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ENERGY PROGRAMS EP-300 LOW INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

11 Section 300 Change #2-2026 May 1, 2026 • FNS 315 Special Budgeting Income • FNS 310 Budgeting New, Changed, and Terminated Income • FNS 350 Whose Income is Counted FNS base periods and income conversions do not apply to LIEAP. LIEAP base period is the month prior to the month of application for all sources of income including child support and self-employment. Income calculations are actual income received in the base period, unless the income source has terminated. If the applicant reports terminated income, count actual income received in the month of application. Example 1: Client applies 03/17 for LIEAP and reports that the household’s income terminated on 3/10. Client received a check on 03/13 for $1000 and will receive a final payment on 3/27 but doesn’t know the amount. Case worker would need to contact employer to verify terminated income in the month of application and/or request verification on the DSS 8185. Example 2: Client applies 3/17 for LIEAP and reports that the household’s income terminated on 2/8. Client received last check on 2/17 and has no income in the month of application. Case worker would need to verify terminated income with the employer via telephone or request verification on the DSS 8185. Once verification is received no income is counted for this application because income terminated the month prior to the application and no income received in the month of application. Example 3: Client applies 3/17 for LIEAP and reports that the household’s income terminated on 1/14. Client reports receiving last paycheck on 1/21. Terminated income falls outside of base period and no verification is required, accept client statement. B. Deductions 1. Child & Adult Care Expenses. a) Determine whether a household member has out of the pocket childcare expenses in the base period. If so, allow the full amount of out-of-pocket expenses to be paid to the day care provider. Do not allow any amount to be paid by or reimbursed by other parties. b) Verify actual childcare costs paid in the base period for each household member with earned income. This includes additional transportation expenses incurred because of transporting Energy members to and from the dependent care provider. When determining the mileage incurred to provide dependent care transportation, do not include the normal mileage incurred by the Energy unit to go to and from work. Only allow the dependent care transportation expense for the additional mileage incurred by the Energy unit. Allowable mileage is the current business IRS mileage rate. Verify childcare by seeing a receipt or canceled check or by contacting the childcare provider.