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Combined Gas, Water, Wastewater Bills Some municipalities have combined utility bills that combine electric, gas, water, and wastewater on one bill. Normally, the combined bills are split out according to the utility type. However, if a client comes in without a split bill, the LSP must contact the utility company to get the information separated. LSPs should keep information about the electric and heat utilities only. If the client comes in with a disconnect notice or past due amount, the LSP must ensure that it is paying only on the electric or heat utility crisis. LSPs must call the utility company to verify the amount related only to heating/electric. 4.7 Direct Benefit Payment In the case of clients who have their heating and/or electric utility included in their monthly rent payment or who heat with firewood or other biofuels, there is not a vendor to whom IHCDA can submit a direct payment. For these situations, the EAP payment will be made directly to the client through a paper check or an ACH direct deposit. Utilities Included with Rent If a household’s rent payment includes utilities in the rent, the applicant is eligible for an EAP regular benefit. Households with heating or electric utilities included in the rent will not be eligible for a crisis benefit. Because the client does not have a utility account, EAP benefits will be paid directly to that individual in the form of a check or ACH/direct deposit (see Form DBPE-2026 – Direct Benefit Payment Election Form).

Clients must have a Tenant Verification Statement that shows which utilities are included in rent and how much the client is responsible for paying in rent. Clients must be paying a minimum of $1 monthly in rent to receive an EAP benefit when utilities are included in the rent.

If the landlord refuses to sign the Tenant Verification Statement, a lease agreement signed by both parties within the last 24 months may be used. If the client cannot obtain a LLA or a lease, IHCDA may approve other ways of determining if the utilities are in the rent. LSPs should let IHCDA know when a client is having difficulty receiving an EAP benefit because of an uncooperative landlord.

LSPs will calculate the benefit using the benefit matrix, whose details can be found in Section 8: EAP Benefits, in the same way as applicants whose utilities are not included in the rent. All direct payment recipients must be offered the opportunity to receive their benefit via ACH/direct deposit or as a check. In order to expedite payments and reduce chances of lost payment, LSPs should encourage recipients to provide ACH information. However, LSPs may not require or compel applicants to supply this information. If an applicant eligible for a direct benefit payment neglects or declines to return the Direct Benefit Payment Election Form, that applicant’s benefit must not be denied, nor will the