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ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Section One: Application Process Intake, Operations & Policy Manual Program Year 2026 33 as necessary to reflect crisis assistance after initial tribal assistance has been received. Households affiliated with Oregon tribes not listed above should be treated as any other applicant. Tribal LIHEAP funding should not affect eligibility criteria for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program or other leveraged funding sources. Any deviation from these policies must be approved by the State LIHEAP Coordinator within local agency workplans. Fraud and Determination of Fraud Fraud can involve applicants, employees, or vendors. In all cases of actual or suspected fraud the sub-grantee shall take the necessary action to recover the funds and must inform OHCS. Fraud occurs when a household or business takes any of the following actions knowingly, willfully, and with deceitful intent by: • Making false statements, or knowingly assisting applicants to make a false statement(s) to the agency or its agent(s), either orally or in writing, to receive benefits, services, or payments, for which the household/business are not eligible. • Concealing information that would change or disallow benefits for the household; • Violating provisions set forth in the program regulations, vendor contracts, or other documents pertaining to LIHEAP or OEAP. Identity Theft Oregon Housing and Community Services is committed to mitigating identity theft amongst low-income Oregonians who receive LIHEAP/OEAP funding. In addition to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of applicants, agencies should also be making efforts to ensure that day-to-day program practices guard against identity theft. Some households may self-report establishing accounts in other household members’ names to avoid large arrearages or maintain utility service. In these situations, agencies are advised to work with the applicant, utility and OHCS to re-establish an account in the proper name including arranging for additional energy assistance and/or alternative payment options if necessary.