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ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Section Two: Income Intake, Operations & Policy Manual Program Year 2026 56 Here again, the maximum the client will ever receive from both sources is $1,948.33 ($1,786.15 + $162.18). This is the amount that should be used to calculate the appropriate energy assistance benefit. Calculator for Social Security Retirement Benefits ➢ This calculator is for use only when the following apply: • An applicant does not have a current Benefit Verification Letter AND • It would be an unreasonable hardship to obtain a current Benefit Verification Letter AND • My Social Security is not an option AND • The automated SSA telephone system 800-772-1213 is also not an option. ➢ SSA Cost of Living information for the next calendar year is generally released in October. ➢ Cost of living increases take effect on January 1 for both Social Security Retirement and SSI recipients. If the applicant’s current benefit amount (January 1 through December 31) is known and the amount of the cost-of-living increase is known, the previous calendar year monthly benefit amount can be estimated. ➢ Benefit Verification Letters were generally released in January but are now available electronically in December. ➢ The calculator may not be used in two consecutive years for any client. ➢ If the calculator is used, a copy of the calculator must be printed and included in the client file in addition to whichever benefit verification letter was provided by the client. In OPUS, the income verification dropdown box must show that the calculator was used and must also include a brief description as to why it was necessary. ➢ Use of this calculator is optional. However, if an agency decides to use it, the calculator must be used consistently for all clients in similar circumstances. October – January Ideally, the Benefit Verification Letter from the previous program year would be available from the client file from that year.