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ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Section One: Application Process Intake, Operations & Policy Manual

Program Year 2026 10 Domestic Violence If an applicant is experiencing an abusive situation, we still need to create a record in OPUS but most of the client/household information must only be documented in the paper file. You may use the agency address as the household address in OPUS and/or process it as an agency pay. Once the intake report/fiscal documents are printed, actual household information (account number, name on account, physical address etc.) will need to be filled in for fiscal processing/record retention and included in the client file for documentation and compliance purposes. Avoiding Duplicate Applications To avoid duplicate applications, client information must be entered into the OPUS database. Using Mail-In/Hard Copy Applications If a client qualifies for multiple programs, you may use the one application submitted by the client to create multiple applications if it is done so A: before any specific program information is added to the application/mail-in; and B: if it is being done so at the same intake. All completed file requirements as outlined later in this manual still apply. All mail-in/hard copy applications must be date stamped when received from the client in order to properly track the timing of application processing and be inserted into the OPUS system with said date. Energy Assistance Program Authorization Requirements The following are general steps and information for completing either an OPUS intake or filling out a hard copy application. 1. Authorization Number: Preprinted or computer-generated number. 2. Applicant’s Legal Name: Print applicant’s full legal name as listed on the most current documentation from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or state issued photo ID. 3. Household type: Circle household type