2 HEATING ASSISTANCE

Eligibility, 2605(b)(2) - Assurance 2 2.1 Designate the income eligibility threshold used for the heating component: Add Household size Eligibility Guideline Eligibility Threshold 1 12 State Median Income 60.00% 2 15 HHS Poverty Guidelines 150.00% 2.2 Do you have additional eligibility requirements for Heating Assistance? Yes No 2.3 Check the appropriate boxes below and describe the policies for each. Do you require an Assets test? Yes No If yes, describe: See below for explanation on 2.3. Do you have additional/differing eligibility policies for: Renters? Yes No If yes, describe: Renters with utilities included in their rent have to verify their rent to receive a Cash benefit given they don't have an energy bill under their name. In addition, Furnace Assistance (Crisis Assistance) is for homeowners. Since landlords have legal responsibility to provide heat to their tenants during the winter months, renters are not eligible for Furnace Assistance. Renters Living in subsidized housing? Yes No If yes, describe: See above. Renters with utilities included in the rent? Yes No If yes, describe: See above. Do you give priority in eligibility to: Older Adults (60 years or older)? Yes No If yes, describe: The heating assistance program is scheduled to start Wednesday, October 1, 2025 beginning with a priority for older adults, individuals with a disability, families with children under the age of six years and disconnected/imminent disconnect households. Other eligible households can start applying November 1, 2025. Individuals with a disability? Yes No If yes, describe: The heating assistance program is scheduled to start Wednesday, October 1, 2025 beginning with a priority for older adults, individuals with a disability, families with children under the age of six years and disconnected/imminent disconnect households. Other eligible households can start applying November 1, 2025. Young children? Yes No If yes, describe: The heating assistance program is scheduled to start Wednesday, October 1, 2025 beginning with a priority for older adults, individuals with a disability, families with children under the age of six years and disconnected/imminent disconnect households. Other eligible households can start applying November 1, 2025. Households with high energy burdens? Yes No If yes, describe: Other? Disconnected/Imminent Threat Yes No If yes, describe: Disconnected/imminent disconnected households are part of a priority group that gets to apply first. Explanations of policies for each "yes" checked above: See above. Determination of Benefits 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 2.4 Describe how you prioritize the provision of heating assistance to vulnerable populations, e.g., benefit amounts, early application periods, etc. One priority group will be established under the 2026 LIHEAP State Plan. This priority includes: older adults, individuals with a disability, families with at least one child under age 6, and households with disconnected energy services (or within 7 days of the disconnection date). The program will start October 1, 2025 and will be available to the Priority applicants. All other income eligible households will start applying November 1, 2025. The program will continue until August 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. The Department will be using the highest possible level by household size and as a result, the LIHEAP income guidelines will be set at 60% State Median Income. However, for households larger than 12 members, the 150% will be set as the maximum income eligibility criteria. 2.5 Check the variables you use to determine your benefit levels. (Check all that apply): Income Family (household) size Home energy cost or need: Fuel type Climate/region Individual bill Dwelling type Energy burden (% of income spent on home energy) Energy need Other - Describe: Although energy burden is not a factor in the Benefit Matrix, the Department takes the energy burden reduction into consideration when setting the goals of the new Benefit Matrix. Benefit Levels, 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 2.6 Describe estimated benefit levels for the fiscal year for which this plan applies. Please note: the maximum and minimum benefits must be shown in the payment matrix. Minimum Benefit $58 Maximum Benefit $2,564 2.7 Do you provide in-kind (e.g., blankets, space heaters) and/or other forms of benefits?2 Yes No If yes, describe. If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here.