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EAP Policy Manual FFY24 Chapter 5 Crisis Page 1 Chapter 5 Crisis EAP Crisis benefits are used to prevent shut-off of residential energy sources, to reinstate service of residential energy sources, and to enable delivery of residential fuel. Crisis requests must be addressed immediately to avert life threatening and no heat situations. This chapter details Crisis policies and procedures. Federal LIHEAP statute requires EAP to undertake a timely and effective energy emergency intervention program (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. § 8623(c))). The LIHEAP crisis benefits include emergency bill payment and emergency furnace repairs or replacements. The term “Crisis” refers to emergency bill payments, reflecting common EAP usage. The emergency furnace repair and replacement portion of the LIHEAP requirement is referred to as the Energy Related Repair Program (ERR). ERR policies and procedures are found in Chapter 6. Detailed documentation of Crisis activities is essential to program integrity and to reducing risks to the household, the Service Provider and the program. The documentation ensures funds are accounted for and are auditable. Chapter Contents • Crisis Eligibility Requirements • Crisis Benefit Determination and Distribution • Crisis Implementation • Processing Events by Crisis Reason Crisis Eligibility Requirements To receive a Crisis benefit, a household must: • Request assistance with an energy emergency by either: