What is the heat and eat program and are you eligible?

(b) An assistance unit (AU) in heat and eat program receives up to twenty dollars and one cent in federal low income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP) benefits. This U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families LIHEAP benefit makes the AU eligible for the standard utility allowance under WAC 388-450-0195 for twelve months.

(2) If you receive WASHCAP, you will get LIHEAP and your AU is eligible for the standard utility allowance under WAC 388-450-0195 for twelve months.

(3) Is your AU eligible for heat and eat? Your AU is eligible for heat and eat if you meet all of the following:

(a) You receive at least one dollar in basic food or FAP benefits prior to any recoupments;

(b) Your basic food or FAP AU includes at least one U.S. citizen or qualified alien as defined under WAC 388-424-0001 as required by 8 U.S.C. Sec. 1611 (a)(1);

(c) You do not receive transitional food assistance (TFA);

(d) You are not eligible for the standard utility allowance (SUA) under WAC 388-450-0195 based on having out-of-pocket costs for heating or cooling;

(e) You have not received a regular LIHEAP benefit amount of more than twenty dollars in the past twelve months; and

(f) You do not receive the maximum allotment for your AU size under WAC 388-478-0060 without using the SUA.

(4) How do you receive heat and eat?

(a) If you are eligible for heat and eat, we deposit the benefit on your EBT card.

(b) The heat and eat benefit is good for twelve months.

(c) After twelve months, we look at your circumstances to see if you are still eligible for heat and eat.

(5) How do you apply for heat and eat?

(a) You do not apply for heat and eat.

(b) We will determine if your AU is eligible to receive heat and eat and automatically provide the benefit to you.