3 COOLING ASSISTANCE

Eligibility, 2605(c)(1)(A), 2605 (b)(2) - Assurance 2 3.1 Designate The income eligibility threshold used for the Cooling component: Add Household size Eligibility Guideline Eligibility Threshold 1 1 State Median Income 60.00% 2 8 HHS Poverty Guidelines 150.00% 3.2 Do you have additional eligibility requirements for Cooling assistance? Yes No 3.3 Check the appropriate boxes below and describe the policies for each. Do you require an Assets test? Yes No If yes, describe: Do you have additional/differing eligibility policies for: Renters? Yes No If yes, describe: if a subsidized renter does not have an energy burden and pays a reduced rental amount, those households may be excluded. Section 2603 of the LIHEAP Statutes states: The term "household" means any individual or group of individuals who are living together as one economy for whom residential energy iscustomarily purchased in common or who make undesignated payments for energy in the form of rent. Renters Living in subsidized housing? Yes No If yes, describe: LIHEAP-Assistance groups that have utilities included in the rent but are not billed separately for heating costs must be evaluated for LIHEAP eligibility. If a client applies for LIHEAP and indicates that their utility is included in their rent, the worker will request verification of those said utilities. This can be done via phone call, rent receipt, lease, or contract. We also want to give priority to households that have someone in the household that is elderly, disabled, or there is a young child in the home that is age five or younger as these are the most vulnerable. Renters with utilities included in the rent? Yes No If yes, describe: If a client applies for LIHEAP and indicates that their utility is included in their rent, the worker will request verification of those said utilities. This can be done via phone call, rent receipt, lease, or contract. Do you give priority in eligibility to: Older Adults (60 years or older)? Yes No If yes, describe: Those clients that have someone that is aged, disabled or a child aged five or younger in the household will be given priority to apply before the application period is open to individuals/households with out these needs. Individuals with a disability? Yes No If yes, describe: Those clients that have someone that is aged, disabled or a child aged five or younger in the household will be given priority to apply before the application period is open to individuals/households without these needs. Young children? Yes No If yes, describe: Those clients that have someone that is aged, disabled or a child aged five or younger in the household will be given priority to apply before the application period is open to individuals/households without these needs. Households with high energy burdens? Yes No If yes, describe: Those clients that have someone that is aged, disabled or a child aged five or younger in the household will be given priority to apply before the application period is open to individuals/households without these needs. Other? Yes No If yes, describe: Explanations of policies for each "yes" checked above: Those clients that have someone that is aged, disabled or a child aged five or younger in the household will be given priority to apply before the application period is open to individuals/households without these needs. 3.4 Describe how you prioritize the provision of cooling assistance to vulnerable populations, e.g., benefit amounts, early application periods, etc. Those clients that have someone that is aged, disabled or a child aged five or younger in the household will be given priority to apply before the application period is open to individuals/households with out these needs. Determination of Benefits 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 3.5 Check the variables you use to determine your benefit levels. (Check all that apply): Income Family (household) size Home energy cost or need: Fuel type Climate/region Individual bill Dwelling type Energy burden (% of income spent on home energy) Energy need Other - Describe: West Virginia uses 60 SMI until Households size 7, then at Households size of 8 we switch to 150% FPL to help client. Benefit Levels, 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 3.6 Describe estimated benefit levels for the fiscal year for which this plan applies. Please note: the maximum and minimum benefits must be shown in the payment matrix. Minimum Benefit $1 Maximum Benefit $10,000 3.7 Do you provide in-kind (e.g., fans, air conditioners) and/or other forms of benefits? Yes No If yes, describe. Explanation from 3.6 WV LIHEAP will have a cooling if funds remain to do so, up to the limit of $2000. WV uses Repair or Replacement of cooling systems with the RRP program. RRP limits are up to 10,000. If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here.