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ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Section One: Application Process Intake, Operations & Policy Manual Program Year 2026 31 rate. Applicant is responsible for verifying the length of stay and/or special rate. e) Group Homes: The Income of all residents must be considered in determining eligibility. “Group Home” examples may include Adult Foster Care, Oxford Houses or Homes for Adults with Developmental Disabilities. Group homes administered under a contract with, or administered by, a government unit are considered an “institution” and are not eligible to receive LIHEAP services (e.g., most nursing home facilities). f) Institutions: Applicants living in institutions are not eligible to apply for energy assistance. Institutions include, but are not limited to: correctional facilities, nursing homes, alcohol/drug rehabilitation centers, treatment programs, dormitories, fraternities, sororities, domestic violence shelters and homeless shelters. g) Commercial Utility Account: Applicants with a commercial utility account are not eligible to receive energy assistance. • Companion/Attendant/Caregiver (C/A): Some applicants may have someone living with them who provide health/supportive services. If the caregiver lives with the applicant and that is their only residence they will be counted as part of the household, and their income will be included. If the caregiver provides documentation that they have their own residence they will not be included as part of the household and income will not be included. If the live-in caregiver is paid solely by the applicant and no other money is paid from outside of the household the income of the caregiver will not be counted as income. If the live-in caregiver is paid from a source outside of the residence that amount shall be counted as income. • Household Separation: If a previously served household separates, none of the adults may receive another standard payment during the current program year. Each new household may still be eligible for a crisis payment. • Counting Children in more than one household: Children can be counted in more than one household based on local agency decision and policy. Both households may qualify for a standard payment. • Agency Staff as Applicants: Eligible agency staff may apply for LIHEAP or OEAP assistance. Employee applications must be approved and signed by the Executive Director or their designee.