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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES ENERGY ASSISTANCE
06/09 VOLUME IX, CHAPTER J, PAGE 1
COOLING ASSISTANCE
1. PURPOSE
Cooling Assistance is a component of the EAP. The purpose of the Cooling Assistance Component is to continue or provide cooling services to low-income households when other resources cannot meet those needs. Implementation of the Cooling Assistance Component is provided statewide.
The Cooling Assistance Component is offered on a first come, first serve basis. Households can receive Cooling Assistance in addition to Fuel and Crisis Assistance unless specifically restricted.
2. ADMINISTRATION
a. Contracting
A LDSS may contract for the 1) taking of applications or 2) taking of applications and preparing for processing. The maximum payment per application received from the contracting LDSS is $8; however, LDSS must remain within their administrative allocation. Contracts may be negotiated with the Salvation Army, Community Action Agencies, etc. Consult legal counsel when contracting. Errors made by the contractor are considered LDSS errors. Data entry of applications and changes to case information must continue in the LDSS. Refer to the Quick Reference Guide. The LDSS has responsibility for all case payments. LDSS responsibilities are listed in Chapter A. 8.
b. Program Dates
LDSS provide Cooling Assistance and will accept applications for assistance from June 15 through August 15, regardless of the amount of available funds. Applications will continue to be approved in the system for possible funding if additional funds become available.
Households are not required to submit another application with subsequent requests for electric bill payments. However, all requests for electric bill payments must be submitted by the last day of the application period, August 15.
c. Outreach and Public Information
VDSS will provide general information to the public via a news release prior to the beginning of the component. All other outreach efforts must be provided by each locality.
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