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To ensure the authenticity of vendors, all heating oil and propane vendors wishing to participate in CEAP must provide DSS with verification that they have registered with the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) in accordance with section 16a-23m of the Connecticut General Statutes.

VII. FRAUD

Persons who, following the completion of due process procedures defined in agency regulations, are found to have misrepresented their circumstances when applying for energy assistance are subject to prosecution and/or recoupment of benefits provided, and are ineligible to receive services during the remainder of the current program year. In addition, said households are prohibited from participation for a period of two program years subsequent to the year in which the misrepresentation occurred. Persons who divert benefits to ineligible households are subject to the same penalties, following proper due process as defined in agency regulations. Vendors or home energy suppliers suspected of fraud, misrepresentation, or a violation of any aspect of the Vendor Participation Document may be suspended from participation in CEAP while legal proceedings are pending. Vendors or home energy providers convicted of fraud will be suspended from participation in CEAP for a period of five years following the year in which the offense occurred or was identified.

The Department maintains a Fraud Hotline (1-800-842-2155) for individuals and vendors to report cases of suspected program abuse. Additionally, the Department has a webpage that details information about efforts to identify and eliminate fraud. Suspected abuse of CEAP services can be reported by completing a complaint form found on the webpage: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Quality-Assurance/To-Report-Fraud-or-Abuse-of- Programs.

Finally, the CAAs refer applications to DSS’ Office of Community Services when there is a questionable discrepancy or suspected misrepresentation by an applicant.

VIII. BASIC BENEFIT LEVELS

Basic Benefit awards are determined based on income, household size and vulnerability. Vulnerable households and households with the lowest incomes receive the highest awards.

Note: Boarders are not eligible to receive CEAP benefits. The chart below details the Basic Benefit awards: BASIC BENEFITS

Level Poverty Guidelines Vulnerable Households Non-Vulnerable Households 1 At or below 125% FPG $645 $595 2 126% FPG – 200% FPG $495 $445 3 201% FPG – 60% SMI $345 $295

If the final funding level released for FFY 2026 is greater or less than the estimated funding level used to develop this Plan, DSS may adjust the Basic Benefits and/or income eligibility criteria to reflect the difference.

IX. RENTAL ASSISTANCE BENEFIT LEVELS

Rental Assistance Benefits are available to those households who do not make direct-to-vendor payments