Page 20

2026 - 2027 I PY27 NH Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) Procedures Manual 20 Completing the Application and Certifying as Eligible

When the program is open, all applications must be completed by intake staff within 30 days of the application date. If an applicant does not provide all of the required documentation within 30 days of the application date, the application will be denied for missing documentation. The applicant will be provided notification of what documents are still needed for completion and the application can be reopened if these missing documents are received.

An application can be certified eligible when all the questions on the application that are necessary for determination of eligibility are answered, and complete required documentation is attached.

Certifying an Application with a Benefit

Each application must then be reviewed and either denied or certified with a benefit within 30 days from of the date the intake staff member completed the application. Please note that applications experiencing an energy emergency require more immediate attention (see Energy Emergency Guidance).

A certifier reviews all applications for accuracy and completeness and determines eligibility or ineligibility based upon the information provided. The Certifier will indicate that a household is either eligible or ineligible by certifying the application with a benefit or denying the application. Upon certification, the Certifier must attest in ECOS that they have reviewed the application and it is complete. The certifier must be a different CAA staff person than the intake staff for that application.

Written notification of eligibility or denial must be sent to the applicant within 15 days of certification from opening of the program until April 30. When a household is found eligible for a FAP benefit, a Benefit Notification Letter (Attachment K) is sent to the applicant and to the vendor. When a household is ineligible for a FAP benefit, an Applicant Denial Letter (Attachment L) and a Fair Administrative Hearing Notice (Attachment M) are mailed to the applicant.

Copies of all correspondence pertaining to eligibility must be maintained and be easily accessible. ECOS will generate and save all system-generated letters, but any other correspondence pertaining to eligibility generated outside of ECOS must be maintained in ECOS files or notes. CAAs are not required to keep hard copies, but all program information including correspondence, applications, and reports and letters must be accessible for three years after the final expenditures for the applicable program year has ended.