pre-enrollment application process, therefore giving them a priority. 2.5 Check the variables you use to determine your benefit levels. (Check all that apply): Income Family (household) size Home energy cost or need: Fuel type Climate/region Individual bill Dwelling type Energy burden (% of income spent on home energy) Energy need Other - Describe: Elderly, disabled, veterans and households with children age 6 and under are given additional points for eligibility, which could increase the benefit level. Added points are included in the calculation of households utilizing portable fuels. Benefit Levels, 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 2.6 Describe estimated benefit levels for the fiscal year for which this plan applies. Please note: the maximum and minimum benefits must be shown in the payment matrix. Minimum Benefit $160 Maximum Benefit $640 2.7 Do you provide in-kind (e.g., blankets, space heaters) and/or other forms of benefits?2 Yes No If yes, describe. ADES does not directly provide in-kind benefits, however, CAA’s and CAA Subcontractors completing LIHEAP Intake offer blankets, wood, wood pellets, and bottled propane, when available. 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.