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a period beginning December 1 of the tax year for which the credit is claimed and ending March 31 of the following year if the claimant participates in the winter protection program set forth in R 460.148 of the Michigan Administrative Code or if the utility accepts the claimant's energy draft. The acceptance of an energy draft by a utility is considered a request by the claimant for the winter protection program. The energy draft shall be coded by the department to denote claimants who are 65 years of age or older. If the claimant is a claimant whose heating cost is included in his or her rent payments, the amount of the claim not used as an offset against the state income tax, after examination and review, shall be approved for payment, without interest, to the claimant. 2.6.3 OTHER GRANTEE OR AGENCY SERVICES The Grantees are also expected to coordinate with other Grantees or other agencies to provide access to energy crisis prevention programs, weatherization, and education focused on reducing energy consumption. 2.6.3.1 EXHAUSTING MEAP FUNDS BEFORE THE END OF THE CRISIS SEASON The Grantee must notify MPSC before funds have been exhausted or availability of services has changed or is limited. The organization’s Michigan 2-1-1 Profile/Database Listing(s) must be maintained throughout the grant year. See Section 5.2.2. Grantee Out of Funds Letter 2.6.4 HOME ENERGY SUPPLIERS The Grantee must coordinate energy assistance payments with energy suppliers to more efficiently serve the needs of low-income households. 2.6.4.1 AFFORDABLE PAYMENT PLANS To ensure the continuation of enrollment in home energy supplier affordable payment plans as an option, applicants must work with home energy suppliers that have ongoing affordable payment plans. The local service provider and the home energy supplier will be responsible for creating their own partner agreements, but a strong partnership agreement must be in place by October 1 each program year and be approved by MPSC and MDHHS prior to contract execution. This agreement must demonstrate:  Report design: with roles, responsibilities and timeframes outlined for local service provider and home energy supplier; include required reporting of gap and arrearage credits by service type.  Expectations for invoicing and reporting on customer activity: customers who have fallen off, missed payments, role of local service provider or home energy supplier in providing support to struggling customers. A standardized reporting template will be made available to gather all required data.  Expectations for data collection and availability: which includes data to support the program’s goals, as well as success metrics as outlined in the Final Project Status Report.  Marketing support