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DIVISION OF STATE SERVICE CENTERS OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
NUMBER: 400 Program: LIHEAP/Application and Eligibility STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE: DELAWARE LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
APPLICATION AND ELIGIBILITY
Approved: Date:_________________
Director:______________________
SECTION 400 APPLICATION AND ELIGIBILITY
The Delaware Health & Social Services /Division of State Service Centers/Office of Community Services (DHSS/DSSC/OCS) is the state recipient of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grant which funds the Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP). DHSS contracts with subgrantees to implement program services and benefits locally.
DEAP provides assistance to eligible low-income households to reduce their energy burden by subsidizing their fuel costs, particularly their heating cost. The delivery of DEAP assistance will begin with outreach to households which may be in need of assistance. The process begins with a responsive application process implemented by the subgrantee in its county service area, followed by the timely and accurate determination of benefits, payment to the energy vendor and an accurate credit by the vendor on the household's utility bill.
The sub grantee has an opportunity to impact the lives of a large number of low-income families by educating them in the areas of energy usage and conservation, as well as referring them to other programs for which they may qualify, particularly weatherization and other community services programs administered by the agency. (For more information on how the sub grantees do this, see Section 500, Outreach).
401.
I. APPLICATION
A household must apply for DEAP benefits in the county in which they reside.
The sub grantee has the responsibility of providing facilities for application that are convenient and fully accessible to prospective clientele. The waiting area should be bright and clean. Informative brochures and posters should be provided. The actual interview space should be arranged to maximize client confidentiality and comfort during the interview process.