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Tennessee Housing Development Agency 2025 LIHEAP Policy Manual for Regular and Crisis Assistance 8

Disability - A condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Documentation must include either SSI or SSDI Social Security document, or a signed Verification of Disability Form from a licensed medical professional.

Elderly - A person aged 60 years or older.

Energy Burden - The percentage of household income spent on energy costs.

Energy Conservation Education - Educational services aimed at reducing energy consumption and promoting efficient energy use.

Energy Crisis - An emergency caused by a disconnected utility or fuel depletion utility service, and an uncontrollable circumstance.

Energy Crisis Component - Provides expedited assistance to households facing energy- related emergencies within 48 hours, and life-threatening energy-related emergencies within 18 hours.

Home Delivered Energy - Energy sources delivered to the home, such as propane, kerosene, wood, or heating oil.

Home Energy - The primary energy source used for heating or cooling a residence.

Household - All individuals living together as one economic unit who purchase or pay for residential energy together or as part of rent.

Household Income - Total annual gross cash receipts from all household members, before taxes, excluding amounts listed in the LIHEAP State Plan.

LIHEAP - The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, created under Public Law 97- 35, LIHEAP is a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income households to help them afford heating and cooling costs.

Local Contract Agency – Agencies and governmental entities contracted by THDA to administer LIHEAP services locally.