Section 20-3603. LIHEAP - APPLICATION PROCESS

 

3603.1In order to be eligible to receive LIHEAP benefits, a person shall file an application with the Department.

 

3603.2The Department shall prescribe, and provide a paper or electronic application to be signed by the applicant under penalty of perjury.

 

3603.3An authorized representative may apply on behalf of an applicant if the applicant provides:

 

(a) A written and signed statement stating why the applicant cannot complete an application without a representative; and 

 

(b) The name and address of the person authorized to act on the applicant’s behalf.

 

3603.4If requested by an applicant with a disability, or the representative of a person with a disability authorized pursuant to § 3603.2, the Department shall assist the applicant or representative with the aspects of the application process necessary to ensure that the applicant with a disability has an equal opportunity to submit an application.

 

3603.5 The Department may also assist an applicant in the application process who is unable to apply for the benefit in person for a reason other than disability, including making a visit to an applicant’s home, if:

 

(a)The applicant is sixty-five (65) or older, infirm, or unable to travel; or

 

(b)The applicant’s residence is located in a building or complex of buildings that house many other likely applicants.

 

3603.6As a condition of eligibility, each applicant shall sign:

 

(a) Upon receipt of the notice of an applicant’s rights and responsibilities and the Department’s responsibilities, a statement acknowledging his/her receipt; and

 

(b) A release form authorizing the Department to obtain or verify information necessary to process the application.

 

3603.7Each applicant shall cooperate fully in establishing his or her eligibility, the nature of the need, and the extent of the need, each of which shall include providing documentation or other proof of:

 

(a) Household composition;

 

(b) Income; and

 

(c)Any additional information that the State Plan requires.

 

3603.8The Department may obtain the information used in determining eligibility from a document, telephone conversation or interview for which notes are taken, data from another government agency or energy provider, or from internet data.

 

3603.9The Department shall complete the eligibility and benefit determination in as short a time as possible after the date the Department receives a completed application, but not later than the standard identified in the State Plan, except that the following shall toll the deadline:

 

(a) An applicant’s failure to supply information to document facts stated in an application;

 

(b) An inability to contact an applicant after three (3) attempts;

 

(c) Evidence of misrepresentation in an application;

 

(d) A failure to respond by a third party from whom the Department has requested information and over whom the Department has no control; or

 

(e) A delay in receipt of necessary information over which the Department has no control.

 

3603.10If the Department determines that an applicant’s participation in an additional energy conservation or rebate program would assist an applicant in minimizing the need for a benefit, the Department may require that the applicant participate in an additional program.

 

3603.11If an applicant is seeking an emergency benefit, as defined in this chapter, the Department shall take all reasonable steps necessary to process the application within the time period specified in the most recently approved State Plan.

 

3603.12If an applicant is determined eligible for an emergency benefit or a regular benefit, as defined in this chapter, the Department shall provide the applicant with a LIHEAP Benefit Letter, which shall include:

 

(a) A clear statement of the benefit formula or the benefit matrix used to calculate the amount;

 

(b) A clear and detailed statement of the amount of the emergency or regular benefit for which the applicant has been determined eligible;

 

(c) Additional information or authorization needed from the applicant for the Department to proceed with the disbursement the benefit; and

 

(d) A clear and complete statement of the applicant’s right to appeal the eligibility or assistance determination through fair hearing and administrative review proceedings, including each deadline for requesting the appeal and the applicant’s procedural rights.

 

3603.13The Department shall provide each applicant with notice of a determination.

 

 

authority

District Department of the Environment Establishment Act of 2005, effective February 15, 2006 (D.C. Law 16-51; D.C. Official Code §§ 8-151.01 et seq. (2013 Repl. & 2016 Supp.)); the District of Columbia Office of Energy Act of 1980, effective March 4, 1981 (D.C. Law 3-132; D.C. Official Code §§ 8-171.01 et seq. (2013 Repl.)); the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, approved August 13, 1981 (95 Stat. 893; 42 U.S.C. §§ 8621 et seq.); and Mayor’s Order 2006-61, dated June 14, 2006.

source

Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 13408 (October 28, 2016).