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Iowa LIHEAP Policy and Procedures Manual 13.00 Disconnected LIHEAP Customers

Effective 09/01/2023

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13.00 DISCONNECTED LIHEAP CUSTOMERS

13.10 Disconnected from Heat Source – Regular Assistance The procedure for those households currently disconnected from their primary heat source who wish to apply for LIHEAP Regular Assistance is as follows:

1. Take the application.

2. Determine through the utility company how much the household owes and whether LIHEAP funds, together with any other resources, are sufficient to guarantee reconnection. LIHEAP funds may NOT be sent to the account of a disconnected household if it will not establish reconnection.

3. If unable to guarantee reconnection, determine whether any other source of heat may be established.

4. If unable to establish another source of heat, the funds for which the household is eligible are to be made as a direct payment. Direct payment is made with the hope that the LIHEAP customer is able to find an alternate source of fuel or perhaps another place to stay, until they can pay the bill and be reconnected.

13.20 Disconnected from Heat Source – Crisis The procedure for those households currently disconnected from their utility who wish to apply for crisis assistance is as follows:

1. Take the application.

2. Determine through the utility company how much the household owes and whether crisis funds, together with any other resources, are sufficient to guarantee reconnection. Crisis funds may NOT be sent to the account of a disconnected household if it will not establish reconnection.

3. If unable to guarantee reconnection, refer the household to other resources.

13.30 Disconnected from Water Service Provider - Crisis The procedure for those households currently disconnected from their drinking water and/or wastewater service(s) who wish to apply for crisis assistance is as follows:

1. Take the application.

2. Determine through the water service provider how much the household owes for water-related service and whether crisis funds, together with any other resources, are sufficient to guarantee reconnection. If able to establish service, payment is to be made to the water service provider (not to the household). Crisis funds may NOT be sent to the water supplier of a disconnected household if it will not establish reconnection.

If unable to guarantee reconnection, refer the household to other resources.