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EAP Benefits The purpose of EAP funds is to ensure that all eligible people living within the State of Indiana who have an energy burden have utility service primarily during the winter months. When an eligible applicant has their own utility bill, EAP benefit payments are made directly to the utility vendors on behalf of the eligible household. When an eligible client has their utilities included in the rent, the client is paid the EAP benefit directly. Vendors include metered heating and electric utilities, who provide electricity and/or natural gas; and bulk fuel, LP gas, and other non-regulated vendors, who provide fuel oil, LP gas, coal, wood, or pellets. The delivery fee for fuel oil, LP gas, coal, wood, or pellets is part of the benefit. Taxes are also covered by the benefit, as well as reconnection fees for a disconnected account or connection fees for a new account. Heating benefit amounts are calculated by awarding points based on factors within four categories of a benefit matrix: • Income level based on household size • Dwelling type • Vulnerable population status • Primary Heating Fuel source The amount of the benefit is computed at a rate determined by IHCDA based on available funding and awarded on the benefit matrix. An additional amount between $50-$125 for electricity is added to keep the heating system operational. A household may be eligible for an additional crisis benefit of up to $400 per utility if the household is experiencing an energy crisis. Previously approved applicant households may come back once between March 1 and the end of the program year for additional crisis if they experience an energy crisis after the initial application, provided they have not used the entire benefit and funds are available. Regular EAP funds can be used for connection, reconnection, and direct energy, fuel, or delivery costs. EAP funds may not be used for heating methods or fuels that are considered unsafe in residential settings, including, but not limited to, ovens, cooking stoves, portable space heaters, or kerosene. Applicant households who are approved for EAP may be eligible to receive other benefits in addition to the utility payment assistance provided through the LIHEAP block grant. For instance, several utility providers in Indiana offer Universal Service Programs, or USPs, that reduce the rate charged for utility service to LIHEAP-approved customers during a specific time frame. Other vendors have additional bill assistance programs that are funded through a foundation, through charitable contributions from other ratepayers (such as round-up or holiday giving drives), or through a combination of the two. These programs often use LIHEAP eligibility to categorically qualify their customers. For more