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Tennessee Housing Development Agency 2025 LIHEAP Policy Manual for Regular and Crisis Assistance 35

• Extend eligibility for affected households to a maximum income of 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). • Temporary shelter costs such as hotels or apartments for households whose homes have been destroyed or damaged. • Transportation costs (e.g., taxis, ride-share, buses) to move individuals away from the crisis area. • Utility reconnection costs if energy costs exceed $500 (must be approved by THDA). • Repair or replacement of furnaces and air conditioners, and insulation repairs. • Tangible benefits, such as coats and blankets, to provide warmth. • Crisis payments for utility bills and deposits. • Purchase and installation of fans, air conditioners, or generators in life-threatening situations where medical equipment requires continuous power. Disaster Assistance Eligibility These funds are only available to LIHEAP-eligible households affected by the disaster. Documentation is required from local jurisdiction records or energy vendor records to verify the impact of the disaster. If a FEMA number is assigned, it must be provided when available. Subgrantees must contact THDA for case-by-case approval regarding any situations not listed above related to disaster relief funds.

Applications During Disasters and Emergencies If the household has already been approved for LIHEAP assistance in the current program year, the original application will not be used. The applicant will need to reapply. If the household has not yet been served by LIHEAP, they will need to submit a new application for Disaster Assistance. THDA LIHEAP Disaster Assistance module in SmartSimple is identified by a disaster declaration checkbox and an upload of the official document. Agencies will be able to enter disaster payment amounts for services provided and there will be an upload field for documents.

2-22 Hearing Process