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DEO LIHEAP Policies and Procedures Manual Page 30

Part 800 -- Application Intake and Processing .01 Application Period Subrecipients must distribute and accept applications for LIHEAP from the beginning date of each program. Applications may not be taken after all funds are obligated or the subrecipient's contract ends. The subrecipient must evaluate the seasonal need for assistance in their service area and budget funds in a manner that best meets those needs. If LIHEAP funds are not available, the subrecipient must refer the individual to other energy providers in the area. A. A subrecipient with available funds will accept an application when the applicant has signed, dated, and delivered it to the office in the county where they live. B. If submitted by mail, the subrecipient must receive the application at the local subrecipient office designated to accept applications before the end of the application period. .02 LIHEAP Application Form A. DEO does not prescribe a specific LIHEAP application template. Each subrecipient may develop its own LIHEAP application but it must include, at minimum, the information listed in both the LIHEAP Subgrant Agreement and LIHEAP Monitoring Field Manual. B. Applicants must use the subrecipient’s most current LIHEAP application form. C. Applications received in another form, such as a letter expressing intent to apply, will not be considered an application for LIHEAP. Subrecipients must reply to this type of correspondence with information on how to apply. .03 Application Assistance Subrecipients must provide assistance at each designated accepting location to applicants who request help. If the subrecipient is unable to assist a home bound applicant by telephone, the subrecipient will make a home visit to do so. .04 Application Locations Each subrecipient must designate specific locations to accept applications. A. Applications will be accepted only at locations designated by the subrecipient. B. Service organizations, if approved by the subrecipient, may receive applications. However, these offices must forward the applications to a designated subrecipient office while funds remain available.