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Section 5: EAP Application Processing The LSP or its subcontractor must provide an application to anyone who requests one and accepts an application from anybody who wishes to submit one. Pursuant to Assurance 8, nobody may be denied the right to receive or submit an EAP application. The LSP will review and determine EAP eligibility based on information received from the applicant and the LSP’s available budget. The LSP must ensure that applications are complete and that all applications are signed and placed in the applicant file. A household application may be approved only once during the heating season. LSPs must enter all applications into the statewide database. Any approved household whose application accepts a weatherization referral must be referred to the Weatherization department of the LSP, or if the LSP does not have a Weatherization department in the county of the household, then the appropriate Weatherization LSP. Each LSP must identify a weatherization referral on the EAP application and in the statewide database. A household must apply for the Energy Assistance Program at the local office of their primary residence, at another site authorized by the LSP (such as a Township Trustee or other LSP subcontractor), through the online portal, or telephonically directly with the LSP). For the purposes of this policy manual, applications submitted by postal mail, e-mail, any other delivery service, through the online portal, by facsimile, by proxy, or by any other method that does not involve a face-to-face interview with an intake staff is to be considered a “mail-in.” Walk-in sites must be available for those clients who need crisis assistance, intake services, or help with completing their application. These sites must be available from the start of the program. LSPs must operate at least one walk-in site in each county that they serve for the complete EAP application period in order to provide meaningful community access. This site can be operated by the LSP itself or through a partnership with another community organization. The site does not have to operate every day, but it must have a fixed, regular schedule that is publicly advertised. In order to reach those clients who did not apply during the previous EAP year, LSPs must conduct outreach so that information is made available throughout the community explaining the process, including all walk-in sites and methods of application. LSPs are required to follow the outreach plan outlined in their approved subrecipient plan packet. LSPs are required to ensure that persons with limited English proficiency (LEP) have meaningful and equal access to benefits and services. The LSP is required to provide spoken translation in addition to translated written publications as some individuals may not read English or other languages. The LSP must have a mechanism to communicate