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 All Household Sizes State Median Income 60.00% 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: Do you have additional/differing eligibility policies for: Renters? Yes No If yes, describe: Renters Living in subsidized housing? Yes No If yes, describe: Households in subsidized housing with heat in rent are not vulnerable to rising heat costs, and are not eligible. Households in subsidized housing that pay their heat directly to a heat vendor/ pay a surcharge to their rent to their landlord are considered vulnerable and are eligible for assistance. Renters with utilities included in the rent? Yes No If yes, describe: Do you give priority in eligibility to: Older Adults (60 years or older)? Yes No If yes, describe: Preference is given to the elderly by allowing local agencies to accept applications from these households prior to the official start of the program, which is November 1st. Individuals with a disability? Yes No If yes, describe: Preference is given to households with a disabled member by allowing local agencies to accept applications from these households prior to the official start of the program, which is November 1st. Young children? Yes No If yes, describe: Preference is given to households with young children by allowing local agencies to accept applications from these households prior to the official start of the program, which is November 1st. Households with high energy burdens? Yes No If yes, describe: Other? Yes No If yes, describe: Explanations of policies for each "yes" checked above: Colorado LIHEAP coordinates a mass mailing of applications including instructions and self-addressed, stamped envelopes to all previous year LIHEAP recipients including households with elderly, disabled and young children prior to the start of the season. This early application period allows for local agencies to expedite the eligibility determination process for vulnerable households. 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. Preference is given to the vulnerable populations by allowing early applications from this population starting October 1, prior to the program year starting November 1. Any of these households that received LEAP last year has an application mailed to them mid to late September for application. 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: Actual home heating costs for primary fuel are utilized to determine each applicant household's benefit from the previous November through April heating season. These costs are provided by each applicant household's utility company. Flat rates based on average home heating costs for each fuel and dwelling type are utilized for households that use a vendor who does not have an agreement with the State or where heat is included in rent. Flat Rate chart is included with the income guidelines chart. Please see the Methodology for Calculating a LEAP Benefit and Benefit Matrix. 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 $200 Maximum Benefit $1,000 2.7 Do you provide in-kind (e.g., blankets, space heaters) and/or other forms of benefits?2 Yes No If yes, describe. The State's contracted project management organization for the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP), Energy Outreach Colorado, is required through the terms of the contract to provide blankets, space heaters, and optional shelter, if applicable, to those households who are without heat due to an inoperable furnace or unable to access the primary heating source due to severe weather. 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.