M E M O R A N D U M

IM-14  1/25/01  ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCIES


 
 
SUBJECT:
ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCIES
 
DISCUSSION:
Due to the receipt of additional LIHEAP funding, we plan to allocate an additional $12.6 million to the Community Action Agencies for the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP).

In addition to this action, we have also revised the ECIP contract to expedite delivery of benefits to those eligible households experiencing an energy related crisis.

These changes include the following:

  • Increase the income eligibility maximums to 150% of the federal poverty level
  • Increase the maximum benefit amount a household can receive in one heating season from $400 to $600
  • Household does not have to have a disconnect notice in order to receive benefits
  • Allow ECIP funds to pay past due heating bills
DFS crisis procedures have not changed.  We will continue to refer households to the Community Action Agency when the Energy Assistance benefit amount is not enough to restore/continue services.

We will, however, refer households who have been denied Energy Assistance benefits due to excess income, to the Community Action Agency since their income guidelines are higher.  (Do not use an EA-1F form to refer these households.)
 
 
NECESSARY ACTION:
  •  Review this material with all staff members who are assigned direct responsibility for the acceptance and processing of  Energy Assistance applications, as well as any staff responsible for supervision of these staff members.
  • Any further questions related to Energy Assistance should be cleared through normal supervisory channels.
LR
Distribution #6

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