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DEO LIHEAP Policies and Procedures Manual Page 26

Crisis Assistance benefit and document the client file that the emergency was resolved within 48 hours. Eligible Actions include: 1 Approval of application – To be used when an applicant brings in all necessary documentation and eligibility can be established. The date that the applicant submits the application is the Application Receipt date and the subrecipient has 15 days to finalize the application by getting supervisor approval and sending to the client the Notice of Approval and Appeal (unless provided to client at time of application). 2 Denial of application pending further information – To be used when an applicant applies for Crisis Assistance. Eligibility cannot be determined because of missing or incomplete documentation/information. The subrecipient must provide, at the time that the application is ‘denied pending’, a Notice of Denial and Appeals stating exactly what information must be provided prior to application approval. The subrecipient should also choose at least one other Eligible Action to assist in avoiding or resolving the crisis, especially if the energy source is disconnected or if disconnection is imminent and disruption to services may cause a health hazard for the applicant’s household. 3 Denial of application because applicant is deemed ineligible – To be used when the applicant is ineligible for any reason. The subrecipient should also choose at least one other Eligible Action to assist the applicant in avoiding or resolving the crisis, such as assistance with finding additional resources. 4 Contact utility vendor to halt power disconnection or interruption in services – to be used when the subrecipient has enough information to either approve or conditionally approve the application and service disruption is imminent. 5 Written referral to, along with providing applicant assistance in contacting, another subrecipient if LIHEAP funding is not available or the applicant is ineligible – the subrecipient must seek due diligence to seek out other resources, even if those resources are unable to assist. Other resources include non-monetary assistance such as availability of prepared meals for the family (if unable to cook because of power disruption), assistance to contact utility vendor and make payment arrangements to avoid a shutoff, assistance through other programs such as CSBG to provide food, and transportation or rental assistance to help the applicant use their own resources then to pay the utilities.