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Iowa LIHEAP Policy and Procedures Manual 20.00 Definitions

Effective 09/01/2023

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20.00 DEFINITIONS

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY A living unit where a third party assists the resident with one or more of the resident’s basic daily activities. Basic daily activities include, but are not limited to, meal preparation, food shopping, regular medical care (shots, rehab, etc.), transportation assistance, house cleaning, or home maintenance. If the LIHEAP customer is responsible for energy costs (heat, electric and water), lives in an independent apartment within an assisted living complex, and pays full market rent, consult the state LIHEAP office for a determination of the status of the dwelling as an eligible or ineligible assisted living unit.

ATTACHED HOUSEHOLD Those cases in which more than one household resides within a single structure (i.e., multi-unit dwellings such as duplexes, apartments, etc.).

BENEFIT(S) Any LIHEAP program assistance provided to the household.

BULLETIN BOARD LIHEAP’s electronic vendor notification system for utilities (Alliant Energy, Black Hills Energy, MidAmerican Energy, Central Iowa REC, Clayton (Allamakee) REC, Consumers, and TIP).

Utilities are notified via the Bulletin Board of applications that are initially approved to receive LIHEAP benefits. In rare cases after final approval, the benefit amount may change or the approval is denied. In cases where the utility was notified of an approval which later became a denial, the CAA will email the appropriate utility regarding the change.

BUYING A HOME ON CONTRACT The buyer agrees to buy a home by entering into a contract with the seller. The buyer and seller agree to a purchase price as well as other terms. The buyer usually agrees to make an initial down payment and then a number of regular payments. After the buyer makes all payments and completes other important obligations, the seller transfers title of the home to the buyer. Appropriate documentation verifying a legal purchasing contract is in place is required.

CHILD An individual under 18 years of age.

CUSTOMER A family or individual who is applying for LIHEAP assistance.

DEPENDENT CARE Some LIHEAP customers may have someone living with them who provides health/supportive services. If the caregiver lives with the LIHEAP customer and that is their only residence they will be counted as part of the household and their income will be included. If the caregiver provides documentation that they have their own residence they will not be included as part of the household and income will not be included. If the live-in caregiver is paid solely by the LIHEAP customer and no other money is paid from outside of the household, the income of the caregiver will not be counted as income. If the live-in caregiver is paid from a source outside of the residence that amount shall be counted as income.

DETACHED HOUSEHOLD A household occupying a single-unit dwelling (i.e., not more than one household residing in the complete structure).