2 HEATING ASSISTANCE

Eligibility, 2605(b)(2) - Assurance 2 2.1 Designate the income eligibility threshold used for the heating component: Add Household size Eligibility Guideline Eligibility Threshold 1 All Household Sizes HHS Poverty Guidelines 150.00% 2.2 Do you have additional eligibility requirements for Heating Assistance? Yes No 2.3 Check the appropriate boxes below and describe the policies for each. Do you require an Assets test? Yes No If yes, describe: Do you have additional/differing eligibility policies for: Renters? Yes No If yes, describe: Renters Living in subsidized housing? Yes No If yes, describe: Renters whose rent is unsubsidized and pay for heat indirectly as an undesignated part of rent are eligible for LIHEAP benefits. Renters, including subsidized-housing tenants, are ineligible if their rental charge includes an undesignated amount for heat and is based on a fixed percentage of their income or on their source of income. These households do not have a heating cost passed on to them through their rental charge since their rental payment is based on a percentage of their income or source of income and would not increase or decrease based on heating costs. NOTE: If a household in subsidized housing, which pays for rent and utilities as a fixed portion of its income, becomes responsible for payment to a vendor, either in full or in part, for its primary heating costs, that household then becomes eligible for a cash benefit, if otherwise eligible. If a household in subsidized housing, which pays for rent and utilities as a fixed portion of its income, becomes responsible for payment to a vendor, either in full or in part, for its primary or secondary heating costs, that household then becomes eligible for a crisis benefit, if otherwise eligible. Renters with utilities included in the rent? Yes No If yes, describe: Do you give priority in eligibility to: Older Adults (60 years or older)? Yes No If yes, describe: Individuals with a disability? Yes No If yes, describe: Young children? Yes No If yes, describe: Households with high energy burdens? Yes No If yes, describe: Other? Yes No If yes, describe: Explanations of policies for each "yes" checked above: See above Determination of Benefits 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 2.4 Describe how you prioritize the provision of heating assistance to vulnerable populations, e.g., benefit amounts, early application periods, etc. When surplus funds are available after the application period has ended, DHS will often issue supplemental payments to recipient households that contain a vulnerable member. 2.5 Check the variables you use to determine your benefit levels. (Check all that apply): Income Family (household) size Home energy cost or need: Fuel type Climate/region Individual bill Dwelling type Energy burden (% of income spent on home energy) Energy need Other - Describe: Benefit Levels, 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 2.6 Describe estimated benefit levels for the fiscal year for which this plan applies. Please note: the maximum and minimum benefits must be shown in the payment matrix. Minimum Benefit $200 Maximum Benefit $1,000 2.7 Do you provide in-kind (e.g., blankets, space heaters) and/or other forms of benefits?2 Yes No If yes, describe. If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here.