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2026 - 2027 I PY27 NH Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) Procedures Manual 57 Heat Included in Rent Payment

For applicants whose heat is included in the rent, a Landlord Verification form (Attachment J) must document the amount of the rent per month and must have a signature from the property owner/landlord that signifies they have reviewed the agreement on the form. As the agreement on the Landlord Verification form outlines, the property owner agrees to apply the full benefit amount to rent, reducing the rent by the amount of the payment. Should the tenant move out before the full amount of the benefit is utilized, the owner agrees to refund any unused portion of the benefit to the tenant directly.

At least every other year, a valid W-9 form should be requested from the landlord and kept on file before payments are made to confirm the payee’s name and address have not changed.

Direct Payments

Direct payments to the client may be made in extenuating circumstances. A waiver is required in these cases, with written approval from the NH DOE FAP Administrator or designee required before payment. EXCEPTION: No waiver is required if the direct payment is going to a FANF household whose cash assistance benefit is paid directly to the landlord.

Other Allowable Payments

Other allowable payments are those that are incidental to the start-up of service including reasonable connection or re-connection fees, delivery fees (including off-hour delivery charges), deposits, tank setting or priming fees, reconnection fees, tariff charges, and other fees related to the start-up of service. Certified eligible homeowner households can choose to have up to $300 of their benefit pay for furnace repair or cleaning costs by their chosen vendor. This would include payments of up to $300 toward a service plan that provides annual cleaning/tune-up and potential repairs. The FAP Benefit cannot be used for security deposits, finance charges, or tank leasing or rental.

Deceased Clients

No benefit should be issued or paid to an applicant who is deceased. If an agency learns that an applicant is deceased and they were the only member of their household, the application should be denied and no benefit should be paid. If the benefit has already been awarded and paid for a certified client who is now deceased, expenses incurred prior to and during the 30 days following the date of death can be paid.