Page 31

Chapter 4: Benefits, Heat Source & Heating Costs 2 For applications approved prior to October 1st, benefits will be paid at the end of September for October’s heat portion of rent cost.

For example: A household is approved for LIEAP in September. At the end of September, a check will be issued for the heat portion of October’s rent. This will continue through the April rent amount or until the benefit amount has been exhausted, whichever occurs first.

For applications approved after October 1st, LIEAP benefits may be paid for unpaid heat portions of rent amounts for the months of October through April.

For example: A household is approved for LIEAP on November 5th. The household still owes a portion of October and November’s rent. 30% of the rent amount will be paid for October and November. Then beginning at the end of November, payment will be made for December’s rent amount.

If informed of a change in rent amount of greater than $20, send Landlord Change in Rent Form to Landlord to verify new rent amount Change rent amount in system to match what is indicated on the form.

(3) Benefits Paid for Heat Paid to Landlord in Addition to Rent When the heating bill is in the landlord’s name and he/she is responsible for paying the heating costs directly to the vendor/energy supplier and seeks reimbursement of the cost from the household, the landlord is considered the vendor and may submit claims for the household’s actual heat cost.

Monthly payments to the landlord/vendor will continue until the benefit is exhausted or the heating season ends, whichever occurs first.

(4) Benefits Paid for Wood, Coal, Kerosene and Other Alternative Heat Sources LIEAP eligible households whose primary heat source is wood, coal, kerosene and other alternative heat sources, such as corn or pellet stoves, will receive a check directly to them for the entire benefit amount.

(C) Verification of Heat Source/Supplier Heat source/supplier may by verified by a recent heating bill, fill ticket, a phone call to the vendor or an e-mail to the vender. Verification must be kept in the client’s file. If information is verified by phone, narration must indicate the date of contact and name of person providing the verification.

Applicants are required to provide documentation of their heating costs with their application. If the heat supplier was verified previously, the applicant has not had a change of address, and lists the same heat supplier as the previous year on the application, the prior verification of heat supplier is sufficient verification for the current year’s application.

To request that information again would unnecessarily add to the program costs and delay an eligible client from receiving benefits in a timely manner.