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ENERGY PROGRAMS EP-300 LOW INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

5 Section 300 Change #2-2026 May 1, 2026 C. Explain that the applicant’s responsibilities are to: 1. Provide requested information needed to determine eligibility within ten business days. Use the DSS-8185 to request needed information. This is the only request provided to the applicant. NOTE: Inform the applicant that if the information is not received by the deadline date, the application will be denied for failure to provide information. Approval will be based on availability of funds at the time of disposition. 2. Provide verification of social security numbers for all members of the LIEAP household. If verification is not available, accept client’s statement. D. Local County Agency's Responsibilities The County has the responsibility to: 1. Assist the household in obtaining information to determine eligibility, if requested. 2. Inform the applicant or the authorized representative of the eligibility requirements and hearing rights. Use the NC FAST-20009 for this purpose. 3. Explain the meaning of fraud to the applicant. Explain penalties for providing false or incorrect information. E. Prevention of Overpayments 1. Interviews The key to fraud prevention is skilled interviewing. The interviewing process must involve two-way communication. First, you must be specific and thorough in the questions asked. It is important to phrase questions in a way that the applicant/ representative (a/r) will understand. For example, thoroughly explain specific items included as “income” to avoid the misunderstanding that the only item included is wages. Secondly, listen carefully to the a/r’s responses. Give the a/r a chance to respond in their own words. Repeat the a/r’s responses back to them to ensure you understand and to give them a chance to add additional information. 2. Other Preventive Measures a. Intra-agency Establish communication among the various units in your office. Fraud prevention is the responsibility of the entire agency. Therefore, you must develop a systemic way to report changes and exchange information. Each agency should have several controls in place to avoid duplication of payments. b. Inter-agency