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ENERGY PROGRAMS EP-300 LOW INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

8 Section 300 Change #2-2026 May 1, 2026 a. Telephone Call (1) If the information needed to complete the application can be obtained by telephone, call the applicant. (2) Document the telephone call and the information received in the case record. b. DSS-8185, Notice of Incomplete Application (1) List on the form DSS-8185 the information needed to complete the application. Send the DSS-8185 in sufficient time to ensure the application can be processed within the required 20 business days. Also, inform the household that approval will be based on availability of funds at disposition; and (2) Document on the log or in the case record the date you sent the DSS-8185. Keep a copy of the DSS-8185 in the case file. NOTE: The 10-business day timeframe to return requested information has not changed. The DSS-8185 must be sent in sufficient time to allow the application to be processed by the 20th business day. B. Requested Information Returned When all the requested information is received: 1. Document in the case record the date you received the requested information. 2. Determine if any changes have been reported. a. If no changes are reported, process the application within the 20- business day deadline. b. If changes are reported, determine if the change affects eligibility or benefit level. Applications must be processed within 20 business days from the application date. If information is required, contact the household by phone to resolve the change. If unable to contact the household by phone, send the household a DSS-8185 requesting the information and allowing the household 10 business days to provide the information. Once information is received proceed with processing. NOTE: LIEAP cases processed untimely due to client delay can be backed out of timeliness percentages. The 10 additional business days to provide verifications would not apply to applications where the client’s changes are reported and there is not sufficient time in the LIEAP season to allow for the additional 10 business day process. In this case, request the verifications to be returned no later than the day before the LIEAP keying deadline if funds are available. C. Actions to Take If You Receive an Application after the Deadline