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3) If the bill is in the name of a deceased, incarcerated, divorced, or estranged spouse, the subgrantee can pay the bill for the initial application. Subgrantee shall assist the applicant with getting the bill changed into his/her name before any subsequent bills can be paid. In the case of a deceased spouse, the surviving spouse can request the vendor to put “in care of” for subsequent bills. An “in care of” bill shall be paid if the head of household or spouse’s name is listed on the bill.
i. Deceased Head of Household
If the applicant dies before the application for services is approved, the application shall be approved if all apply:
• All eligibility information received is accurate and meets income guidelines; • The bill is for an outstanding balance, not a deposit, and • There are other household members.
This will allow the household to become stable until a new intake can be done to name a new head of household. The agency may assist the new head of household with changing the service into the name of the new head of household and paying any necessary deposits to do so.
If the application is for deposit for services, the application should be denied. If the household has another adult member, a new intake must be done to name a new head of household. ii. Deceased Household Member (Spouse) If an applicant spouse dies and the applicant is not listed on bill, the application shall be approved if: 1. Spouse is listed as a household member in Virtual ROMA or; 2. If spouse is not listed as a household member an obituary or death certificate and marriage license is required. 4) If the bill is in the landlord’s name and the applicant is responsible for paying the bill directly to a vendor, documentation is needed to verify the tenant’s living status. This documentation can be a notarized statement from the landlord, a copy of the lease agreement stating the arrangement, or a Landlord Verification form can be completed by the landlord. The landlord cannot request services on behalf of the tenant/client. 5) The bill cannot be paid if it is in the name of a child (under 18), even if the child lives in the household. The applicant is responsible for paying that bill, and the subgrantee