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If the client has a credit balance on an unregulated fuel in excess of $500 at the time of the application, that fuel will not be eligible for assistance until the credit balance is under $500. Once the credit balance is under $500, the client may return and request the benefit if they meet the other program requirements.

Excess credit balances do not impact a household’s programmatic eligibility determination. All LSPs are strongly encouraged to incorporate periodic review of unobligated balance reports in order to periodically monitor bulk fuel households in which a benefit has been withheld due to an excessive credit balance and assess them for eligibility of benefit release. This will avoid putting the burden of following up with the LSP on the low-income applicant. Benefits for accounts with excess credit balances may not be waived to the other utility. 8.13 Inoperable Heating Source If the home’s designated heating source is not operable either due to intentional disconnection or mechanical failure and is heating with an unsafe source (such as electric space heater, stove, etc.), the applicant is not eligible for the regular heating benefit. The client is eligible for the electric credit only. If the client is heating with an alternative safe heating source (such as a properly installed wood burning stove), the primary benefit may be applied to that heating source. LSPs should be sure that secondary heating sources are safe before approving a benefit. This can be accomplished by having a conversation with the client and documenting the conversation. These clients are to be referred to Weatherization and be evaluated for Emergency Repair and Replace services if they are homeowners and meet vulnerable population criteria. The client may not waive the heating benefit to electricity when electricity is not the primary heating source when there is no operable heating source. If the client has not received a regular EAP heating benefit and the primary heating source is rendered operable later during the program year, the client may contact the LSP to request release of the regular benefit. Intake staff should update the original application, the file, the notification letter, and the supporting documentation showing the repair or replacement.