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Vermont Department for Children and Families Seasonal Fuel Assistance Rules Economic Services Division 2919 Use of Benefit Payments

2919 Use of Benefit Payments (06/22/2024, 23-18)

a. For benefits paid to certified fuel suppliers for primary heating fuel, except firewood or wood pellets:

1. Benefits shall be used only for primary heating fuel purchased on or after November 1 until the end of April 30, subject to rule 2921(c).

i. No fuel supplier may pay a fuel benefit or credit balance directly to a fuel household under any circumstances.

ii. Fuel benefits may only be used to purchase primary heating fuel, and fuel benefits may not be used for any other purpose, including repairs to a heating system, parts, special trip charges, or labor.

iii. An eligible household that has an outstanding bill with its primary heating fuel supplier may use up to 17% of the benefit amount to pay for fuel delivered before November 1, provided all the following conditions are met:

A. The fuel supplier and customer agree to use up to 17% of the benefit toward an outstanding balance for fuel delivered before November 1; and

B. The fuel supplier and customer enter into an agreement for a budget plan or repayment plan for the remaining balance.

2. Subject to rule 2921(c), if a household has any remaining fuel benefits on account with a fuel supplier at the end of the day on April 30 each year, the household may not use those benefits, which the supplier must return to the Department no later than May 31 of the same year.

b. For benefits paid to an eligible fuel household for firewood or pellets:

1. Benefits may only be used to purchase firewood or pellets as primary heating fuel.

2. Benefits may only be used from the date of issuance until the end of the following April 30, subject to rule 2921(c).

3. Receipts for the purchase of firewood or pellets must be obtained and retained when using fuel benefit funds.