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10 | P a g e October 25 application. These pre-printed applications are mailed to the households at the beginning of each heating season. Applications may also be submitted online through Self Service Portal Online Application Users will need to create an account. Note: Applications can only be made for the dwelling the applicant is residing in at the time of application. The applicant’s physical address must be located within the state of Montana to be eligible for LIHEAP and weatherization benefits. INTERVIEW AND CONTENTS OF INTERVIEW – Applicants are given information in writing and orally, as appropriate, about conditions of eligibility, scope of the program- related services available, and the rights and responsibilities of applicants for and recipients of LIHEAP. Specifically developed bulletins and pamphlets explaining the rules regarding eligibility and the appeals process, written in simple, understandable terms, are publicized and made available to applicants. DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY – The signed application provides the eligibility worker with the authority to proceed with the eligibility determination process. Each decision regarding eligibility is supported by the information presented in the application, much of which is further verified by the eligibility worker. Each decision regarding eligibility must be supported by facts documented in the case record. CONFIDENTIALITY – LIHEAP case information is confidential under federal law. The LIHEAP program works to safeguard household member personally identifiable information (PII). The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) may however, share participant information for purposes directly connected with the administration of the public assistance programs, other federal programs, and certain entitled entities. NATURE AND SCOPE OF INVESTIGATION – There shall be no requirement of pre- application proof of eligibility; however, the recipient shall have the burden of proving eligibility at the time of application. Each application for LIHEAP shall be promptly and thoroughly investigated by the sub-grantee's Eligibility Worker. Investigations shall include securing information from the applicant that is reasonably available (e.g., proof of identity, wage stubs, W-2 forms, bank statements, heating obligation, fuel vendor, etc.). If a case is picked for Quality Control (Monitor) review, the applicant/recipient must cooperate or be subject to reduced, suspended, or terminated benefits. PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION (PII) - is any data that could potentially identify a specific individual. Any information that can be used to distinguish one person