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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Division 10 Service 415 Program 415 Chapters 05 - 65 North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services

• Absent Worker Expense --Up to $500/month may be deducted from the earnings of a head of household or spouse who must reside away from home for all of the work week for employment purposes. Prorate the deduction down if the worker is away for less than a full work week, but if the worker is away less than 50% of the work week, no deduction will be allowed. This deduction will be further reduced by any reimbursement or subsistence allowance provided by the employer for living expenses while on the job. • Other--Any other mandatory expense which affects the household's basic living needs. Installment payments must be evaluated to determine if they are pertinent to basic living costs, even if they are mandatory.

Example: Monthly cost for renter's insurance mandated by landlord. 6. Action Plan: Following an analysis of the household basic living costs and total expenditures, especially unusual or impractical amounts, the county social service board may need to assist the household to develop a financial management plan that will prevent the reoccurrence of the energy crisis in the future. Frequently, authorizing emergency assistance is all that is necessary for the household to be self sufficient again. Conversely, authorizing emergency assistance may only provide temporary relief of the crisis and may or may not be cost effective or assure continued service. The basic cause of the crisis must be identified and an appropriate resolution implemented. In this regard, the household may need assistance to negotiate a realistic credit or payment plan with the fuel supplier or other creditors. A monthly payment plan throughout the year to level out fuel and utilities cost could be beneficial. Or, the household budget deficiencies may be so extensive that credit or financial counseling must be secured by the household. Referral for employment counseling, case management services, or other problem-solving counseling or for a social evaluation and follow up services may be needed. Specific actions designed to solve the cause of the crisis may be required as a condition of the receipt of emergency benefits. In any event, the household situation must be carefully considered to assure that emergency assistance is appropriate,