3 COOLING ASSISTANCE

Eligibility, 2605(c)(1)(A), 2605 (b)(2) - Assurance 2 3.1 Designate The income eligibility threshold used for the Cooling component: Add Household size Eligibility Guideline Eligibility Threshold 1 All Household Sizes HHS Poverty Guidelines 130.00% 3.2 Do you have additional eligibility requirements for Cooling assistance? Yes No 3.3 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 receive the same benefit amount as homeowners. Renters must be responsible for a portion of the cooling utility in order to be considered vulnerable. Renters Living in subsidized housing? Yes No If yes, describe: Renters in subsidized housing receive the same benefit amount as homeowners. Renters in subsidized housing must be responsible for a portion of the cooling utility in order to be considered vulnerable. Renters with utilities included in the rent? Yes No If yes, describe: Renters with utilities included in rent receive the same benefit amount as homeowners. Renters with utilities included in rent must verify that a specific portion of the rent is for utilities or be charged a surcharge during high usage months to be considered vulnerable. Do you give priority in eligibility to: Older Adults (60 years or older)? Yes No If yes, describe: Many of our preauthorized households are elderly or disabled individuals. Individuals with a disability? Yes No If yes, describe: Many of our preauthorized households are elderly or disabled individuals. Young children? Yes No If yes, describe: If funding is such that there will not be an open enrollment for the general population, we will reduce the number of applications to the general population and increase the number of applications targeting households that have at least an elderly or disabled or young child. Households with high energy burdens? Yes No If yes, describe: Other? Yes No If yes, describe: Explanations of policies for each "yes" checked above: Renters receive the same benefit amount as homeowners. Renters must be responsible for a portion of the cooling utility in order to be considered vulnerable. Renters with utilities included in rent receive the same benefit amount as homeowners. Renters with utilities included in rent must verify that a specific portion of the rent is for utilities or be charged a surcharge during high usage months to be considered vulnerable. Many of our preauthorized households are elderly or disabled individuals. If funding is such that there will not be an open enrollment for the general population, we will reduce the number of applications to the general population and increase the number of applications targeting households that have at least an elderly or disabled or young child. 3.4 Describe how you prioritize the provision of cooling assistance to vulnerable populations, e.g., benefit amounts, early application periods, etc. Many of our preauthorized households are elderly or disabled individuals. OKDHS sends a SMS text message regarding the open enrollment to households receiving other benefits such as SNAP, TANF, or SSP (State Supplemental Payment to the Aged, Blinded, or Disabled). If funding is such that there will not be an open enrollment for the general population, we will reduce the number of applications to the general population and increase the number of applications targeting households that have at least an elderly or disabled or young child Determination of Benefits 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 3.5 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: The cooling program grants a larger benefit to households with net monthly incomes under $700. Benefit Levels, 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 3.6 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 $150 Maximum Benefit $650 3.7 Do you provide in-kind (e.g., fans, air conditioners) and/or other forms of benefits? Yes No If yes, describe. Applicants requesting assistance to purchase cooling equipment, such as fans or window air conditioning units, can be reimbursed up to $150. Applicants must provide a receipt dated within 30 days of their cooling application for reimbursement approval. Whole house central heat and air unit/equipment must be serviced through the weatherization component that is handled through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce due to health and safety measure and inspection under DOE guidelines. 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.