2 HEATING ASSISTANCE

Eligibility, 2605(b)(2) - Assurance 2 2.1 Designate the income eligibility threshold used for the heating component: Add Household size Eligibility Guideline Eligibility Threshold 1 All Household Sizes State Median Income 60.00% 2.2 Do you have additional eligibility requirements for Heating Assistance? Yes No 2.3 Check the appropriate boxes below and describe the policies for each. Do you require an Assets test? Yes No If yes, describe: N/A Do you have additional/differing eligibility policies for: Renters? Yes No If yes, describe: N/A Renters Living in subsidized housing? Yes No If yes, describe: Subsidized Housing: Households that pay rent in a government-subsidized housing project or program and are not directly responsible for home energy costs are considered to be fully protected from the rising cost of heating fuel and are not eligible for LIHEAP. The rental costs for these households are based on a fixed percentage of the household's income and/or other factors and does not increase or decrease when fuel costs increase or decrease. (See Section H (2) of the attached ND State Plan Attachments document for details) Link to LIHEAP Policy Manual: http://www.nd.gov/dhs/policymanuals/415/415.htm Renters with utilities included in the rent? Yes No If yes, describe: N/A Do you give priority in eligibility to: Older Adults (60 years or older)? Yes No If yes, describe: Preference is given to high-risk households that are identified when the heating assistance application is received, or a utility or other fuel su refer a household when a serious payment problem is first discovered. Link to LIHEAP Policy Manual: http://www.nd.gov/dhs/policymanuals/415/415.htm Individuals with a disability? Yes No If yes, describe: Preference is given to high-risk households that are identified when the heating assistance application is received, or a utility or other fuel supplier may refer a household when a serious payment problem is first discovered. Link to LIHEAP Policy Manual: http://www.nd.gov/dhs/policymanuals/415/415.htm Young children? Yes No If yes, describe: N/A Households with high energy burdens? Yes No If yes, describe: N/A Other? N/A Yes No If yes, describe: N/A Explanations of policies for each "yes" checked above: N/A Determination of Benefits 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 2.4 Describe how you prioritize the provision of heating assistance to vulnerable populations, e.g., benefit amounts, early application periods, etc. Generally, household are served on a first come-first served basis. Early identification and crisis prevention is considered essential for "high risk" households, particularly those with vulnerable members (Elderly, Disabled, Young children). These households may be identified when the heating assistance application is received; or a utility or other fuel supplier may establish appropriate procedures to refer households with a vulnerable member for assistance or when a serious payment problem is first discovered. In addition, outreach activities emphasize reaching those households that include at least one elderly person or person with a disability. Each of the Human Service Zones is also responsible to administer TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, and Title XX and other service programs. Therefore, the Human Service Zones can assure that these programs and energy programs are fully coordinated and are able to refer households with vulnerable members. 2.5 Check the variables you use to determine your benefit levels. (Check all that apply): Income Family (household) size Home energy cost or need: Fuel type Climate/region Individual bill Dwelling type Energy burden (% of income spent on home energy) Energy need Other - Describe: LIHEAP Benefit Calculation Explanation Maximum and Minimum Benefit Share: The LIHEAP program in North Dakota is designed to ensure that no eligible household will pay more than 6% of their total income towards heating costs. The LIHEAP Share (LS) will be calculated based on the household’s income, size, and the selected primary fuel source. The state will cover the remaining portion of the heating costs. The maximum LIHEAP benefit percentage is 100%, and the minimum LIHEAP Share is 45%. Non-Residential Heating Costs: For households whose primary heating source is also used for non-residential purposes, a non-residential cap will be calculated. This cap will limit the maximum amount payable by the state towards the heating costs to ensure that payments do not exceed the Estimated Cost of Heat (ECH) multiplied by the household’s LIHEAP Share Percentage. Monthly Cap and Excess Payment Responsibility: If the household’s heating costs exceed the calculated LIHEAP share percentage, the excess amount will be covered by the state, ensuring that the household does not pay more than their designated Family Share. The system will track payments monthly, and once the household reaches their cap, the state will assume full responsibility for any additional heating costs incurred for that month. Heating Cost Data Collection and Benefit Cap Calculation to Prevent Fraud: LIHEAP in North Dakota uses a statewide cost/consumption table to determine a household's estimated heating costs and establish heating assistance benefit percentages. This table is based on actual cost and consumption data reported by fuel suppliers for LIHEAP recipients. To accurately determine the cost of heating a dwelling that includes nonresidential heat the billing data is collected directly from fuel suppliers, either electronically or via paper statements. This data accounts for several factors, including fuel consumption, cost of fuel, temperature/heating degree day data, and the efficiency of various fuels and heating systems. Using billing data from the five most recent federal fiscal years, a distribution of total heating costs is generated, and median values are identified. These values are adjusted based on historical data to estimate heating costs for different building types and sizes. By establishing benefit caps based on this detailed and historical billing data, LIHEAP ensures that the assistance provided is consistent with actual heating costs, helping to prevent fraud and overpayment. Benefit Levels, 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 2.6 Describe estimated benefit levels for the fiscal year for which this plan applies. Please note: the maximum and minimum benefits must be shown in the payment matrix. Minimum Benefit $1 Maximum Benefit $7,500 2.7 Do you provide in-kind (e.g., blankets, space heaters) and/or other forms of benefits?2 Yes No If yes, describe. Temporary heating devices and/or other consumer type goods may be provided under the emergency component and through outreach efforts in order to protect household members from a severe loss or lack of home energy and provide awareness about the LIHEAP program. If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here.