Page 51

2026 - 2027 I PY27 NH Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) Procedures Manual 51 include the word waiver, applicant initials, and note identifying the request. As an example, the subject might be, “Waiver - AR No Landlord Form” or similar. All waiver requests should include the following information:

• Applicant initials only (to protect personal information) • Application ID • Household size • Number of household members age 60 or older, under age 6, or disabled • Benefit amount (if waiver will change the benefit, provide new amount) • Brief description of the waiver being requested • The email should also include the statement below: o I certify that the information in this waiver request is true and when applicable, all expenses have been documented with supporting documentation included as part of the FAP PY XX file for this household. Any related documentation should be uploaded to ECOS to review – not sent via email. The NH DOE FAP Administrator and designee should be emailed and contacted by telephone if the requested waiver is for a household experiencing an energy emergency. Email and phone message should clearly state if this is an emergency so the NH DOE staff can prioritize response.

Supporting documentation may be requested before a waiver is approved or denied. The NH DOE FAP Administrator or designee will provide a determination or request for additional information or supporting documentation to the waiver request by e-mail within 72 hours. In the event additional information or supporting documentation is requested, a determination will be made within 72 hours of receiving all said information. The waiver decision must be documented in ECOS; NH DOE staff will add a Case Note to the application in ECOS to meet this requirement. A waiver request may also be granted following a Fair Administrative Hearing.

By federal law, no household may receive a waiver if the total gross household income is greater than 60% of the current State Median Income guidelines. This means waivers for households over the income guidelines cannot be considered if the FAP eligibility income guidelines are already set at 60% State Median Income.

Unusual Emergencies

A waiver may also be granted in the case of an unusual emergency such as the result of an "act of nature" such as fire, hurricane, or flood that may force relocation or homelessness, where no other assistance is available from public or private resources or from the community. This provision allows crisis assistance to be provided in the form of: