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ENERGY PROGRAMS EP-300 LOW INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

7 Section 300 Change #2-2026 May 1, 2026 The documentation in NC FAST should include the client’s name, date, time of telephone interview and the client’s response to indicating agreement to this verbal attestation of signature over the phone. C. Application Procedure for Telephone Interviews 1. Complete the application interview. 2. Accept telephonic signature unless client declines. If client declines the telephonic signature, mail the applicant a DSS-8185 along with the application form (DSS-8178) requesting the applicant to sign the application form and return. Mail the (DSS-8185) to the applicant allowing 10 business days to return. The application is not considered a valid applicant until it is received in the agency signed. The date the signed application is received in the agency is the date of application. This applies to telephone interviews where the applicant refuses a telephonic signature. 3. Send the DSS-8185 in sufficient time to allow the applicant to return the application and/or required verifications to be processed by the 20-day application due date. Record the pending date on the (DSS 8185). This is the only request sent to the applicant. NOTE: The DSS 8185 request for information timeframe of 10 business days has not changed. NOTE: Applications are not complete unless all questions are answered, and the application is signed, or telephonic signature is accepted. Do not key an unsigned application into NC FAST. 300.06 ACTION TO TAKE WHEN AN ENERGY PROGRAMS APPLICATION (DSS-8178) IS COMPLETED BY THE COUNTY A. When an application is: 1. Complete The application is complete if all questions have been answered and documented on the application form. It must be signed by the applicant, or the authorized representative or with a telephonic signature. Key the application in NC FAST. See Job Aid, Energy – Initial/New LIEAP Application to Case Job. A system generated notice of eligibility is mailed or given to the applicant.

2. Incomplete The application is incomplete if all the questions have not been answered and documented or it is not signed, or telephonic signature has not been completed.