2 HEATING ASSISTANCE

Eligibility, 2605(b)(2) - Assurance 2 2.1 Designate the income eligibility threshold used for the heating component: Add Household size Eligibility Guideline Eligibility Threshold 1 1 State Median Income 50.00% 2 2 State Median Income 50.00% 3 3 State Median Income 50.00% 4 4 State Median Income 50.00% 5 5 State Median Income 50.00% 6 6 State Median Income 50.00% 7 7 State Median Income 50.00% 8 8 State Median Income 50.00% 9 9 State Median Income 50.00% 10 10 State Median Income 50.00% 2.2 Do you have additional eligibility requirements for Heating Assistance? Yes No 2.3 Check the appropriate boxes below and describe the policies for each. Do you require an Assets test? Yes No If yes, describe: Do you have additional/differing eligibility policies for: Renters? Yes No If yes, describe: Renters Living in subsidized housing? Yes No If yes, describe: Renters in subsidized housing may be eligible if they pay for their heat and/or electric bill. Households living in government-subsidized housing with heat and electric included in rent, when rent is solely income-based, are not eligible for energy assistance as they are not vulnerable to rising energy costs. Renters with utilities included in the rent? Yes No If yes, describe: Do you give priority in eligibility to: Older Adults (60 years or older)? Yes No If yes, describe: Individuals with a disability? Yes No If yes, describe: Young children? Yes No If yes, describe: Households with high energy burdens? Yes No If yes, describe: Other? Households with an energy emergency Yes No If yes, describe: Other: Minnesota processes applications on a first-come first-served basis. Households with an energy emergency (disconnect, disconnect notice, low or out of delivered fuel, etc.) are deemed high priority. Explanations of policies for each "yes" checked above: All household members must have a verifiable Social Security Number or SSN Exception documentation. Minnesota's EAP Policy Manual identifies acceptable SSN Exceptions. Minnesota does not count ineligible non-citizens as household members but counts their income. Households must be vulnerable to rising energy costs. For heat included in rent households, rising energy costs can result in higher rent if rent is not government subsidized based on income. Households living in government-subsidized housing with heat and electric included in rent, when rent is solely income-based, are not eligible for energy assistance as they are not vulnerable to rising energy costs. Other: Minnesota processes applications on a first-come first-served basis. Households with an energy emergency (disconnect, disconnect notice, low or out of delivered fuel, etc.) are deemed high priority. Determination of Benefits 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 2.4 Describe how you prioritize the provision of heating assistance to vulnerable populations, e.g., benefit amounts, early application periods, etc. Minnesota serves households on a first come - first served basis unless they have an energy emergency that must be addressed to restore or retain energy in the home. Commerce mails applications to EAP-eligible households from the previous year. Commerce mails applications to fixed income households first. Elderly and disabled households are likely to have fixed incomes. 75% of LIHEAP applicants are vulnerable populations. Commerce and local service providers prioritize outreach efforts to these populations. 2.5 Check the variables you use to determine your benefit levels. (Check all that apply): Income Family (household) size Home energy cost or need: Fuel type Climate/region Individual bill Dwelling type Energy burden (% of income spent on home energy) Energy need Other - Describe: Annual energy cost. If annual energy cost is not available, Commerce uses fuel-cost averages to determine the benefit level. Commerce uses eHEAT (EAP centralized software) to determine eligibility and benefits. Benefit Levels, 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 2.6 Describe estimated benefit levels for the fiscal year for which this plan applies. Please note: the maximum and minimum benefits must be shown in the payment matrix. Minimum Benefit $200 Maximum Benefit $1,400 2.7 Do you provide in-kind (e.g., blankets, space heaters) and/or other forms of benefits?2 Yes No If yes, describe. If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here.