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pg. 68 Upon receipt of the original CARS claim packet, LIHEAP staff will review the packet and determine if a CARS claim is the appropriate action. If it is determined that a CARS claim is not the appropriate action.  LIHEAP staff will enter a case note on E1CN explaining what information was received and reviewed and the reason a CARS claim is not the appropriate action.  LIHEAP staff will notify the initiating agency via e-mail that a CARS claim is not the appropriate action.  The CARS claim will be considered closed. If it is determined a CARS claim is the appropriate action.  LIHEAP staff will make the appropriate updates to the case in the EA system, so the overpayment is correctly displayed on the E1LW screen (when applicable).  LIHEAP staff will enter a case note on the E1CN screen explaining what information was received and reviewed, the reason a CARS claim is appropriate, the amount of the CARS claim, and the date the following documents are mailed to the applicant:  Energy Assistance Overpayment Notification.  Agreement for Repayment.  And Request for Hearing. The applicant has ninety (90) calendar days to make payment in full, enter into a repayment agreement or request a hearing. After ninety (90) calendar days, if the applicant has not responded, LIHEAP staff will enter a claim in CARS. If the applicant responds requesting a hearing, LIHEAP staff will compile an original hearing packet and forward to the DLS AHU with a copy of the hearing packet to the appropriate DLS AHU, the applicant and the initiating agency. The DLS AHU will schedule a hearing and notify all parties in writing as to the date and time of the hearing. The hearing will be conducted by telephone unless the claimant refuses a telephone hearing. If the claimant refuses a telephone hearing, an in-person hearing will be conducted. The hearing process will follow the Fair Hearings policy outlined in the LIHEAP Policy and Procedures Manual.

The initiating agency must retain the case file for five (5) years after the claim is settled. The repayment agreement must be done in writing and signed by the applicant. Claims for ECIP Benefits The agency will implement procedures for recovering ECIP benefits paid to a household when a household has received benefits it was not entitled to receive. Claims and Restitution should be pursued any time the agency determines a household has received ECIP benefits in excess of the amount the household was eligible to receive. The agency will initiate a claim against the household to recover the overpayment.