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109 | P a g e October 25 8. GLOSSARY OF TERMS 8.1 Definitions ADVERSE ACTION – 1. A failure of the Department to act promptly on a claimant's application for benefits. 2. A failure of the Department to provide a claimant an opportunity to make an application or reapplication for benefits. 3. An action by the Department denying, suspending, reducing, or terminating benefits of a claimant; or 4. An action by the Department establishing conditions on the manner or form of benefits, including restrictive or protective payments, or establishing conditions for the receipt of benefits including a work requirement. ADMINISTRATIVE DEFICIENCY – This is an error that, for technical reasons, cannot be included in the Quality Control statistics. Errors of this kind usually occur outside of the review period, or outside of the scope of the federally mandated review. ANNUALIZED GROSS INCOME – Net income from self-employment added to all non- excluded income before deductions. See also: NET INCOME FROM SELF-EMPLOYMENT APPLICANT – Person 18 years or older or an emancipated minor applying for benefits for all eligible household members in the household at the time of application. The applicant does not need to be an eligible member of the household. ASSISTANCE UNIT or FILING UNIT –All individuals within a household whose needs, income, and resources are considered in determining the amount of a benefit award payment for which federal financial participation is claimed. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE – Legal counsel, relative, friend or other spokesman authorized by the claimant in writing to represent the claimant but does not include an employee of the Department or a local eligibility office employee. BASE LOAD ELECTRIC BILL - Electricity used year-round that powers lights, plug-in appliances, and domestic water heating. BENEFIT – Heating Assistance or Emergency Assistance under LIHEAP. The total amount of funds or encumbrance for the household for the current LIHEAP program year. BOARD –Board of Public Health and Human Services.