Page 9

9 | P a g e October 25 2. APPLICATION PROCESS 2.1 Overview The following is an overview of the process followed for application, eligibility determination, and furnishing of assistance for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). OVERVIEW: An application for LIHEAP generally must be filed during the “heating season” for which assistance is being sought, between October1st and April 30th, unless the application period is extended. At the option of the Department, applicants who use propane, fuel oil, wood, and coal which are sold at lower prices during the summer months, may be permitted to file applications prior to October 1 of the heating season for which they are seeking assistance. This is referred to as “Early Fuel”. LIHEAP benefits may be retroactively applied toward the cost of propane, fuel oil, wood, and/or coal delivered from July 1 through the end of the heating season. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE – Applicants for Emergency Assistance may file an application from October 1 through September 30 of the LIHEAP program year. WRITTEN APPLICATION REQUIRED – Applications must be voluntary and initiated by the person in need, an authorized representative, or, where the applicant is incompetent or incapacitated, someone acting responsibly on behalf of the applicant. On a form prescribed by the Department, the person in need must attest to the truth, accuracy, and completeness of the information provided for eligibility determination and declare that he or she understands any misinformation will be investigated and prosecuted. An applicant who fails to provide information necessary for a determination of eligibility may be determined ineligible but may reapply for assistance. PLACE OF APPLICATION – Applications may be accepted at the sub-grantee's office located in the district or county where the individual lives, by mail, telephone, online self- service portal, senior centers, a mutually agreed upon place or via home visit by the Eligibility Worker. Intake shall be available during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, except recognized holidays. Computer-generated, pre-printed applications are sent to LIHEAP clients who were approved for the previous heating season and for whom CHIMES has a valid mailing address. CHIMES completes some of the client/household information on the