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ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Section One: Application Process Intake, Operations & Policy Manual
Program Year 2026 9 During the Intake Verifying, entering/updating all necessary information provided by the applicant helps to ensure that the household is eligible for energy assistance, and that the intake worker has all documentation required to process the application and make an energy assistance commitment. During each intake the intake worker should document the following information: ➢ Names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers for every household member (for LIHEAP a Social Security number issued by the SSA is required. For OEAP, it is strongly encouraged, but not required). In cases where issues inhibit applicants from providing a social security number, OPUS will issue a unique client identification number (OPUS System ID) to assure non-duplication of services. When an OPUS system ID number is used, and the client meets the exception criteria, it must be noted in the client file which exception criteria have been met (See exception criteria on page 1.5). (Confidential/sensitive information should never be entered into OPUS) ➢ Contact information (phone number, mailing address, and physical address). ➢ Residence information (type of dwelling). ➢ Demographic information (intake workers must ask, however services will not be denied for refusal to provide information). ➢ Gross income documentation for all household members. (may include Declaration of Household Income (DHI), Social Security calculator worksheet, and/or local agency forms). ➢ Vendor/account information (Primary heat bill, electric bill (if not primary heat source) and bulk fuel receipt, if applicable). Intake workers must include copies of all relevant documentation that the applicant provides in order to produce a finalized application (See page 1.17 of Intake Manual for further explanation of documents required for a completed application). Depending on local resources available to the client, intake workers should also provide additional information and contact numbers to the client during (or at the end of) an intake. This should include, but is not limited to weatherization assistance, energy education workshops, case management, interagency services, and local community programs.