Page 107

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES ENERGY ASSISTANCE

11/13 VOLUME IX, CHAPTER G, PAGE 9

c. Provision of Supplemental Heating Equipment/Maintenance (Code T)

Maintenance on heating equipment may include inspection for and correction of cracks or holes in the heat exchanger and disconnected or loose vents or chimney vents. It also includes replacement of filters, clearing of obstructed ducts, chimney cleaning, clearing supply lines of obstructions and repairing leaks.

Supplemental equipment purchases include storage tanks inclusive of fuel at a volume only sufficient enough to test equipment, tank stands, mats, and any accessory necessary to complete installation or that is essential to the safe operation of the heating system. Other examples include chimneys, flues, lines, blowers, thermostats, etc.

1) This assistance can be provided when the following conditions exist:

a) The applicant, or a member of the household, owns or is responsible for the maintenance or provision of the heating equipment. A renter's responsibility for the maintenance of the heating equipment is determined by a lease, rental agreement, or statement in writing from the landlord which specifies the renter is responsible for the heating equipment. (NOTE: If the renter is not responsible for the maintenance of the heating equipment or responsibility cannot be determined, the LDSS should consider providing other types of Crisis Assistance to alleviate the heating emergency.); and

b) The maintenance need or the supplemental equipment is essential to the safe operation of the primary heating system used by the household; and

c) The heating equipment is inoperable or unsafe at the time of the request.

2) Assistance can be received more than once during the program year. If assistance was previously received during the program year, the LDSS must ensure vendor compliance with required repair guarantees and warranties. The total amount authorized may not exceed the maximum benefit amount for the program year.

3) The LDSS must determine if any applicable warranty exists in the Energy Assistance system on the heating equipment that is to be serviced/ replaced.

TRANSMITTAL # 13-1