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unpaid bills. Applicant may still be eligible if service address corresponds with the applicant’s residence, and an explanation is given as to why the utilities are not in the applicant’s name. The applicant must complete and sign Form NHMD-2026 – Non-Household Member Declaration Form. LSPs should still make an effort to assist the client to get the utilities in their name. If the applicant declines, they will have to complete a new Non-Household Member Declaration Form every year. Non-Household Member Declaration Form should not be accepted for applicants who choose not to have utilities turned on in their name without a barrier. • The Non-Household Member Declaration Form allows both heating and electric utilities to be reported on the same form; however, each form only allows for one non-household member billing name. If the household has multiple utilities in the name of multiple non-household members, a separate Non-Household Member Declaration Form will be required for each billing name.

The household will be ineligible for a utility benefit (either electric or primary heating source) if the bill is not listed in the name of a household resident or in the name of someone who qualifies under the above exceptions. This household will become eligible when the name is switched to a household resident or in the name of someone who qualifies under these exceptions. LSPs should actively advocate for their applicants in these situations and document actions taken and efforts to negotiate an agreement with the utility vendor to establish utilities in the name of a current household member without a fee or security deposit in the statewide database.

Utility bills with multiple service addresses listed for one customer must have separate meters and account numbers. The LSP must document the correct account that will receive the EAP benefit. Commercial accounts are not eligible to receive a benefit with LIHEAP funds. If an applicant household pays utilities indirectly as part of their rent payment, the applicant will not need to demonstrate that their household has its own meter. If an applicant fails to provide a utility bill or bulk fuel account statement with their application, the LSP is to attempt to contact the appropriate vendor and request the necessary documentation on the household’s behalf. An applicant must not be denied a benefit or presented with an incomplete letter if the only documentation missing is proof of utility payments. Utility vendors sign an MOA with IHCDA in which they agree to cooperate in providing necessary information to IHCDA and to LSPs.

Some bulk fuel vendors may refuse to supply documentation for unregulated utilities. LSPs must provide notes in the client’s file documenting that they requested a copy of a receipt or bill, but the request was denied.

For the purposes of this manual, the phrase “regulated utilities” refers to metered utilities, such as electricity and natural gas, regardless of whether the provider of this utility is actually regulated by IURC. The phrase “unregulated utilities” refers to bulk deliverable fuels, such as liquid propane, fuel oil, and biofuels.