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● Holds should be placed immediately upon receipt of the application if the customer has a valid termination notice. ● LAAs should not delay placing the hold because of other active protections on the account (e.g., a customer-requested extension, a Fuel Fund 7-day hold, or a 30-day medical hold). ● If a termination notice is received by the customer after the application has been submitted but before it has been processed, a 55-day hold may still be placed.

Each utility has a different system for recording holds and may interpret agreements differently. LAAs should contact their local utility representative with any case-specific questions. Recording Holds in the OHEP Data Management System The worker must: ● Check the “55-day Hold” box in the Programs Applied section of the Client Information tab. ● Enter the date the hold is placed with the utility in the notes section.

Additional Information on 55-day Holds ● The 55-day hold may be terminated if a customer is determined ineligible for assistance.

● LAAs must inform customers that:

○ The utility company will be notified of their application status. ○ If denied, any active hold on the account will be removed. ○ Customers should continue to pay their utility bills during the hold period, as charges will continue to accrue. ○ The hold is valid for up to 55 days or until the application is fully processed, whichever comes first. ○ There is no guarantee of a full 55-day protection period if the application is denied before the 55 days elapse.

Updated May 2025