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Categorically eligible means that the income of the household member receiving one of these benefits does not need to be re-verified as eligibility for those programs includes an income determination. However, the household is not automatically placed in the Level 1 benefit tier, as the income of other household members must be verified to determine the correct benefit level, which would not be less than that provided for households with income between 201% of the federal poverty guidelines (FPG) and 60% of the state median income (SMI).

Note: While recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are categorically eligible, DSS does not administer this program and cannot verify SSI income through internal systems. Therefore, households must submit documentation of SSI income when applicable.

In addition, all categorically eligible households, must meet all other CEAP eligibility requirements to receive benefits.

150% OF 2025 FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES

Household Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Annual Income $23,475 $31,725 $39,975 $48,225 $56,475 $64,725 $72,975 $81,225

(For households with more than eight members, add $5,500 for each additional member.)

B. CEAP benefits are available to eligible households with incomes at or below 60% of the state median income.

60% OF 2025 STATE MEDIAN INCOME GUIDELINES

Household Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Annual Income $47,764 $62,460 $77,157 $91,854 $106,550 $121,247 $124,002 $126,758

V. ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION

A. Basic Eligibility Criteria for Categorically Eligible Households

Members of a household that is deemed categorically eligible as described in Section IV.A. must apply in order to receive CEAP benefits. Categorically eligible household members are deemed to have met all income eligibility and income verification requirements based on their enrollment in the programs cited in Section IV.A.

B. Basic Eligibility Criteria for All Other Eligible Households

1. Income Documentation

For households that are not categorically eligible, or that contain household members whose income is not covered by a qualifying program, income documentation must be as follows: • Income documentation from the previous thirty days or four consecutive weeks anytime in the past three months prior to the date of application, to be annualized. • Alternatively, income documentation for the previous fifty-two weeks prior to the date of application may be submitted if it more accurately reflects the household’s