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Vermont Department for Children and Families Seasonal Fuel Assistance Rules Economic Services Division 2914 p.2 Calculation of Benefits

b. The Department must reduce the ratable benefit amount (determined in step 8 above) based on the month it receives the household’s fuel assistance application as follows:

1. For applications received in December, the annual benefit must be reduced to 80% of the ratable benefit amount.

2. For applications received in January, the annual benefit must be reduced to 60% of the ratable benefit amount.

3. For applications received in February, the annual benefit must be reduced to 40% of the ratable benefit amount.

4. For all other applications, subsection (b) of this rule shall not apply.

i. Applications received in any other month shall be used to calculate the annual benefit for the heating season that begins in the year the application is received.

5. The benefit reductions in subsection (b) of this rule shall not be considered penalties for late- filed applications but instead ensure that households receive prorated benefits and do not receive benefits for any period during the heating season prior to the month of application, in accordance with 33 V.S.A. § 2606(b).

c. After the Department reduces the ratable benefit amount, if required by subsection (b) of this rule, the Department must make further reductions to determine the annual benefit amount as follows:

1. Eligible households that do not live in Section 8 housing, or other public housing, and that make primary heating fuel payments directly to a certified fuel supplier, shall receive 100% of the amount calculated pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this rule.

2. Eligible households that do not live in Section 8 housing, or other public housing, and that have their primary heating fuel cost included in their rent, shall receive 30% of the amount calculated pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this rule;

i. If the annual benefit amount calculated under this provision is less than $50.00, then those households subject to this provision must receive a minimum of $50.00 in annual fuel benefits.