Page 60
60 | P a g e October 25 • Waive all future heating benefits for the current program year, including change of address or fuel type, except Emergency Assistance as defined in ARM 37.70.901. • Hold harmless the sub-grantee and the state of Montana from any liability arising from the conversion of LIHEAP benefits to a less costly heating system/fuel. • Provide the sub-grantee with all necessary information to determine validity of the conversion request. The responsibilities of the sub-grantee are: • Review documentation of the cost and validity of the conversion request. • File a waiver of future benefits, hold harmless agreement and documentation of the cost and type of conversion. • Issue a two (2) party check to insured contractors and eligible applicants from the Contingency Revolving Fund (CRF). • Issue a benefit through a manual benefit issuance in CHIMES. • Any balance of benefits not used for the conversion is to be paid to the new fuel vendor account. Note: When LIHEAP benefit funds are being used by an eligible applicant to convert to a less costly heating system/fuel, the sub-grantee must assure that the original primary heating system or fuel type is dismantled, reduced, or removed from the dwelling. 3.26 Emergency Assistance Emergency Assistance benefits are available year-round. Emergency Assistance under LIHEAP may be provided to an eligible household in the following circumstances only when such circumstances present an imminent threat to the health and safety of the household. TIMELINES (18/48 Hour Rule): In life-threatening situations: MUST ADDRESS WITHIN 18 HOURS., the sub-grantee must provide some form of assistance to resolve the emergency within eighteen (18) hours of the request for Emergency Assistance if the household is financially and otherwise eligible to receive such assistance. In all other emergency situations, the sub-grantee must provide some form of assistance to resolve the emergency within forty-eight (48) hours if the household is financially or otherwise eligible to receive such assistance. The sub-grantee must document the request, including the date and time, for Emergency Assistance and the resolution using LIHEAP Emergency Assistance Request Form (DPHHS EAP-250) or its equivalent.