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67 | P a g e October 25 (Emergencies are defined in 3.26 Emergency Assistance.) Other situations are defined below.
CRISIS BENEFITS - Benefits are limited to the minimum amount necessary to relieve the crisis not to exceed the maximum amount allowed by state regulations. Benefits may take the form of fuel deliveries, service reconnection, blankets or sleeping bags, loan of space heaters and emergency shelter (with Department approval). Benefits also include referral and facilitation of application for Energy Share assistance. Crisis relief will be provided within 48 hours or 18 hours if the situation is life-threatening.
ENERGY CRISIS - Weather-related and supply shortage emergencies and other household energy-related emergencies.
ENERGY SHARE - Energy Share of Montana is an independent organization of Montanans helping neighbors maintain their self-reliance by assisting with qualifying home energy emergencies, energy safety, or energy efficiency needs. Energy Share assistance is situationally based (not income-based). LIHEAP sub-grantee offices also handle Energy Share applications.
LIFE THREATENING ENERGY CRISIS – A life-threatening energy crisis exists when condition(s) are present that may cause death or severe permanent damage to the health of one or more household members if energy assistance or repair or replacement of the primary heating system is not provided. Such conditions include: • Household is without primary heat source of electric or natural gas service, or has less than 10% of a deliverable fuel (propane, wood, coal, fuel oil) o and has no secondary or alternate heat source, o and the outside temperature is below 32°F. • The health and/or well-being of a household member who: o Is age 60 or older; o Is under the age of six; Receives a disability payment; o Has a medical condition aggravated by extreme heat or cold that is verified by a licensed medical provider; or o Must use a medical device that requires electricity; and o would likely be endangered without the availability of their primary heat source or emergency cooling assistance which may include those who suffer more severe adverse effects from extreme temperature changes or exposure to extreme temperatures due to a medical condition. • Additional special circumstances are considered on case-by-case basis and determined by LIHEAP specialists at sub-contracting local sub- grantees. LIHEAP specialists are to utilize the prudent person principle when determining the type of emergency and necessary assistance to alleviate it.