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Tennessee Housing Development Agency 2025 LIHEAP Policy Manual for Regular and Crisis Assistance 24

2. Individuals who are disabled, as identified by receiving SSI, SSDI, or by submitting a Verification of Disability form completed and signed by a licensed medical professional. 3. Households with children aged five (5) or younger 4. Veterans Within each vulnerability category, applicants will be further prioritized based on factors such as lowest income, highest energy burden, and greatest overall vulnerability. Households with the highest energy burden within each vulnerability rank will be served first. Utility Selection for LIHEAP Benefits Each approved household must choose one (1) utility to receive the LIHEAP benefit. In cases where an approved applicant receives a benefit under $500, but the home uses propane as a deliverable fuel, the applicant will have the option to apply their benefit to propane. However, due to utility company payment requirements, the minimum payment for propane assistance will be $500. This process ensures that assistance is distributed effectively while addressing the specific needs of vulnerable households.

2.11 Depletion of Funding When funding for LIHEAP is depleted, it is necessary to inform the applicant that their application will be placed on the waitlist due to a lack of available funds. The agency must notify the client when funding becomes available and/or provide details about the next open application period. A waiting list must be maintained within SmartSimple until the close of the program year, in case additional funding is allocated by the state. Participation in other programs, such as the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), within the same program year, does not affect an applicant's eligibility for LIHEAP. However, the agency must ensure that any relevant updates regarding funding status are communicated to THDA as requested during the contract period. These updates may include whether funding will be fully expended or if the agency anticipates having remaining funds at the end of the contract period. Maintaining effective communication and accurate records regarding funding status helps ensure that applicants receive timely support and that the program operates within its budget.