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Chapter 4: Benefits, Heat Source & Heating Costs 1 Chapter 4: Benefits, Heat Source & Heating Cost

(A) Benefit Determination The amount of benefits a household is entitled to receive is based on household’s income, heat type and residence information. Any assistance not spent during the heating season does not remain available for use.

Once an initial payment has been made to the case, changes in income, benefit level, heat type, or region will not be made to the case, however households that have dual-heat may change the heat type but no adjustment will be made to the benefit level. The vendor cannot be changed after a payment has been made unless the client moves, installs a new or different heating system using a different primary heating source type, or if a vendor refuses to serve the client.

(B) Payment of Benefits

(1) Benefits Paid Directly to Vendors Benefits are paid directly to vendors on behalf of the household for eligible unpaid heating bills for their primary heating source until the benefit is exhausted or the heating season ends, whichever occurs first. The heating supplier will be notified of client eligibility and may then submit claims for unpaid heating costs incurred as follows: Fuel Oil & Propane July 1 – April 30 Natural Gas & Electric October 1 – May 15

Fuel Oil & Propane Only the main tank may be filled for homes, no storage tanks may be filled with Energy Assistance benefits. The only situation where small tanks are allowed to be filled is when the household is a camper.

Any fills paid for with LIEAP benefits and not completely used when vacating the home will remain in the tank it was delivered too. If the propane/fuel oil can be removed the vendor will credit the State for propane/fuel oil removed. If it cannot be removed it is at the discretion of the tank owner and vendor if the tank will remain at the present location or be moved with the client.

(2) Benefits Paid for Heat-In-Rent Households When the household’s rent includes the cost of heat, a LIEAP payment of up to 30% of the monthly rent is paid to the client for unpaid rental obligations until the benefit is exhausted or the heating season ends, whichever occurs first. There are different types of households that fall under this category, they are as follows- • Apartment Buildings • Condominiums- If heating costs are included in the association fees, LIEAP will pay 30% of those fees • Hotel- If residing in a hotel, LIEAP will pay 30% of the monthly cost