3 COOLING ASSISTANCE

Eligibility, 2605(c)(1)(A), 2605 (b)(2) - Assurance 2 3.1 Designate The income eligibility threshold used for the Cooling component: Add Household size Eligibility Guideline Eligibility Threshold 1 All Household Sizes State Median Income 60.00% 3.2 Do you have additional eligibility requirements for Cooling assistance? Yes No 3.3 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: Renters with utilities included in the rent? Yes No If yes, describe: LIHEAP is a non-entitlement benefit, determined and awarded for a single fiscal year. LIHEAP benefit amounts are determined using the District of Columbia’s LIHEAP Benefit Matrix, which calculates a household’s LIHEAP benefit based on household income, household size, type of dwelling (single or multifamily), and fuel type. Benefit amounts are reviewed annually based on a sliding scale in order to allocate scarce resources in such a way that, while serving as many eligible households as feasible, the highest benefits go to eligible households likely to have the highest energy burdens. (See Attachment, “District of Columbia LIHEAP Benefit Matrix”) Do you give priority in eligibility to: Older Adults (60 years or older)? Yes No If yes, describe: Individuals with a disability? Yes No If yes, describe: Young children? Yes No If yes, describe: Households with high energy burdens? Yes No If yes, describe: Other? Yes No If yes, describe: Explanations of policies for each "yes" checked above: 3.4 Describe how you prioritize the provision of cooling assistance to vulnerable populations, e.g., benefit amounts, early application periods, etc. A household where at least one member of the household receives a SNAP, TANF, or SSI benefit is categorically eligible for LIHEAP payment assistance. For the purposes of calculating the amount of the LIHEAP benefit, categorically eligible applicants must submit required LIHEAP application documentation to DOEE. DOEE calculates the LIHEAP benefit amount for a categorically eligible household according to the District of Columbia’s LIHEAP Benefit Matrix. Categorical eligibility for SNAP does not apply to the Emergency Mechanical System Program. Determination of Benefits 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 3.5 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: Benefit Levels, 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 3.6 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 $1,800 3.7 Do you provide in-kind (e.g., fans, air conditioners) and/or other forms of benefits? Yes No If yes, describe. Subject to available funding, electric space heaters, fans and blankets are provided to households that have been disconnected from energy service or the home heating oil supply is at 5% or less of capacity. The households must have been approved for LIHEAP in the current fiscal year. 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.