11 Timely and Meaningful Public Participation, , 2605(b)(12) - Assurance 12, 2605(c)(2)

11.1 How did you obtain input from the public in the development of your LIHEAP plan? Select all that apply. Note: Tribes do not need to hold a public hearing but must ensure participation through other means. Tribal Council meeting(s) Public Hearing(s) Draft Plan posted to website and available for comment Hard copy of plan is available for public view and comment Comments from applicants are recorded Request for comments on draft Plan is advertised Stakeholder consultation meeting(s) Comments are solicited during outreach activities Other - Describe: Public Hearings, 2605(a)(2) - For States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Only 11.2 List the date and location(s) that you held public hearing(s) on the proposed use and distribution of your LIHEAP funds? Date Event Description 1 08/20/2025 LIEAP State Model Plan Town Hall 11.3. How many parties commented on your plan at the hearing(s)? 4 11.4 Summarize the comments you received at the hearing(s). Proposed change #1: Increase maximum benefit CRISIS assistance disbursements. Section 4.12 - Crisis Assistance outlines the Maximum Benefit level for CRISIS benefit is $1,100. The proposed increase in CRISIS fund disbursements from $550.00 in FY2025 to $1,100 in the proposed model plan for FY 2026 is a positive move to supporting customers with emergency needs. We recommend the adjustment be increased to $1,350 for maximum crisis. Proposed change #2: Improve online application process. Section 1.10- Program components the option to offer “A PDF version of the application that can be downloaded, filled out, mailed, emailed, dropped off in-person, or faxed in for processing.” is not selected. We recommend providing a PDF version of the application that can be downloaded, filled out, mailed, emailed, dropped off in-person, or faxed in for processing. Adding a mail-in application option could significantly improve access for seniors, rural residents, and others who may face barriers to using online systems. Proposed change #3: Exploring Categorical Eligibility to Streamline Access Section 1.4 – Program components- asks the question “Do you consider households categorically eligible if at least one household member receives at least one of the following categories of benefits in the left column below?” The Wyoming Department of Family Services has selected “no” in the FY 2026 model plan. Extension of Heating and CRISIS Application Dates (Section 1.1) The Department of Family Services’ proposal to extend the CRISIS application period from April 15 to April 30, along with the extension of heating season benefit applications from March 31 to April 30, is a thoughtful and much-needed change. This adjustment will help ensure that households facing energy insecurity, late in the season, have the support they need. Aligning the application window with utility disconnection moratoriums is a practical and compassionate step that enhances protection for those most at risk. 11.5 What changes did you make to your LIHEAP plan as a result of public participation and solicitation of input? Many of the requested changes will require changes to functionality in our LIEAP system, and cannot be completed for this program year. Previous discussion resulted in the increase to crisis benefits from a maximum of $550.00 to $1100.00. Additional assistance with the application has been implemented for the upcoming season. The telephone application process has been carefully analyzed and streamlined. A paper application is available by contacting the LIEAP office. We have partnered with Community Based Organizations across the state to assist applicants if/when needed. 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.