Page 37

EAP Policy Manual FFY24 Chapter 1 Service Provider Selection and Responsibilities Page 5 Eligibility Determination Service Providers must use the application, eligibility determination and payment processes and timelines as prescribed by Commerce to ensure EAP services are uniform and equally available throughout the state. • Use the current year EAP application form for all applicants. • Work with energy vendors to ensure heating costs and consumption information is provided for all applicants with a consumption history. • Log in applications when received. • Log in incomplete applications and notify households of information needed for completeness. • Verify income and supporting documents and certify that the application is correct. • Send completed, but not certified, applications from Service Provider staff or board members to Commerce for certification. Crisis Assistance and ERR Service Providers must use Crisis and ERR eligibility requirements, processes and timelines as prescribed by Commerce to ensure that program services are uniform and equally available throughout the state. Service Providers must coordinate with vendors to ensure they will respond with emergency fuel deliveries and/or heating system repairs after regular business hours, including weekends. Service Providers must have staff available to provide Responsive Energy Self-Sufficiency services to households in emergencies (see Chapter 7 – Assurance 16). Staffing Staffing must be adequate during the heating season to provide the following: • Program information and application services for heating, emergency and ERR assistance. • Outreach activities. • Heating assistance services when funds are available. • Crisis, including ERR services when funds are available. • Response to households needing Responsive Energy Self-Sufficiency services. • Response to emergencies within the required Crisis timelines. In addition, Service Providers must insure adequate staffing throughout the year for: • Conducting energy vendor monitoring and managing energy vendor relationships.