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71 | P a g e October 25 The coal vendor can complete and sign the “Local Vendor Contract” (DPHHS-EAP- 002) for the sub-grantee. The sub-grantee can make payment using one of the following:

a) The LIHEAP payment can be made to the coal vendor for the fuel account. The sub-grantee will manually issue a payment through CHIMES. b) The sub-grantee can manually issue a payment in CHIMES to reimburse the coal vendor with documentation of paid energy receipts for the fuel account or verification of an amount owing for the account.

Note: Requests for reimbursement of paid energy costs must be made to the Sub- grantee no later than June 20th. Failure to request reimbursement on or before June 20th will result in forfeiture of any remaining benefits for the heating season.

3.34 Subsidized Rent Households Subsidized Rent households that have a heating obligation are eligible for LIHEAP and the benefit would be paid to the fuel vendor or the household if there is a rent plus utilities situation where the household provides paid receipts.

Residents of publicly subsidized housing whose energy costs are included as a portion of their rent and whose rent is a fixed portion of their income may be determined LIHEAP eligible.

Residents of publicly subsidized housing whose energy costs are included as a portion of their rent or who have an obligation to pay a base load electric bill are not eligible for a regular LIHEAP benefit as determined in ARM 37.70.601. However, these households would be eligible for a modified LIHEAP benefit. The modified LIHEAP benefit would be paid at the rate of 5% of the amount of a regular LIHEAP benefit as identified by Montana’s LIHEAP benefit award matrix. A minimum payment of $25 or 5%, whichever is greater, would be paid to the household annually for five (5) years. Basing payments issued to these households on the matrix described above will ensure that assistance is provided to them in proportion to need in accordance with LIHEAP statute (42 U.S. Code 8623) Applications and Requirements Section 2605 (b)(5).

Households determined eligible for the subsidized housing modified LIHEAP benefit, who’s economic and housing situation does not change would be determined LIHEAP eligible for a period of five (5) years. These households would receive an annual benefit.

Residents of publicly subsidized housing whose energy costs are included as a portion of their rent and whose rent is a fixed portion of their income, who’s economic or housing situation changes during the five (5) year eligibility period would need to