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The name on the utility bill does not have to match the head of the household name, but if the name does not match, the applicant or spouses’ name then applicant must complete second half of Vendor Declaration Form, “Authorization”. This form allows the applicant to state the reason for the bill being in someone else’s name. The applicant must sign this form.

Other documentation may be required by the sub grantee, in order to link the applicant to the assisted address. Such documentation includes a state issued drivers’ license, (or state ID), a rent receipt, rental or lease agreement, mortgage papers, telephone or cable bill, etc. Copies of these bills shall be placed in the client file for purposes of documentation.

414.

EMPLOYEE APPLICATIONS

Applications from households with any members who are employed by the sub grantee must have their application approved by the sub grantee, Program Manager.

415.

II. ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility is determined by income. Eligibility is currently 200% of the Federal Poverty Level as established by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB). See the chart in Appendix II of the LIHEAP State Plan or Section 1800, Forms. Income is calculated by determining gross income (before deductions). There are two exceptions to this rule. Social Security income and pensions are calculated using net income after deductions.

In addition to being income eligible, applicants must be responsible for paying a heating bill in order to receive assistance for heating, crisis and cooling electric. In order to receive an air conditioner, the applicant must have an electric bill. There are special circumstances for other categories such as room and boarders, college students, nursing home residents, etc., but those situations are addressed in another paragraph towards the end of this section on Application and Eligibility.

416.

INCOME

It is the household’s responsibility to provide accurate documentation of income. It is the sub grantee’s responsibility to assess the adequacy of that documentation and provide the applicant with a list of additional documentation needed to determine eligibility for benefits. Intake staff will encounter various forms of income documentation. The worker should use their best judgment, along with the opinions of their supervisors, in accepting or rejecting specific forms of income verification. Most importantly, workers should indicate, in writing to the case file, the reason for accepting documentation that may be considered less than ideal.