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DEO LIHEAP Policies and Procedures Manual Page 27

K. For applicants living in government subsidized housing, the subrecipient must determine if all or part of their utility costs are paid directly or indirectly by the government. If the applicant receives an energy subsidy through Section 8 or a Public Housing Authority, then the subrecipient must subtract the amount of the subsidy available to the applicant during the period covered by the utility bill from the allowable LIHEAP crisis benefit calculated for the household. The applicant is not eligible for Crisis Assistance if their home heating and cooling costs are completely included in their rent and they have no obligation to pay any portion of the costs. .03 Weather Related/ Supply Shortage Category A. A weather related/supply shortage crisis program may be instituted upon declaration or order by DEO, the Florida State Governor, or President of the United States that a crisis or emergency exists that adversely affects low-income households. B. Allowable Weather Related/Supply Shortage measures and maximum benefit amounts allowable for each crisis are set by DEO depending on the extent of the damage. C. Where possible, the program should be coordinating with other programs such as Weatherization, Community Services Block Grant (transportation, food and rental assistance), and other local programs that may extend benefits that disaster victims can receive. D. Subrecipients may use the Weather-Related/Supply Shortage funds to aid eligible households until those funds are exhausted (or the declaration period ends, whichever occurs first). Any remaining funds not used for the emergency purposes may be moved to either Home Energy or Crisis Assistance through an Informal budget revision. E. In the event of a State- or Federally declared disaster, DEO will send an Information Memorandum to the LIHEAP subrecipients directly affected by the disaster event authorizing the use of Weather Related / Supply Shortage funds to assist those households in need during the time period covered by the disaster declaration. F. Weather Related / Supply Shortage funds are authorized to address specific needs within the affected service area. For detailed explanations of what these funds can be used for and the maximum per household benefit, please see Exhibit 6 within this manual.

.04 Applying for both Home Energy and Crisis Benefits: A. When an applicant applies for both categories of assistance, the subrecipient may first attempt to make a payment using Home Energy Benefits. If this action resolves the need (crisis or not), the applicant will be ineligible for any other