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pg. 69 Agencies can enter into a repayment agreement with the household that received excess benefits or pursue additional collection activity against the household to recoup the overpayment. Applicants must be given an option to request a hearing. If a hearing is requested agencies will follow the fair hearing policy outlined in the LIHEAP Policy and Procedures Manual. Utilizing other utility assistance funds to replace pledges may put agencies at risk with these other funders if their qualifications are based on LIHEAP eligibility. Pledges cannot be withdrawn from utility companies and then notification sent to the applicant they are now responsible for paying the utility company. Repayment agreements must be submitted in writing. Reporting LIHEAP Fraud The agency must report to DSS, DLS any financial fraud or abuse misconduct in the administration of LIHEAP no later than forty-eight (48) hours from the time the agency determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that financial fraud or abuse or misconduct has occurred by calling 877-770-8055 or by email at DLS.ReportFraud@dss.mo.gov. The contractors will fully cooperate with all DLS investigations of suspected fraud and abuse or misconduct. Reporting DSS Fraud to Other Programs When it is determined that fraud has occurred, it may be necessary to report this to other public assistance programs, such as SNAP or TANF, within DSS. The DSS web site for reporting fraud can be accessed at https://dss.mo.gov/dls/public-assistance-fraud-form.htm or by calling (877)-770- 8055. This website provides an email address the suspected fraud can be reported to as well as a link to the DLS Investigations Office Location Information. Select the drop-down box, choose the county to determine which office is responsible for that particular county and click on “Go”. You will be taken to a screen which provides that offices contact information.