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Tennessee Housing Development Agency 2025 LIHEAP Policy Manual for Regular and Crisis Assistance 22

1. Request Assistance with an Energy Emergency: The household must submit an application, providing one of the following to verify the energy emergency: o A bill, disconnect notice, or other disconnect documentation verifying the energy emergency. o An eviction notice due to utility overage, past due rent, or unpaid rent. o A fuel depletion notice indicates fuel is at 20% or less in the tank and delivery was refused. o A non-functioning heat/air unit or equipment not working properly. 2. Additional Criteria (Respond “Yes” to One of the Following): o Recent, within the last three (3) months, an unanticipated Medical or Household Expenses: The household must have an unanticipated medical or major household expense that exceeds 100% of their utility bill. Documentation could include receipts for medical payments or other major expenses. o Recent Job Loss or Death of Wage Earner: The household wage earner lost their job or died within the last 12 months. Documentation could include termination or lay-off notice, unemployment insurance (UI) claims or eligibility notifications, obituary, death certificate, or funeral program. o Loss of Significant Work Hours: The household wage earners experienced a significant loss of work hours in the past thirty (30) days. Documentation could include a letter from the employer outlining details of lost hours or pay stubs. o Household Member Leaving the Home: A household wage earner left the home within the past forty-five (45) days. Documentation could include a recent application for family assistance (e.g., Families First, SNAP), order of protection, police report, revised lease, or other legal documentation. o Vulnerable Household Members: Households with children 5 years old or younger, or with individuals 60 years or older. o Active Military or Veterans: Households with a member who is active military or a veteran. Verification of military service is required. o Disabled Household Members: Household members who are disabled. Verification could include SSI or SSDI letters or a Verification of Disability form signed by a medical professional. o Non-Functioning Heating System: Households with a non-functioning or malfunctioning heating system. Examples can be found in the Appendix. 3. Notification within 18 Hours for Life-Support Equipment Needs: o If a household has a member who requires life support equipment sustained by utility services, documentation from a medical equipment company or a medical professional's letter indicating the required equipment must be provided.