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Vermont Department for Children and Families Crisis Fuel Assistance Rules Economic Services Division 3102 p.2 Crisis Fuel Eligibility

ii. Apply for seasonal fuel assistance at the same time as the application for crisis fuel assistance;

iii. Submit a seasonal fuel assistance application as soon as possible if extenuating circumstances prevent the simultaneous submission of applications for seasonal fuel assistance and crisis fuel assistance; or

iv. Have a gross household income above 185% of the federal poverty guidelines based on household size;

5. The Department or a crisis fuel worker has determined that a household has a home heating emergency need, including:

i. The household’s primary heating fuel tank is at 25% or less of its full capacity;

ii. There is one week’s supply or less of fuel for households whose primary heating sources include firewood, wood pellets, or coal; or

iii. The household has received a disconnect notice from a metered utility, and the utility is responsible for either:

A. Providing the household’s primary fuel source; or

B. Operating a necessary component of the household’s primary home heating equipment.

6. The household must demonstrate that unforeseen extenuating circumstances have prevented the household from heating the living unit; and

7. The head of household must spend at least 150 non-consecutive nights in their living unit between November 1 and April 30.

d. A household that has its primary heating fuel cost included in its rent may be eligible for crisis fuel assistance if the household meets all the eligibility criteria in subsection (c) of this rule and either of the following conditions are met:

1. The landlord is not available to authorize continuation of the primary heating fuel; or

2. The health or safety of a household member is threatened and no one in the household caused the home heating emergency need, as determined by the eligibility staff.