LIHEAP Crisis: Tribes

Emergency crisis is a relief following a natural or man-made disaster

1. Loss of income from the death of the wage earner, layoff, termination and/or theft with documentation from the local law enforcement agency.
2. Natural disaster such as fire, tornadoes, direct winds, hurricane, flood, snow, ice storms or other increment weather or disasters declared by the National Weather Service or the Governor of Alabama.
3. The heating or cooling system is not working and the temperatures are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit or below 30 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 consecutive days.
4. The household must have received a shut-off notice and be within 48 hours of shutoff.
5. Deliverable fuel clients must be out of fuel or within two days of running out of fuel. Deliverable fuel customers with a shut-off notice would be considered an emergency.
6. Since electric is needed to operate most heating systems. An e-mail from an approved energy vendor is acceptable in lieu of a shut-off notice.

A household that has properly exhausted their heating assistance benefit from the previous years program, or has not received a heating assistance benefit from the current year, and meets one of the following criteria:

1. The household has run out of heating fuel/firewood or has electricity services terminated; or
2. The household will run out of heating fuel/firewood or have electricity services terminated within the next 48 hours.

A crisis is when a person has received a shut off notice for the electricity and they have no anticipated income previous to the
actual shut off date.

If the household consists of at least one elder 60 years and older, or an infant under the age of one years old and the predicted outside temperature is -5 Fahrenheit for the next 5 days is used.

A crisis is determined when a LIHEAP eligible recipient is provided a disconnection notice that if disconnected from utilities, would endanger the lives and safety of the household.

Factors defining a crisis: Exposure to extreme heat, extreme cold, power outages, seasonal flooding, earthquake, micro-bursts, a natural disaster occurring from a weather induced incident, or other unforeseeable catastrophic event that impacts LIHEAP recipients by endangering the safety of the household is deemed a crisis by the tribe. Intake staff managing the CRIT LIHEAP program will determine a crisis response equitably among all CRIT LIHEAP applicants using the terms stated above, and will provide crisis assistance equitably to all LIHEAP recipients in the event of the above stated terms occurring.

For an elderly (55+), disabled or child under the age of 5, whose household has exhausted the regular benefit and is in crisis, which the power cannot be shut off such as, but not limited to the following situations:

• Medication that requires uninterrupted refrigeration.
• CPS threat of removal of a child in the custody of a grandparent, because of an unsafe environment that would be cause by a lack of electricity for heating and cooling.
• Post medical procedure or emergency convalescence at home, which has prevented the ability to pay for electricity.

A life threatening crisis is defined by a household needing electricity to operate medically prescribed equipment devices. For example, If a member of a household relies on an oxygen machine that requires electricity, and the household is in danger of having it's electricity service disconnected, or has had it's electricity service disconnected, then the household is in a life-threatening crisis.

LIHEAP funds are distributed by Kimaw Medical Center and life-threatening crisis requests are routed through the clinic to obtain proof of medically necessary devices. All clients execute a release of information for these purposes.

Shut off notice (24 or 48 hour notice)

15 Day Notice

Power shut off or out of propane or wood

A household is in danger or or experiencing:

• Possible loss of energy services (electricity, wood, propane, kerosene);
• Depleting fuel for energy service 25% or less (wood, kerosene, propane);
• Arrears and applicant is on an already established payment plan (electricity, propane, kerosene);
• Demonstrates financial hardship and needs assistance with payment to avoid additional stress.

The Round Valley Indian Tribes designates Crisis Assistance criteria as the following:

1. 48 hour shut off notice.

2. Empty tank /furnace, in which our maintenance engineer will verify tank % and supply a acknowledgement signed by the applicant and engineer.

3.Medical necessity. Applicant will provide a Doctors explanation of the medical needs/situation.

Shut off notice (24 hour or 48 hour notice, 15 day notice)

Power shut off or terminated

Low or out of propane

No wood for main heating source

When power is shut off in a household, it can create or aggravate several medical
conditions, especially if the shutoff occurs during extreme weather conditions. Here are some examples of how a power outage can impact a household member's health, taking into account the month, temperature, source of fuel, and available resources:

1. Respiratory Conditions (e.g., Asthma, COPD): Summer: High temperatures and humidity can aggravate respiratory conditions. Without air conditioning, individuals with asthma or COPD may find it difficult to breathe due to poor air quality and increased pollen levels. Winter: Cold temperatures can trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate COPD symptoms. Without heating, the cold air can cause bronchospasms and other respiratory issues.

2. Cardiovascular Conditions (e.g., Hypertension, Heart Disease):

• Summer: High temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, particularly dangerous for individuals with heart conditions. The stress of heat can increase blood pressure and heart rate.
• Winter: Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure and putting additional strain on the heart. Lack of heating can increase the
  risk of heart attacks.

3. Diabetes: Summer and Winter: Insulin and other medications may require refrigeration. A power outage can compromise the effectiveness of these medications, leading to poor blood sugar control and potential health crises.

4. Chronic Pain and Arthritis:

• Summer: Dehydration and heat can exacerbate chronic pain conditions.
• Winter: Cold weather can increase joint stiffness and pain, making it difficult for individuals with arthritis to move around. Lack of heating can make these symptoms worse.

5. Mental Health Conditions (e.g., Anxiety, Depression): Summer and Winter: The stress of a power outage, combined with extreme temperatures, can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression. Lack of light and heating/cooling can contribute to feelings of isolation and discomfort.

Considerations: Month and Temperature: The specific month and temperature play a crucial role. For example, in July (summer), high temperatures may lead to heat-related illnesses, while in January (winter), low temperatures may cause hypothermia and other cold-related health issues.

Source of Fuel: Households relying on electric heating and cooling systems are particularly vulnerable. Fuel sources like gas or propane for stoves or heaters might mitigate some issues but still pose risks if not used safely. Resources: Access to backup generators, community cooling or warming centers, and emergency medical services can influence the severity of the impact. Households with limited resources may face greater health risks during a power outage.

Applicants who request energy assistance with a shutoff or a termination notice is considered a crisis. The application will be expedited with supporting documentation turned in to our front office now or additional documents can be submitted later but no future services authorized until the information is submitted. This process will take no longer than 48 hours. Exemption is wood.

Wood is not a Crisis benefit and cannot be expedited because of the labor and the high demand of this service. The program has a waitlist
of clients that have applied months in advance for wood and the program is still delivering to those clients who can be higher priority then the client in crisis. We do offer emergency load deliveries in the month of January and deliver half cords of wood for clients in need every Friday.

Additional wood can be provided to clients when the program has delivered wood to all clients. And exception to wood being a crisis
emergency is when the client only source of heat is wood and does not have another life support system.

A crisis is defined as a household who has less than enough fuel to supply their home with at least days of heat with their primary heating source and , depending on the fuel supply for that heating source the:

1. Household has less than 1/8 or less of fuel in a standard 275 gallon tank of fuel.
2. Household has less than 1/4 cord of wood.
3. Household has 25% or less on a propane tank.
4. Household has less than 4 bags or 200 pounds of pellets.
5. Household has received a disconnection notice of a utility that is necessary for the operation of the heating system.
6. Household has a dysfunctional heating system or the heating system is unsafe and there is no secondary heating system for that home

Between October 1st and September 30th, a household may have an eligible for crisis assistance if it is experiencing an energy related emergency which poses health and safety threat and the household is income eligible for one of the following time periods and eligible for LIHEAP:

A- The twelve (12) calendar months immediately preceding the date of the application.

B- The calendar month immediately preceding the date of the application.

C- The thirty (30) days immediately preceding the date of the application

D- The previous years tax return for self-employment applicants.

Events which are considered to be life threatening are:

a. temperature below fifty (50) degrees and the household has no heat or electricity.

b. interruption of electrical services which impact households with medical issues

A household is considered to be experiencing an energy crisis if one of the following conditions exists:

1. The primary heating source of the household has less than one-quarter (1/4) of the fuel tank capacity remaining or less than one-quarter (1/4) cord of wood remaining;
2. The household has received a shut-off notice from the electric company.
3. The household has received a notice to quit or court order indicating eviction from the residence.
4. The primary heating system of the homeowner/homebuyer is inoperable or malfunctioning.

A client is determined to be in a life threatening crisis if any of the following conditions exist:

A) Household that need electricity for medically prescribed equipment/devices, B) Medication that needs refrigeration, C) Clients experiencing post medical procedures, D) Households experiencing temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, E)Households with children under the age of two and/or have medical conditions, F) Households that contain members of vulnerable populations with absolutely no heat.

A crisis is considered to be a life-threatening, energy-related emergency which poses a threat to the health or safety of one or more
members of the Household. Households with a past due notice or shut off notice from the vendor. If they are out of heat, wood, or if their propane tank is below 10%, this constitutes as an emergency crisis.

A form of assistance to resolve the crisis not later than 48 hours after an eligible household applies for crisis assistance, will be provided

A crisis is considered to be a life-threatening, energy-related emergency which poses a threat to the health or safety of one or more
members of the Household. Households that are out of heat, wood, or propane and the individuals within the households are elderly, disabled, or have children aged 0-6 also constitutes as an life threatening crisis.

A form of assistance to resolve the life-threatening crisis not later than 18 hours after an eligible household applies for crisis assistance, will be provided.

LRBOI defines a crisis as an energy related need that may impact the health and/or safety of a household. Eligibility for energy-related crisis is based on the household's demonstration of an immediate need for assistance with home heating fuel, electricity, energy related home repairs or medically necessary energy service. Crisis means one (or more) of the following: 

• An individual or household has a past-due or shut off notice on an energy bill for his/her household.
• Residential fuel tank is less than 25% of it's capacity, or fuel tank over 25% has been locked by the provider and payment on account will remove the threat.
• Individual or household has a stated need for a non-traditional fuel source (wood, corn, cherry pits, wood pellets).
• Individual or household has received notice that prepayment on account is below $100.00.
• Notice from a licensed service provider that the homeowners furnace is inoperable and in need of repair. 

LRBOI defines a life-threatening energy crisis as:

• The household has experienced a disconnect of gas/electric service, run out of propane or non-traditional heating source, or has a statement from a licensed provider that the furnace is inoperable or needs replacement. Service restoration is medically necessary for in-home medical equipment.
• The household does not have a temporary housing option while the emergency is resolved. The household is not protected under the MI Winter Protection Plan.
• The household has a precipitating factor that required the household choose between paying the energy bill over another vital need such as food, medical expenses or clothing for children in the household. 

Eligibility for an energy-related crisis is based on the household’s demonstration of immediate need for assistance with home heating fuel, electricity, or energy-related home repairs. Crisis means one of the following:

• Non-life-threatening crisis situations must be mitigated within 48 hours.
• An individual or household has received a past due or shut off notice on an energy bill for his or her household
• A residential fuel tank is estimated to contain not more than 20% of its heating fuel capacity.
• A stated need for household deliverable fuel or a non-traditional fuel source in which there is no meter or regular energy bill provided, (example: wood, corn, cherry pits, etc.)
• A statement from a licensed service provider indicating the homeowner’s furnace is inoperable and in need of repair or replacement.

A household is considered to have a life-threatening crisis if the following criteria is met:

1. Life-threatening crisis must be mitigated within (18) hours.
2. There is a documented medical need and restoration of services is necessary.

• Heating and/or electric service is currently disconnected or out of bulk fuel (empty tank)
• The household has a statement from a licensed service provider indicating the homeowner's furnace is inoperable and in need of repair or replacement.
• The household does not have any temporary housing alternatives while the emergency is being resolved
   

As mentioned previously furnace repair, fans, a/c units have all been provided with in-kind funding. Collaboration with other programs is
done to access other funding sources.

To ensure adequate funding for all, the maximum for a crisis event is set at $300. Amount of payment is not intended to eliminate the
crisis; other funding streams should be utilized to meet the applicants needs. Collaboration with other programs is done to access other funding sources, this actually helps to create a wraparound approach and solidify cross checking measures.

There are two types of crisis situation.

1. Life threatening ECIP must be acted on within 18 hours.
2. Regular ECIP must be acted on with 24 hours.

The household has used all energy benefits and has run out of has 10% or less of propane.

The household has had their utilities, disconnected or will be disconnected with seven days.

The household has had their main source break down and emergency furnace repair/replacement is required.

An elderly/handicapped household may have medical need for cooling assistance during the summer on very hot days. This would be
determined by the LIHEAP staff would allow for a purchase of a window air conditioner, if the applicant could have a crisis situation develop due to the summer heat.

Define winter forecast:
We look at all scenarios: freezing temperatures 32 degrees or below, we consider the weather forecast, winter storms coming in, the
amount of snow fall ( we have to look at getting to our clients homes that live in the country with propane tanks), if a storm is coming in we try to check on our clients and make sure they are ok on propane before the crisis happens).

If client is completely out of propane and it's below freezing temperatures or a winter scenario. Propane is their only source of heat. During this time, our staff can contact the local propane vendor to place a order for propane to be delivered to the client. If it is a weekend the staff phone numbers are posted on Facebook and listed under emergency contact numbers through the tribes system for contact. Weekend deliveries will be based on the vendor. If the vendor can not get to the client with 18hours, the LIHEAP program will assist with heaters until propane can be delivered.

Households that are in a situation where hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions exist in the household's heating system and safety modifications are necessary, or it's heating sources and/or fuel supply is no longer available, is shut down, or will be shut down due to an energy related incident or caused by a situation that is beyond the household's control may be eligible for crisis assistance.

Eligible households will be provided some form of assistance that will resolve the energy crisis no later than 48 hours after a household
applies for such benefits.; but not later than 18 hours if household is in a life threatening situation, when the temperature has reached 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

An emergency crisis is a lack of heating and cooling. Applicants must update income at the time of the crisis application. Crisis assistance may be used for purchase of heating and cooling. May include purchase of wood stoves, blankets, heaters and/or emergency furnace repair. The applicant may use a portion in repair and a portion in fuel delivery. Reconnect fees if heating or cooling has been disconnected are allowed.

Emergency crisis intervention will be within 48 hours. 

The Fort Belknap LIEAP provides Year-Round Crisis Assistance to its consumers. Consumers are subject to the various disconnect policies of the two electrical energy companies who send out disconnect notifications on a regular basis. The Fort Belknap LIEAP office strives to assist consumers before disconnect fees are attached to their delinquent and increases the balance due.  There is a constant need for propane in the households whose primary heating source is propane. The propane vendor only allows consumers in good standing to charge, others have to pay $2.25 cash for 100 gallons of propane - which does not last long in the extreme weather here. Also, if a house is without electricity - their furnace that runs on propane does not work either.  Crisis assistance occurs when a consumer has a delinquent bill with a notice of termination of services for a scheduled date of disconnect or if they are already disconnected and they have no means of obtaining other sources of heat.

Crisis assistance also occurs when a consumer who utilizes propane as their main source of heat is down to 10-5% in their tank. This is a
crisis here as the propane company delivers only 2x/week and must have $225 for 100 gallons minimum. 

A life-threatening crisis here is when a household is threatened with: Immediate termination of services during inclement weather.
Lives in the rural areas of the reservation that is hard to reach.

A household that has residents on medical equipment and needs to have power provided for them.

A large household with young children. A household with a disabled individual who is homebound with no other place to go. Assistance must be given within 18 hours in the above cases and there are times when space heaters, blankets and flashlights must be provided if services cannot be restored at the time.

Eligible applicants are considered in crisis if the household:

• Those with an unexpected reduction in income and/or unexpected increase in monthly expenses.
• For crisis assistance we require documentation that proves the need.
• Applicant must still meet income guidelines to be eligible for any LIHEAP Assistance.

Eligible applicants are considered in life-threatening crisis if the household:

• Those who have life sustaining medical emergencies and/or require medically necessary equipment.
• Those who might go through life threatening situation.

Households that are at risk for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions related to their energy system are considered crisis. A
household can also be considered crisis should there be unavailability of heating or cooling resources if fuel supply is no longer available, is shut down or will be shut down or caused by a situation beyond the household's control (i.e. financial hardship due to unforeseen expenses).

Eligible households will be provided some form of assistance that will resolve their energy crisis no later than 48 hours after a household
applies; but no later than 18 hours if circumstance is considered, "life threatening."

Currently disconnected or in receipt of a utility termination notice from the supplier. (Gas or Electric heat, heat-related electric, or cooling-related electric)

Having at least one vulnerable household member (under 6 years, over 60 years and/or disabled) that qualifies, medically, for receipt of cooling equipment.

Emergency assistance is defined as assistance to low income households necessitated by weather related or supply shortage emergencies or because the household is unable to secure home energy for financial or other reasons.

The LIHEAP program for Spirit Lake has established emergency procedures to provide an immediate response to a reported crisis within 18 hours or the report, if the crisis is life threating, but no later than 48 hours of receipt of any request for emergency assistance. Emergency procedures include home visits when necessary, counseling, referral, communication with suppliers, or other services, and a 24 hour telephone number for requesting aid or reporting a crisis.

A crisis exists when a household faces an energy burden in which it depends and/or threatens to deplete financial resources or poses as a threat to the health and/or safety threat to the household. Households must meet one of the following conditions:

1. Overdue bill from home energy supplier
2. Heating system needs repairs
3. Propane tank has 20% or less in tank
4. A disconnect notice from electrical supplier
5. Additional assistance

LIHEAP outreach will help resolve crisis within 48 hours of said crisis or no later then 48 hours after said household applies for crisis assistance.

LIHEAP outreach will help resolve crisis within 18 hours of said crisis or no later then 18 hours after said household applies for crisis
assistance where it involves a life threatening situation, such as:

1. Natural disasters, such as, tornado, ice or snow storm.
2. Disconnection of electricity (for breathing machines, feeding machines, or dialysis.
3. Additional assistance if needed.
4. Housing and food assistance for up to 18 hours to help alleviate the immediate crisis.

LIHEAP outreach will immediately contact local vendors to turn on electricity, additional propane, or contact local casinos to house LIHEAP clients if needed.

A threat to a life or health/safety of an eligible household.The presence of vulnerable person(s) with a medical need for heating/cooling.
 

The elderly, disabled, and families with children younger than six (6) years of age, would be considered a life threatening crisis