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 HHS Poverty Guidelines 150.00% 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: Do you have additional/differing eligibility policies for: Renters? Yes No If yes, describe: Renters Living in subsidized housing? Yes No If yes, describe: Subsidized Rent/Utilities with Additional Utility Costs Eligible Households that receive a utility subsidy but still have out-of-pocket utility costs (e.g., electricity, gas) are eligible for LIHEAP. These costs must be verifiable and separate from the rent. 1. Subsidized Rent with Utilities Included Not Eligible Households whose heating or cooling costs are fully included in the subsidized rent and who do not pay separately for utilities are not eligible for LIHEAP. 2. Subsidized Rent with Rental Cost Only Not Eligible Households that pay rent but do not pay any utilities separately (i.e., all utilities included) are not eligible for LIHEAP. 3. Subsidized Rent with No Cost Not Eligible Households that pay neither rent nor utilities are not eligible for LIHEAP, as they do not have an energy burden. 4. Renters with utilities included in the rent? Yes No If yes, describe: Yes, in New Mexico, households paying non-subsidized rent with utility costs included in their rent are eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), even if the lease does not explicitly designate a portion for utilities. According to New Mexico Administrative Code 8.150.410.11(A)(2), such households qualify for LIHEAP assistance. Do you give priority in eligibility to: Older Adults (60 years or older)? Yes No If yes, describe: Yes, in New Mexico, households with one or more members aged 60 or older are eligible to receive two additional points toward their Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefit calculation. This is part of the state's point-based system designed to prioritize assistance for households with vulnerable members. The age of household members is verified through birthdate data provided during the application process. Individuals with a disability? Yes No If yes, describe: A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially reduces an individual's ability to care for themselves or carry out normal activities. If a household member receives disability-based income (such as Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income), the household automatically qualifies for these two points. If the disabled member does not receive disability-based income, a doctor's statement confirming the current disability is required to assign the points. Young children? Yes No If yes, describe: Age five and under: Two points are assigned to eligible households based on the inclusion of one or more household members age five and under as determined by birthdate data. Households with high energy burdens? Yes No If yes, describe: Points are assigned to the household by determining the households' percentage of energy burden. The point allocation for energy burden is: (a) Zero points for zero to five percent energy burden; (b) One point for six to ten percent energy burden; (c) Two points for eleven to fifteen percent energy burden; or (d) Three points for sixteen percent or more energy burden. (2) Additional energy burden: If the household’s energy burden is for the use of propane, an additional two points will be allocated. Other? Yes No If yes, describe: Explanations of policies for each "yes" checked above: 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. Households with vulnerable members; such as age 60 and over, age 5 and under, members with a disability, and for any household that is seeking assistance with bulk fuel propane are eligible for an additional benefit. 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: Households with vulnerable members; such as age 60 and over, age 5 and under, members with a disability, and for any household that is seeking assistance with bulk fuel propane are eligible for an additional benefit 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 $70 Maximum Benefit $490 2.7 Do you provide in-kind (e.g., blankets, space heaters) and/or other forms of benefits?2 Yes No If yes, describe. 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.