Page 36

34

Misuse of EAP funds for Direct Pay Clients IHCDA will reissue EAP checks for clients who did not receive their checks if the client has not received it at least a month after it was issued.

Any client who cashes an original check after receiving a replacement check may be ineligible for future EAP benefits. Use of EAP funds for Direct Pay Clients LIHEAP funds are authorized for a narrow usage – namely, to pay for energy usage, specifically electricity and heating, or otherwise provide services that reduce the energy burden of income-eligible households. Thus, EAP benefits are not taxable, do not count as income, are not considered personal property of the recipient, and may not be included as part of the estate of the recipient. They may also not be reissued in the name of a non- household member in the event that an applicant in a single-person household passes away. If an applicant passes away but other eligible adults were in the household, the check may be reissued in the name of another household member.

4.8 Change of Address If an applicant household moves to a new address after submitting an application, but prior to determining eligibility, the applicant household must be given the opportunity to submit a revised application to reflect their new address, dwelling information, and utility/heating fuel accounts. If the applicant household moves out of the geographical bounds of the State of Indiana, the household will no longer be eligible to receive benefits. The application should be recorded in the statewide database and eligibility determined, but the benefits should be denied, and the case notes updated to reflect that the household no longer resides in Indiana. If an applicant household moves to a new address after they have been approved for benefits, it is the applicant’s responsibility to report the change of address to their LSP using Form ADDR-2026 – EAP Address Change Form, along with providing documentation of their new utility/heating accounts This will ensure that any future release of benefits will follow them to their new accounts and continue moratorium protection as appropriate. If the household has moved from one LSP’s territory to another, the applicant household may submit this form to either their old or new LSP. LSPs may need to coordinate to ensure data is updated appropriately; this should be done with minimum burden to the applicant. The applicant should return this form within ninety (90) days of moving. If an applicant leaves an EAP credit with one or both utility/heating fuel providers when they move, this credit may be able to be transferred to their new utility/heating fuel provider. The LSP must complete and submit and Energy Benefit Transfer Request (Form EBTR-2026 – Energy Benefit Transfer Request) to IHCDA along with the Address Change Form. See section 12.7.