3 COOLING ASSISTANCE

Eligibility, 2605(c)(1)(A), 2605 (b)(2) - Assurance 2 3.1 Designate The income eligibility threshold used for the Cooling component: Add Household size Eligibility Guideline Eligibility Threshold 1 All Household Sizes State Median Income 60.00% 3.2 Do you have additional eligibility requirements for Cooling assistance? Yes No 3.3 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 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: Eligible households may receive a base nonemergency energy benefit of $200. Households with at least one older adult (age 60 or older) may receive an additional $75 toward the household's total nonemergency energy benefit. Individuals with a disability? Yes No If yes, describe: Eligible households may receive a base nonemergency energy benefit of $200. Households with at least one disabled person may receive an additional $50 toward the household's total nonemergency energy benefit. Young children? Yes No If yes, describe: Eligible households may receive a base nonemergency energy benefit of $200. Households with at least one child (age 5 and younger) may receive an additional $50 toward the household's total nonemergency energy benefit. Households with high energy burdens? Yes No If yes, describe: Eligible households may receive a base nonemergency energy benefit of $200. Households demonstrating a high energy burden may receive an additional $175 toward the household's total nonemergency energy benefit. Other? Households that have extremely low incomes and households with a veteran. Yes No If yes, describe: Eligible households may receive a base nonemergency energy benefit of $200. Households with a total gross income at or below 30% of the State's Median Income guidelines may receive an additional $175. Households with at least one veteran may receive an additional $50 toward the household's total nonemergency energy benefit. Explanations of policies for each "yes" checked above: Each eligible household receives a minimum nonemergency benefit of $200. Additional benefits are awarded if the household/a member of the household is: elderly ($75); disabled ($50); household income 30% of the SMI or less ($175); child age 5 or under ($50); household energy burden is demonstrated ((20% or more of income used for utilities) $175); heats with fuel ($75); a veteran ($50). The maximum nonemergency benefit during the heating season is $850. The maximum nonemergency benefit during the cooling season is $775. 3.4 Describe how you prioritize the provision of cooling assistance to vulnerable populations, e.g., benefit amounts, early application periods, etc. South Carolina considers vulnerable households as having at least one member that is elderly (age 60 or older), disabled, or a young child (age 5 and under). Benefit amounts increase when the household includes at least one member of the vulnerable population. Agencies may set aside a designated day/period to serve vulnerable households. Eligible entities provide the state a written plan to ensure vulnerable households are given priority as part of the agency's Community Action Plan submission. The State verifies prioritization during monitoring. Determination of Benefits 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 3.5 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: Each eligible household receives a minimum nonemergency benefit of $200. Additional benefits are awarded if the household/a member of the household is: elderly ($75); disabled ($50); household income 30% of the SMI or less ($175); child age 5 or under ($50); household energy burden is demonstrated ((20% or more of income used for utilities) $175); heats with fuel ($75); a veteran ($50). The maximum nonemergency benefit during the heating season is $850. The maximum nonemergency benefit during the cooling season is $775. Benefit Levels, 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 3.6 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 $775 3.7 Do you provide in-kind (e.g., fans, air conditioners) and/or other forms of benefits? 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.