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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

Emergency Disaster Responses Additional enhancements to the LIHEAP emergency program may be implemented in the event of state or federal disaster declarations or other emergencies as determined by the department.

To streamline the emergency process and ensure an effective and timely response to disaster-type emergencies, any or all of the following changes may be implemented as part of an emergency disaster response: • Telephonic emergency applications with a verbal signature will be allowed. Worker must indicate applicant’s name and notate “Verbal Signature” in the applicant signature line of the emergency application. • Client statement will be allowed as an acceptable source of verification of income and expenses on the emergency application if currently acceptable sources of verification are not readily available. Worker must be sure to document the verification source used. • The seasonal maximum amount for supplemental fuel may be increased to accommodate the emergency. State office approval should be obtained for amounts that exceed the maximum amount. • If additional funding is available to the program, a temporary disaster assistance program may be considered. The temporary program may include but is not limited to: 1) Extension of the heating season, 2) Additional assistance with heating costs, 3) Assistance with non-heating electric utility costs, or 4) A combination of the above options.