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Iowa LIHEAP Policy and Procedures Manual 15.00 Crisis Assistance

Effective 09/01/2023

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15.00 CRISIS ASSISTANCE

To be eligible for crisis assistance/Energy Crisis Intervention Payment (ECIP), a household must meet the LIHEAP program qualifications and must meet the definition of an “energy crisis” or “water crisis”.

If a LIHEAP customer applied for a Regular Assistance benefit and was approved, no re-verification of income is done for the crisis component of the LIHEAP program during that program year unless extenuating circumstances prevail (contact the state LIHEAP office for guidance).

When a member of a household which was approved for a LIHEAP Regular Assistance benefit moves and another household member remains in the home, see Section 14.00 for further guidance.

When a household moves from one CAA service area to another, see Section 14.30 for further guidance.

Between the end of the heating season and Sep. 30th, customers cannot apply for LIHEAP Regular Assistance, but they can still apply for Weatherization and/or ECIP. If a customer in need of Weatherization or ECIP applies for the first time within this period, the LIHEAP Application/Intake Form is still to be used, but is considered a ”Weatherization/ECIP Application/Intake Form, and will suffice as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and guidelines.

Crisis assistance can only be applied to LIHEAP or LIHWAP-eligible households. Eligibility for crisis assistance during this time does not constitute eligibility, or application, for LIHEAP program benefits the following year.

If a LIHEAP customer applied for LIHEAP Regular Assistance during the heating season and was denied, they may still apply for crisis assistance, if their circumstances changed. Provided a customer is LIHEAP- eligible, they may receive crisis assistance even if they did not apply during the LIHEAP heating season.

Agencies are not allowed to use any type of matrix or point system when approving crisis assistance, nor can any burden be placed on the applicant, such as a co-pay to the agency or requiring financial classes to secure approval of the application or disbursement of crisis assistance, unless expressly stated otherwise by the state LIHEAP office.

Households may receive crisis assistance multiple times throughout the year, up to the expenditure limits noted.

Energy Crisis “Energy crisis” means weather-related (including natural disasters) supply shortage emergencies, or other household energy related emergencies, as follows: ● Non-working heating unit (there must be a heating unit present) ● Temporary need for alternate shelter ● Disconnected from utility service ● Past-due amounts owed will lead to disconnection or Empty liquid propane (LP) tank ● LP tank less than 30% remaining ● Window/portable air conditioning unit or repair of existing central air unit, when medically necessary

Unless otherwise directed by the State LIHEAP office, each crisis situation will be evaluated individually by the CAA who shall determine the appropriate resolution and the amount of assistance to be provided, up to the maximum allowed. The nature of the crisis and the method of determining assistance shall be documented for the file. A household facing any of the crisis situations listed above, during times of extreme weather (extreme heat or cold), is defined as facing a life-threatening situation.