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Chapter 24 – Home Energy Assistance Program Page 5 of 33

2. The Application forms provided or approved by MaineHousing must be used to administer the Programs and will be reviewed annually prior to the commencement of taking Applications each Program Year.

3. All Applicants need to return the signed Application within thirty (30) business days of the interview with the Subgrantee. If the Primary Applicant does not return the signed Application within the prescribed period, the Application will be voided. If the Primary Applicant returns the signed Application after the thirty (30) business days, the Subgrantee may reopen the Application at any time during the current application period.

4. Subgrantee will make all reasonable efforts during the first ninety (90) days Applications are taken to process and serve returning Households that have a Direct Energy Cost and a member in the Household who (i) is 60 years of age or older, (ii) has a disability, or (ii) is 6 years or younger.

5. Subgrantees must comply with MaineHousing’s Equal Access Handbook to assist Households with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and must make reasonable accommodations for a Person with a Disability.

6. Subgrantee must certify or deny an Application within thirty (30) business days from the Application Received Date. Written notification of eligibility must be sent to the Primary Applicant within ten (10) calendar days of the Benefit issuance. Written notification of denial must be sent to the Primary Applicant within three (3) business days.

a. Written notification of eligibility. The written notification of eligibility must state the Benefit amount, the date the Benefit or credit notification was sent to the Vendor, the approved Home Energy type and the manner by which the Primary Applicant can request an Informal Review or Fair Hearing, if applicable.

b. Written notification of void. The written HEAP Application Voided notification must state non-receipt of a signed application.

c. Written notification of denial. The written notification of denial must state the facts surrounding the decision, the reason for the decision and the manner by which the Primary Applicant can request an Informal Review or Fair Hearing.

i. A denial for missing information will be reversed if the required information is received by the Subgrantee at any time during the Program Year. The Primary Applicant must provide the documentation that was required at the time of denial ora new Application must be completed.