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Low Income Energy Assistance Program


900.04 BENEFIT LEVELS AND METHODS OF PAYMENTS
A. Benefit Levels

1. A household may receive benefits more than one time during a State fiscal year, which is defined as July through June.

2. The maximum benefit that can be paid to a household during a State fiscal year is $300. However, there is no requirement that a household must receive benefits of $300 in a State fiscal year.

3. Benefits may vary based upon the severity of the crisis and the services needed; however, benefits cannot exceed $300 per State fiscal year.

EXCEPTION: In severe continued high or low temperatures and disaster-related emergencies, the federal government may release emergency contingency funds. If these funds are released, families are eligible for a maximum benefit amount of $600 during the State fiscal year in which the emergency funds are released. Counties will be notified by an administrative letter when this occurs. With the beginning of each new State fiscal year after an emergency, the maximum benefit amount reverts to $300. The amount is up to a $300 limit per application, per crisis situation.

4. If more than $300 is needed to alleviate the crisis, you must:

· Determine if the household has funds available and/or there are other community resources that can be used in conjunction with the $300; or

· Negotiate with the vendor to alleviate the crisis for $300; or

· Counsel the applicant on any available options which can be used. However, apply this option only if you are unable to alleviate the crisis using 1. or 2. above.

· If you are unable to alleviate the crisis by one of the means listed above, deny the crisis application.

5. If less than $300 is needed to alleviate the crisis, issue the lesser amount. Only issue the amount needed to alleviate the crisis situation up to $300.

B. Method of Payment

Methods of payment include but are not limited to:

1. Direct payments to households;

2. Fuel payments to the vendor;

3. Voucher payments;

4. Two-party checks;

C. Use of Funds

Funds can be used for:

1. Paying deposits;

2. Paying heating bills including past due bills. This may include electric or gas bills, fuel oil, etc.;

3. Bulk -buying (air conditioners, heating units, etc.);

4. Temporary shelter, which includes, but is not limited to, rent payments or hotel/motel expenses (Only applies to heating or cooling related cases).

5. Utility Payments (related to heating or cooling) which include, but are not limited to:


· Bills, past or present;

· Connection or reconnection fees; or

· Security deposits.

6. Home Repairs which include, but are not limited to:

· Heating or cooling appliance replacement or repair;

· Insulation replacement;

· Necessary wiring/circuit board replacements to be able to heat or cool home;

· Replacement/repair of windows, roofs, walls, or

· Any repair/replacement completed that would allow households the ability to heat or cool their homes.

7. In-kind services such as blankets, space heaters, and warm clothing.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program
Low Income Energy Assistance Program ... 3. Bulk -buying (air conditioners, heating units, etc.);
http://info.dhhs.state.nc.us/olm/manuals/dss/ei-40/man/EPs900-03.htm