LIHEAP Crisis

Current As Of: December 8, 2023

AL | AK | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | DC | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | | KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NV | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC | | ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY

Alabama
Crisis Definition	An energy-related crisis may exist when: a household member's health and/or well-being would likely be endangered if crisis assistance is not provided; when a household has been negatively impacted by a State- or Federally-declared disaster or emergency; or, a household has at least one child under age 18.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life-threatening crisis exists when there is clear and present danger to the life of a household member due to extreme weather.
Eligibility/Priority	150% of federal poverty guidelines.
Benefits	Winter: $1,110; Summer: $990
Alaska
Crisis Definition	The household must have received a shut-off notice and be within 48 hours of shutoff. Deliverable fuel clients must be out of fuel or within two days of running out of fuel. Deliverable fuel customers with an electric shut-off notice would be considered an emergency 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. During a governor-declared disaster or state of emergency, a portion of the LIHEAP grant funds may be used for home heating equipment repairs and replacements; and to replace energy supply shortages experienced by affected households. Per LIHEAP regulations at 45 C.F.R. 96.50(e). Allowable uses of LIHEAP funds to deal with crisis situations, particularly with respect to assistance for home energy related needs resulting from a hurricane or other natural disaster, include: Costs to temporarily shelter or house individuals in hotels, apartments, or other living situations in which homes have been destroyed or damaged, i.e., placing people in settings to preserve health and safety and to move them away from the crisis situation. Costs for transportation (such as cars, shuttles, buses) to move individuals away from the crisis area to shelters, when health and safety is a endangered by loss of access to heating. Utility reconnection costs, if needed, may also be covered. All related activities must be pre-approved and will be targeted to areas covered by a disaster declaration. A “disaster” may include natural disaster events, public health emergencies, and supply shortage emergencies declared by state or federal government. Costs, up to a total of $1,500, will be covered to resolve the crisis.The household must have received a shut-off notice and be within 48 hours of shutoff. Deliverable fuel clients must be out of fuel or within two days of running out of fuel. Deliverable fuel customers with an electric shut-off notice would be considered an emergency 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. During a governor-declared disaster or state of emergency, a portion of the LIHEAP grant funds may be used for home heating equipment repairs and replacements; and to replace energy supply shortages experienced by affected households. Per LIHEAP regulations at 45 C.F.R. 96. 50(e). Allowable uses of LIHEAP funds to deal with crisis situations, particularly with respect to assistance for home energy related needs resulting from a hurricane or other natural disaster, include: Costs to temporarily shelter or house individuals in hotels, apartments, or other living situations in which homes have been destroyed or damaged, i.e., placing people in settings to preserve health and safety and to move them away from the crisis situation. Costs for transportation (such as cars, shuttles, buses) to move individuals away from the crisis area to shelters when health and safety is endangered by loss of access to heating. Utility reconnection costs, if needed, may also be covered. All related activities must be pre-approved and will be targeted to areas covered by a disaster declaration. A “disaster” may include natural disaster events, public health emergencies, and supply shortage emergencies declared by state or federal government. Costs, up to a total of $1,500, will be covered to resolve the crisis.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life-threatening crisis exists when any household is without electric or natural gas service, or out of a deliverable fuel, has no alternate heat source available to them, and the outside temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. A life-threatening crisis also exists when a household member's health would likely be endangered if assistance is not provided to continue heating or energy services. This includes households containing a member using medical support equipment (e.g. kidney dialysis machines, oxygen concentrators, intermittent positive pressure breathing machines, infant respiratory failure alarm, cardiac monitors.) Verification of use of medical support equipment would require a current medical certificate from a licensed medical professional.
Eligibility/Priority	150% of federal poverty guidelines.
Benefits	Year-round: $6,125
American Samoa
Crisis Definition	What constitutes a crisis: a. Disconnection or shut-off notice b. Flooding (or rainy season causes heavy flooding and impact some of the clients) c. Natural disasters - such as; Cyclones, earthquakes and/or tsunamis, heavy rains/flooding. d. Man-made distaters - fires, etc. e. High temperatures - prompting households with priority population to apply for AC units.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life-threatening crisis is: -disconnection to a HH that has a member who is bedridden, require use of an oxygen tank or other medical equipment, require AC unit 24/7, has medication that need to be refrigerated, need to have sheets, etc., to be laundered daily, and/or requires medical equipment.
Eligibility/Priority	150% of federal poverty guidelines.
Benefits	Year-round: $500
Arizona
Crisis Definition	A crisis exists when a household faces an energy burden that depletes or threatens to deplete financial resources, or which poses potential health and/or safety threat to the well-being of the household. A client is considered to be in a crisis when any of the following occur: The household has received a shutoff or eviction notice (when included in the rent) and/or is pending loss of energy The Standard LIHEAP benefit does not pay the full amount of the Applicant’s bill The Household utilizes portable fuel or pre-pay utility service and has 7 days or less of energy available Eligible LIHEAP crisis applicants must be provided some type of assistance within 48 hours, as funding (resources), are available. The determination of a Human Service Emergency made by the Arizona Department of Economic Security. A Human Service Emergency includes, but is not limited to, fire or flood which results in the evacuation of homes and shelters. Upon determination of a Human Service Emergency, households affected may be assisted with costs to temporarily shelter or house individuals in hotels, apartments, or other living situations which place people in settings to preserve health and safety and to move them away from the crisis situation. If a client does not qualify for LIHEAP benefits, the client's circumstance will be taken into consideration during a crisis situation in the case of a sudden loss of income, power or fiscal issue, a death in the family, or a medical emergency.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A client is considered to be in a life-threatening crisis when one of the following situations exists: The termination of power or exposure to heat or cold would be dangerous to the health of a household member, as evidenced by a statement from a licensed medical physician Life supporting equipment used in the home is dependent on utility service for the operation of such apparatus.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI (>8 at 150% of federal poverty guidelines).
Benefits	Year-round: $1,000
Arkansas
Crisis Definition	The household must have an energy-related crisis, such as; a past due amount, disconnection, threat of disconnection, near depletion of fuel supply (for example: pre-paid electric, propane, wood), or a required utility deposit. When necessary, and if funding is available, we will open a disaster relief program, which will be treated as a crisis response. We will be responsive to households impacted by a natural disaster, weather related events, or temperature related stressors. The household will need to provide proof of being affected by the disaster in order to receive a benefit. The benefit level may vary depending on availability of funding.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A household member who would suffer a decline in health or a household environment where life cannot be sustained due to energy loss. Weather Conditions. The expected low temperature on the date or within 24 hours of application is forecasted to be below freezing (32° Fahrenheit) or at or above sweltering (95° Fahrenheit) according to the National Weather Service.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI (>6 at 150% of federal poverty guidelines).
Benefits	Winter: $500; Summer: $500
California
Crisis Definition	CSD uses the federal definition of a crisis (Low Income Energy Assistance Act § 2603 (3)): “weather-related and supply shortage emergencies and other household energy related emergencies.” Crisis funds may only be used in accordance with the federal definition, including: A natural disaster (whether or not officially declared), A significant home energy supply shortage or disruption, An official declaration of a significant increase in: Home energy costs, Home energy disconnections, Enrollment in public benefit programs, or Unemployment and layoffs, or An official emergency declaration by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, In those situations where there is not an official federal, state, or local declaration of emergency, an emergency may be deemed to exist by CSD where there is imminent danger, requiring immediate action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health, property, or essential public services.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	Life-Threatening: Applicant is without heating, cooling or utility service during extreme weather conditions, as determined by the local administrative agency. This may include energy-related situations that pose a threat to the health and safety of one or more members of the household.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Year-round: $3,000
Colorado
Crisis Definition	A household in crisis is one where service has been discontinued or is threatened to be discontinued, is out of fuel or will run out of fuel, or is responsible for heating costs that are included in rent and has received an eviction notice. A crisis also includes a household whose primary heating system is inoperable or access to a fuel tank is not possible due to severe weather.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life threatening crisis means a household whose members' health and/or well-being would likely be endangered if energy assistance or repair or replacement of the primary heating source is not provided.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Winter: $1.000, Year-round: $4,800
Connecticut
Crisis Definition	The Winter Crisis benefits are provided to households that have fully utilized their heating assistance benefit and are still in need of assistance
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life threatening crisis is defined as being within one week of being without primary heating fuel (for oil and kerosene heated households this means the lessor of 70 gallons of fuel or one-quarter tank). In addition, the household must have exhausted its heating benefits.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Winter: $410
Delaware
Crisis Definition	Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides assistance to the eligible households in the form of: 1. Regular Crisis that assists households year round with bill or equipment assistance contingent on: 1.1 Distinct weather conditions and financial resources; 1.2 Disaster or State of Emergency. 2. Flat Crisis that assists households with portion of energy bill, as a supplemental benefit, if there are adequate funds available and state office declares crisis payment because: 2.1 Prolonged severe or extreme weather event; 2.2 Upsurge in the price of home energy fuel type; 2.3 Disaster of State of Emergency Eligible households can receive more than one ECIP benefit per program year depending on the availability of funds and crisis situation. A. ECIP Regular Crisis ECIP Regular Crisis, is a year-round crisis program that assists eligible households with an energy crisis when the weather conditions of the subsequent 72 hours pose a serious threat to the health or safety of one or more members of the eligible household or when the state declares the state of emergency or disaster. Regular Crisis is designed for the households that have been disconnected or are in the process of being disconnected from the energy source, or are under payment arrangement to avoid disconnection, or have received a rejection for future energy services. Additionally, the state could authorize a regular crisis benefit to the household for resolving the energy access issue that directly impedes the utilization of FAP benefit. ECIP Regular Crisis is administered by Contractor and it is activated when the forecast, on any day, at 8:30 a.m. states that within the subsequent 72 hours the heat index is forecasted to be 95 degrees in Fahrenheit or more OR if the temperature is forecasted to be at or below 40 degrees in Fahrenheit. Contractor’s offices in Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown will check for their respective forecasts through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). ECIP is defined as: Assistance during the energy crisis situation. The eligible residents of the State of Delaware with gross household income less than or equal to 200% of poverty guideline, who are responsible for paying an energy bill, are considered to be experiencing an energy crisis whenever: Weather conditions of the subsequent 72 hours pose a serious threat to the health or safety of one or more members of the eligible household OR the state has declared Disaster or State of Emergency; AND Financial assessment demonstrates the household to be without sufficient resources for alleviating the crisis; AND Household has no prospect for receiving resources within forty-eight (48) hours that could alleviate the crisis (Household is determined to be in a life-threatening situation if it can directly or indirectly lead to death of the member of the eligible household unless some form of assistance has been provided no later than eighteen (18) hours after the household has applied for ECIP benefit); AND Household utility services for heating and cooling have been disconnected or energy source of delivered fuel vendor 100% depleted with rejection to future services; OR Household is under the payment arrangement with utility services or delivered fuel vendor to avoid disconnection/rejection of future services; OR Household has received a notice from the utility services for disconnection or has less than 1/4th of standard allocation from the delivered fuel vendor with rejection to future services; OR Division has authorized crisis payment, which can include emergency repair of non- functional heating or cooling equipment. This section also covers ECIP Regular Crisis benefits authorized by State during Disaster or State of Emergency. B. ECIP Flat Crisis ECIP Assistance can also become available for the eligible households if the State declares the crisis payment to the households as a supplemental benefit because the prolonged severe or extreme weather, or the upsurge in the price of the home energy fuel type, or extreme weather event, or disaster or state of emergency. C. Disaster or State of Emergency In the case of disaster or state of emergency or extreme weather event, like a hurricane, tornado, flood or etc. Starting 2023 program year, there is no difference in income eligibility between Crisis and Disaster assistance, both will be following the 60% of the State Median Income. The LIHEAP disaster policy could be activated by the following possible disasters: Storm, Flood, Tornado, Epidemics, Hurricane, Fire, Explosion, Earthquake, Landslide, Subsidence, CBRN, PH Emergency, Extreme Heat, Extreme Cold/Blizzard, Industrial Accident, Transport Accident, Volcanic Activity, Tsunami. Under LIHEAP disaster policy the state could temporarily change the eligibility thresholds and criteria for crisis depending on the funds available and the effect of the disaster on the LIHEAP eligible population. For example, the state may waive temperature requirements for activation of crisis or increase ceilings of allowed crisis benefits. 1. Epidemics Policy 1.1 LIHEAP ECIP Disaster Epidemics Policy is activated when the state declares state of emergency or disaster for managing the spread of communicable diseases. 1.2 The aim of this policy is to mitigate the households’ burden of energy cost accumulated during the quarantine or isolation. 1.3 Under this policy, LIHEAP, as the public health program, will distribute supplemental and/or regular crisis benefits to the affected households to decrease the risk of negative consequences of subsequent energy crisis to the public health system. 1.4. The amount of the benefit will be determined by the state depending on the available funding. The state will consider: 1.4.1 The duration of the quarantine or isolation; AND 1.4.2 Its impact to the wages of the LIHEAP eligible households; AND 1.4.3 The effect of the loss of income on the ability of the households to cover its energy expenses. 1.5 If the state declares a quarantine for a specific geographic area or location, LIHEAP will distribute the ECIP benefit to all the LIHEAP eligible households within that area who have applied for LIHEAP during that program year. 1.6 If the state don’t declare a quarantine for a specific geographic area or location, the households could be required to apply for supplemental crisis benefit by notifying the intake agency of their epidemics quarantine or isolation. 2. Public Health (PH) Emergency Policy 2.1 LIHEAP ECIP Disaster Public Health Emergency Policy is activated when the state declares state of emergency or disaster for managing public health emergencies. Policy can also be activated when the statewide or local extreme event has been assessed to lead directly or indirectly to the public health emergency. 2.2 The aim of this policy is to mitigate the affected households’ burden of energy cost during and after the public health emergency. 2.3 Under this policy, LIHEAP, as the public health program, will distribute supplemental and/or regular crisis benefits to the affected households to decrease the risk of negative consequences of subsequent energy crisis to the public health system. 2.4. The amount of the benefit will be determined by the state depending on the available funding.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	The life-threatening situation is considered to be a life-threatening medical condition, such as a member on a life-support or required oxygen/CPAP machine.Household is determined to be in a life-threatening situation, which can directly or indirectly lead to death of the member of the eligible household unless some form of assistance has been provided no later than eighteen (18) hours after the household has applied for ECIP benefit.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Year-round: $10,000
District of Columbia
Crisis Definition	A household is considered to be in crisis if the household has been disconnected from energy service or the household heating oil is at 5% or less of capacity. A household is considered to be in crisis if the household has a balance with an energy service vendor of $250 or more after the regular benefit is applied to the bill.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A household is considered to be in a life-threatening crisis if the household depends on energy service for medical life support equipment and one of the following applies: (a) the household has been disconnected from energy service; (b) the household heating oil is at 5% or less of capacity; or (c) the household has received notice that a disconnection will occur within 48 hours or less. To qualify for life-threatening crisis assistance, applicants must provide certification from a licensed physician that a member of the household relies on energy service for emergency medical and life-support equipment. A household is considered to be in a life-threatening crisis if the household has a balance with an energy service vendor of $250 or more after the regular benefit is applied to the bill.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Winter: $750; Summer: $750; Year-round: $750
Florida
Crisis Definition	Florida has a statewide definition of energy crisis that all subrecipients must use to determine if a client is eligible for a crisis benefit: a. The applicant has been notified that the energy source for cooling or heating is going to be disconnected. b. The applicant has received a notice indicating the energy source is delinquent or past due. c. The applicant has a bill for which the due date has lapsed
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	All life-threatening crisis applications/situations must be resolved within 18 hours. The statewide policy is: a. The applicant’s home cooling or heating energy source has been disconnected; b. The applicant is unable to receive delivery of fuel for heating, is out of fuel for heating, or is in danger of being out of fuel for heating; and c. The applicant has other problems with lack of cooling or heating in the home, such as needing to pay a deposit, needing a repair of heating or cooling equipment, or needing an interim emergency measure to avoid further crisis. Eligible Actions - All applications for crisis assistance must be acted upon by the recipient with an eligible action taken to mediate the crisis within 18 hours of application receipt. Eligible actions include: a. Approval of the application; b. Denial of the application; c. Denial of the application because the applicant is deemed ineligible; d. Contact with the utility vendor to halt power disconnection or interruption in services; or e. Written referral to, along with providing applicant assistance in contacting, another agency if LIHEAP funding is not available. f. Notice of applicant ineligibility.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI (>8 at 150% of federal poverty guidelines).
Benefits	Year-round: $5,000
Georgia
Crisis Definition	A crisis is determined when a low-income household is facing imminent disconnection within 7 calendar days and/or needs restoration of their heating or cooling fuel source. A crisis may also result from a weather related emergency, which affects all, or a specific area of the state. Clients who utilize pre-pay vendors may be treated as crisis. A household can only receive a regular heating benefit or crisis heating benefit. As well as a regular cooling benefit or a crisis cooling benefit. There is only one benefit allowed per program component, either regular or crisis.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life-threatening situation is one where by there is a life threatening medical condition that exists that could be intensified if a crisis energy assistance applicant is without energy service. It must be validated by a medical professional such as a physician, public health official, licensed practitioner of the healing arts, or a county health director
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Winter: $500; Summer: $500
Hawaii
Crisis Definition	Utility power at the household's current residence has been terminated or will be terminated within seven days from the date of application because of nonpayment of bill.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	Utility power at the household's current residence will be terminated within seven days of the date of application and termination of power will result in a medical crisis leading to the endangerment of life.
Eligibility/Priority	150% of federal poverty guidelines
Benefits	Winter: $650, Summer: $650, Year-round: $650
Idaho
Crisis Definition	Idaho defines a crisis as a situation where an eligible household: • Has a past due utility bill, has a utility service that is disconnected; their service is in pending disconnection status; or • Has less than 48 hours of bulk fuel.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	Idaho defines a life-threatening crisis as a situation where an eligible household contains at least one household member: 1. With an illness or medical condition that poses an immediate risk due to the loss of the energy source. 2. With a medical condition requiring the use of an energy source to operate a medical device or store medication. Idaho also considers it a life-threatening situation when the household has less than 18 hours of bulk fuel during the heating season.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI (>7 at150% of federal poverty guidelines).
Benefits	Year-round: $3,500
Illinois
Crisis Definition	In the event of a household related crisis, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the Department), in coordination with other pertinent agencies, will develop an appropriate response designed to eliminate the threat to life and health. Under such condition, the Department may utilize a portion of available 2023 LIHEAP funding to provide crisis assistance to low-income households affected by threatening conditions. Reconnection Assistance (RA) will be provided when a household is in imminent disconnection status or is already disconnected by the utility from its primary heat source or from any secondary energy source that is heat related. Disconnection will be considered imminent when disconnection will occur within (7) days without the provision of crisis assistance. During Fiscal Year 2021, the Department changed the imminent threat definition to a $300 outstanding balance in light of the utility shut-off winter moratorium for gas and/or electric services that ended on March 31st, 2021 and further assist customers who continued to struggle during the Public Health Emergency who were subject to disconnection from nonpayment of utility charges. However, the Department is reverting back to seven (7) days prior to disconnection in order to conserve crisis assistance funds until March 15. Crisis assistance (Reconnection Assistance and Furnace Assistance) will be provided within 48 hours or 18 hours in the event of a lifethreatening situation affecting the individual household. The 48/18 hour timeframe is from the day the customer's application is completed and all required documentation has been received and verified. Although the Local Administering agencies are aiming to serve households within the 18/48 hours timeframe this requirement continues to be exempted by HHS, in response to COVID-19.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	Reconnection Assistance and Furnace Assistance will be provided within 18 hours from the date and time the customer's application is complete; if the energy crisis is life-threatening. For the purpose of implementing the 18-hour processing provision exists if the followingconditions are met: - The temperature is 32 Fahrenheit or below. - The household is not protected by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) rules or similar local laws. - Reconnection is the only available remedy, i.e, the household does not have alternateshelter, lacks a safe temporary means of heat, and/or is homebound. Each local agency is required to develop specific written procedure to implement the 18-hour provision in an equitable manner, including from which the outside temperature was established (e.g. via Intellicast.com for the customer's city of residence). Outreach sites are required to securely scan and email applications that require an 18-hour response along with the supporting documentation to the LAA-Main Office via a secure file transfer system with the Department's prior approval
Eligibility/Priority	>6 = 200% FPG >10 = 60% SMI >15 = 150% FPG
Benefits	Winter: $1,200
Indiana
Crisis Definition	A crisis situation is an energy emergency when there is a potential disconnection or depletion of the energy sources but is not considered a life threatening crisis. Non-life threatening crisis situations must be mitigated within 48 hours. Metered Utilities: Has received a current Notice of Disconnection on residence primary heating sources, such as the electric or natural gas utility but yet not disconnected, or the household is disconnected but nobody in the household meets at-risk population criteria. • Bulk Fuel: Households who heat with a deliverable bulk fuel (e.g., LP, oil, coal, corn, wood, pellets, or other biofuel) or who have prepaid electricity service will automatically be considered to be in crisis at the time of application. • Inoperable heating equipment: Households who report that their heating equipment is not operable will be assessed for eligibilty for the Emergency Repair and Replace benefit.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life-threatening crisis situation must be mitigated within (18) hours. The (18) hour timeframe begins at the point in time the lifethreatening situation is communicated to LSP staff. A life threatening crisis situation is defined when there is at least one at-risk individual (adult age 60 or over, child age 5 or under, person with a disability, or veteran) and any of the following criteria is met: 1. Heating and/or electric service is currently shut off or disconnected out of bulk fuel (empty tank). 2. There is a documented medical need where there is an extreme safety concern. 3. Need of propane tank safety inspection.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Winter: $1,000
Iowa
Crisis Definition	The Iowa LIHEAP Policy and Procedures Manual lists allowable crisis measures with expenditure limits. Those allowable measures address the following crisis situations: * Repair/replacement of non-working heating units * Temporary need for alternate shelter, blankets, electric portable space heaters * Disconnected from utility service * Disconnection from utility service imminent * Emergency delivery of fuel when 30% or less remaining * When medically necessary, provide a window/portable air conditioning unit or repair/replacement of existing central air unit NOTE: Section 4.1 Iowa's eligibility threshold is 200% FPG ($27,180 for a household of 1), which matches Iowa's Weatherization Assistance Program and is less than 60% of Iowa's SMI ($30,555 for a household of 1). Please see attachment "PY23 Poverty Guidelines - Iowa", the PY23 Iowa LIHEAP Policy and Procedures Manual.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	When a household is facing a crisis situation listed above during a time of extreme weather, and/or has essential medical equipment that will become non-operational upon loss of utility service.
Eligibility/Priority	200% FPG
Benefits	Summer: $8,300
Kansas
Crisis Definition	The household must have received a shut-off notice or have less than 15% fuel left in their tank. The household has no heating fuel or no energy to operate the primary heating system.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	If the household also contains members using medical support equipment (e.g. dialysis machine, oxygen concentrator, intermittent positive pressure breathing machine, infant respiratory failure alarm).
Eligibility/Priority	150% FPG
Benefits	Winter: $5,565
Kentucky
Crisis Definition	A household is considered to be in crisis if they meet basic LIHEAP eligibility criteria, and: 1.The household has a past due or disconnect notice, if electric or natural gas is the primary heating source or cooling source. 2. The household is within four (4) days of running out of fuel if coal, wood, kerosene, fuel oil, or propane is the primary heating source.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	Once all information is obtained and an application is approved, a case decision and crisis resolution must occur within 48 hours, unless the household is in a life-threatening situation. In life threatening situations, case decisions and crisis resolutions must occur within 18 hours ofapplications with proper documentation and information. Definition of Life threatening: A life-threatening condition is a situation where thehousehold is without heat, or will be without heat for 48 hours, and temperatures are at a dangerous level, as determined by the National Weather Service, for the household members. It should be recognized that due to the age or physical conditions of household members, weather conditions,housing conditions, and outdoor temperatures, a life-threatening situation must be determined on a case-by-case basis. Life threatening situations should be noted on the application with the criteria used to determine the situation with the date and time that vendor was notified of the situation. For example: ‘this is a life-threatening situation due to household is without heat and temperatures are at a dangerous level. Vendor was notified of the life-threatening situation at the time of this application.’ Case notes should also indicate the lifethreatening situation and time of vendor notification. Case notes should be printed and attached to the application
Eligibility/Priority	130% FPG
Benefits	Summer: $400; Winter: $400
Louisiana
Crisis Definition	A crisis exists when a household's energy source for heating and/or cooling has been disconnnected or scheduled for disconnection, depleted and there are insufficient resources to resolve the situation. A crisis may also include natural disaster events, public health emergencies, and supply shortage emergencies declared by state or federal government.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	When an eligible household is faced with an adverse situation that jeopardizes the health and/or safety of the household members. This would include a household member that has a medical condition that require the operation of medical equipment, such as oxygen, and/or extreme weather conditions that would keep the household cool/warm.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Year-round: $1,000
Maine
Crisis Definition	Energy Crisis shall have the same meaning as set forth in 42 U.S.C.A. §8622(3), as same may be amended from time to time. The term "energy crisis" means weather-related and supply shortage emergencies and other household energy-related emergencies. A household may be eligible for crisis assistance if there is an imminent loss of heat due to: • Less than 7-day supply of fuel (e.g. reading of 1/4 tank or less on a standard 275 gallon heating oil tank; reading of 25% or less on a propane tank; “7-day or less” supply standard applies to other delivered fuel types). • Disconnection of service notice from natural gas or electric utility if the household’s heating system requires electricity/natural gas. • Dysfunctional or unsafe primary heating system and no other operable heating system capable of heating the dwelling adequately during severe cold weather. • Eviction due to nonpayment of rent if heat is included in the household's rent. A household is not considered to be in an energy crisis if: • Household has any other heating system that is safe, operable, and capable of heating the dwelling adequately during severe cold weather, and has a supply of product for that heating system. • Household has financial means to purchase fuel. • Household has financial means to pay rent and avert eviction
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	• Household is currently without heat or utility service to operate a heating source or heating system. • Household is tenant whose rent includes heat and is facing eviction within 24 hours for nonpayment of rent.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI (>10 = 150% FPG)
Benefits	Winter: $800
Mariana Islands
Crisis Definition	Crisis is determined when a low-income household is in an energy related emergency such as facing an imminent disconnection due to inability of paying high cost of electricity and also in need of assistance due to a result of a major disaster that will be a threat to the health and well being of any household members.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life-threatening crisis is an energy related emergency that poses a threat to the health and safety of household members wherein a disconnection of electricity from a power source may pose a life-threatening issues such as medical conditions that could be aggravated by extreme exposure to heat or any medical conditions that need power supply
Eligibility/Priority	110% FPG
Benefits	Year-round: $3,000
Maryland
Crisis Definition	Maryland defines an energy crisis as a situation wherein a household has no heat or a shortage of fuel supply or an immediate utility turn off (less than three days) during the normal winter period (November 1 through March 31). Local agencies may request a waiver to change the time length in the defintion of the winter period. Crisis funds are also used to address non-functioning heating and cooling equipment. OHEP maintains an inter-agency agreement (attached) with the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to carry out this work. Energy assistance applicants inform local agencies on the application that they have non-functioning equipment. Upon receiving an energy crisis referral regarding non-functioning equipment from the local energy assistance agency, DHCD promptly assigns the work to a licensed HVAC contractor for assessment within 48 hours. For heating and cooling system repair, first preference is given to elderly and handicapped homeowners. Second preference to dwellings with children under five (5) years of age in the household and/or inefficient heating systems.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	Maryland defines a life-threatening crisis as a household experiencing a life-threatening or health-related emergency due to a heating or cooling issue or has a energy crisis and has a member of the household under age two or over the age of sixty-five
Eligibility/Priority	175% FPG (>1=200% FPG)
Benefits	Year-round: $2,213
Massachusetts
Crisis Definition	The crisis intervention component of Massachusetts’ LIHEAP is a FastTrack system, integrated into the heating assistance program, for prioritizing and expediting services to households experiencing heating emergencies. The purpose of this FastTrack system is to provide swift response to heating emergencies, while steering applicants into the mainstream heating assistance component with full benefits. Emergency applications are given priority at all intake and processing steps. LAAs are required to provide for emergency response within 24 hours or 18 hours of the eligible household’s application or request, in accordance with the statute and corresponding procedures outlined in the Fiscal Year 2023 Administrative Guidance.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life threatening crisis includes no heat for any reason such as out of fuel, utilities disconnected or heating system failure. When an applicant notifies the Subgrantee of their emergency, the Subgrantee reviews the application and requests any documentation still required to complete the application. The emergency application is given certification priority. If eligible, the vendor will be authorized to make a delivery, or guaranteed a payment in cases of eviction or utility disconnection.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Winter: $1,600
Michigan
Crisis Definition	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: • 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 25% 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 notice that the balance in a prepayment account is below $100. • A statement from a licensed service provider indicating the homeowners furnace is inoperable and in need of repair or replacement
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A household is considered to have a life-threatening crisis if the following criteria is met: • The household is not protected by Michigan's Winter Protection Plan; • The household has experienced disconnection of natural gas or electric service or have ran out of deliverable fuel or a non-traditional heating source such as wood, corn, cherry pits, etc., or the household has a statement from a licensed service provider indicating the homeowner's furnace is inoperable and in need of repair or replacement; • Restoration of energy services is medically necessary; • The household does not have any temporary housing alternatives while the emergency is being resolved.
Eligibility/Priority	150% FPG
Benefits	Winter: $1,200
Minnesota
Crisis Definition	To receive a Crisis benefit, a household must: • Request assistance with an energy emergency by either submitting a bill, disconnect notice or disconnection document verifying the energy emergency OR notifying the Service Provider of an energy emergency. • Be EAP eligible. • Have received a Primary Heat benefit that did not resolve the emergency. • Have the emergency verified and documented by the Service Provider with the energy vendor at the time the Crisis benefit is determined. • Be occupying the dwelling at the time Crisis is requested and the benefit is determined. • Not have a redundant heating system that has fuel. An exception is that households with a redundant heating system are eligible for Crisis if the heating system that is out of fuel is needed to allow continuous heat to the dwelling (e.g. if the electric portion of the redundant heating system is on an off-peak discount program that interrupts electric heat to the dwelling or if the operational heating system uses biofuel.) • Not have a Crisis payment that results in a credit on an account. Have one of the following Crisis reasons: • Heat Related Shut Off. • Heat Related Disconnection Notice. • Less than 20% in Fuel Tank and Refusal to Deliver (RTD). • Less than One Week Biofuel. • Non-Heat Electric Shut Off. • Non-Heat Electric Disconnection Notice. • Senior Past Due or Current Energy Bill • Less than 10 Days Pre-pay Energy.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	No heat in the house or no heat distribution, and air temperature is not at a safe level and the household does not have an alternative or temporary heat source
Eligibility/Priority	50% SMI
Benefits	Winter: $600
Mississippi
Crisis Definition
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A household currently without energy services that could impact:An illness or medical condition that poses an immediate risk to the health or life of any LIHEAP household member due to a life-threatening medical condition. Medical statement required; or when a life threatening medical condition is sustained by the use of a medical device which requires the use of a source of energy for operation. Medical statement required. Reasonable exclusions: carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, other devices not medically required to support life. The reasonable exclusions listed are not all inclusive.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Year-round: $1,500
Missouri
Crisis Definition	The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) is designed to provide financial assistance to households in a verifiable energy crisis. Crisis is defined as a sudden, unexpected, uncontrollable loss of financial resources; life-threatening conditions (utility services disconnect or fuel is depleted); or any circumstance that threatens the stability if energy aid is not supplied.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A household currently without energy services that could impact:An illness or medical condition that poses an immediate risk to the health or life of any LIHEAP household member due to a life-threatening medical condition. Medical statement required; or when a life threatening medical condition is sustained by the use of a medical device which requires the use of a source of energy for operation. Medical statement required. Reasonable exclusions: carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, other devices not medically required to support life. The reasonable exclusions listed are not all inclusive.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Winter: $1,600; Summer: $1,200
Montana
Crisis Definition	Emergency Assistance benefits are available from October through September. Emergency Assistance will be funded 100% with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Emergency Assistance under the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) may be provided to an eligible household in the following circumstances only when such circumstances present an imminent threat to the health and safety of the household. The household is responsible, at its own expense, for documenting that circumstances exist which present a serious, immediate threat to the household. The sub-grantee may, in its discretion, assist the household in identifying and documenting such circumstances, if the subgrantee has the expertise and resources to do so. CONDITIONS OF EMERGENCY: 1. The household's primary supply of energy is interrupted because of weather conditions and other supply or a different type of energy is necessary. 2. Weather or other forces outside the control of the household damages the household's dwelling and causes the dwelling to suffer a severe loss of heat. 3. Hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions exist in the household's primary home water heating and/or space heating system, and safety modification are required. 4. Any other home energy-related condition caused by severe weather conditions,fuel shortages, and/or acts of God. 5. The household has a documented medical need for home energy related safety modifications. ARPA funds can be used to relight a furnace pilot light if it is the primary heat source. ARPA funds can be used to relight a water heater pilot light with a medical note. Outliers are discussed with field monitors. Crisis cooling assistance is allowable during sustained high temperatures. Cooling assistance will be limited to the purchase of fans, operation or support of local cooling centers, coordination with local social service agencies, relocation to a hotel/hotel and air conditioners (where medically necessary). The policy regarding cooling crisis involves: an eligible household that is income qualified must have a household member that has and provides a letter from a qualified medical provider stating that a life-threatening condition exists where an air conditioner will eliminate or significantly reduce the possibility of loss of life or heat related illness. The letter does not have to include the diagnosis or condition; it only has to indicate there is a need for air conditioning and be signed by the qualified medical provider. Cooling centers may be activated when the temperatures are expected to reach 90 degrees for at least three (3) consecutive days. Transportation to the cooling center will not be provided. The sub-grantee must obtain departmental approval before providing crisis cooling assistance.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	Life-threatening is defined as any of the conditions of emergency specified in 4.2 that may cause death or severe permanent damage to the health of one or more household members.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI (>9 at 150% FPG)
Benefits	Year-round: $9,999
Nebraska
Crisis Definition	DHHS defines a crisis situation as a household that is under immediate threat of loss of home energy because it has received a shut off notice, had utilities discontinued, lacks energy service delivery, or anticipates removal from a provider's budget plan. To qualify for crisis assistance, a household must be eligible for LIHEAP, be in a crisis situation, and have an unanticipated inability to pay home energy costs because within the most recent 90 days: the household experienced an unanticipated medical or household expense; a significant, permanent, and involuntary loss of work hours, wages, or employment; the departure of a primary wage earner; the inability of a primary wage earner to work because of illness or injury; or a significant loss because of the death of a household member. A household may also be eligible for an unspecified crisis related to a loss of income or inability to pay as determined in DHHS's discretion. The criteria for crisis can be found at 476 NAC 2-004.01. Title 476 regulations are attached.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	DHHS considers a crisis to be life-threatening if the household is experiencing loss of the ability to heat or cool their home and the household contains a member that: is frail (receives disability through the Social Security Administration/Social Security Income, Veteran's Administration, or other types of disability payment); has a medical condition aggravated by extreme heat or cold that is verified by a licensed medical provider; is elderly (60 or older); is a young child (under the age of 6 and does not have to be receiving Aid to Dependent Children); or must use a medical device that requires electricity.
Eligibility/Priority	150% FPG
Benefits	Year-round: $500
Nevada
Crisis Definition	"Energy emergency" for Division of Welfare and Supportive Services purposes has three meanings. The first means a household has had, or is in danger of having, their heating or electric service disconnected within 48 hours or is in need of heating fuel and has less than 10% in their tank, or is in need of a deposit or if having a loss of energy causes a life threatening situation, and must have requested a payment plan from the utility and been denied. The second means a household is in crisis when annual gross income exceeds the current income limit except allowable qualifying expenses attributable to the crisis reduces the income to the current income limit or less. The third means a household that has an established arrearage on their account with their heating and/or cooling vendor and such arrearage may result in utility shut-off. "Energy emergency" for Housing Division purposes means the household's primary heating system is unsafe or inoperable duing the winter months, or the household's primary cooling system is unsafe or inoperable during the summer months. In the event of an unexpected 'emergency' or an emergency declared by the Governor that threatens the health and safety of a household member or members the DWSS Administrator has the discretion to authorize use of LIHEAP funding to assist eligible receipients with in-kind and energy related needs.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	If the loss of energy causes a life-threatening situation; for household member’s a serious illness or other medical condition that requires electrical medical equipment or life support or which would otherwise be aggravated by interrupution or termination of electrical service.
Eligibility/Priority	150% FPG
Benefits	Year-round: $3,136
New Hampshire
Crisis Definition	The New Hampshire Fuel Assistance Program determines that an applicant household is in crisis based upon the following situations: Applicant households with deliverable fuel having 1/4 tank or less oil or kerosene, 20% or less propane, or less than a week's supply of wood; Applicant households heating with a metered utility having a disconnect notice; And applicant households with heat included in the rent (when not subsidized) having received an evicition notice. The applicant facing a non life-threatening energy emergency must have the opportunity to apply for fuel assistance within the next business day of the initial contact and have resolution of the emergency within 48 hours. The application for a household facing an energy emergency is given certification priority. Upon being deemed eligible, the vendor will be notified by the sub-grantee immediately via phone or e-mail to authorize an emergency delivery. In the case of a utility disconnection or eviction notice when heat is included in the rent, payment will be guaranteed to the vendor or landlord. Formal written notfication is then sent to the vendor and applicant during the normal notification process.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	The New Hampshire Fuel Assistance Program definition of a life-threatening crisis is a household in a no-heat situation that is: out of fuel, utilities disconnected, or served by the court to vacate when heat is included in the rent (and rent is not subsidized)). The applicant in a life-threatening crisis must have the opportunity to apply for fuel assistance on the same business day of the initial contact, with resolution of the emergency within 18 hours. The application for a household facing an energy emergency is given certification priority. Upon being deemed eigible, the vendor will be immediately notified by the sub-grantee via phone or e-mail to authorize an emergency delivery. In the case of a utility disconnection or eviction notice when heat is included in the rent, payment will be guaranteed to the vendor or landlord. Formal written notfication is then sent to the vendor and applicant during the normal notification process. When a household experiencing an energy emergency (either crisis or life-threatening) is not eligible, they are given referrals to other resources and often times are assisted with discretionary programs (when funding allows) within the sub-grantees own operations. At no time during the application process should a household go from an energy emergency to a life-threatening crisis due to a delay in the processing of an application.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Winter: $3,024
New Jersey
Crisis Definition	Crisis Assistance is deemed necessary when a household is in danger of running out of fuel or where a client receives a shutoff notice from their utility company. This crisis must be resolved within 48 hours.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life threatening crisis exists when a household has no fuel and/or has been shut off by their utility company. This type of crisis must be addressed within 18 hours
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Winter: $1,000
New Mexico
Crisis Definition	Households that have received a written disconnect notice from their utility vendor or a statement of non-delivery or sale of fuel from their fuel vendor due to lack of payment or inability to pay, do not have sufficient funds to open an account, or do not meet the security deposit requirements, may be eligible to receive a crisis LIHEAP benefit. The Department is required to provide intervention to resolve an energy crisis that may exist. The processing of the applications for households in a crisis situation includes contacting the utility company or fuel provider within the specified time frames to resolve. Contact with the utility vendors will be provided no later than 48 hours after the household's application for LIHEAP benefits has been approved and no later than 18 hours for households with a life-threatening emergency. Crisis intervention is not available to households that have already received a LIHEAP benefit in the current federal fiscal year. HSD/ISD began distribution of the CARES LIHEAP in December 2020. Stimulus benefits were distributed to households that already received a LIHEAP benefit during FFY20 and FFY21. These payments were sent on behalf of households that were in arrears or had a disconnect notice. Households that had arrears prior to the bill date of April 2020 were not eligible for the benefit. The total grant amount available from the CARES act for LIHEAP was $5,385,500 and will be accessible until 09/30/2021 or until funds have been exhausted: -Customers did not need to fill out an application for this benefit; -Utility Vendors provided customer information based on arrearages through the Secure Transport Server. -These funds were be paid directly to the utility vendors on behalf of the customer; -Supplemental Benefit was a one-time lump sum amount of $300.00; -Households receiving the COVID-19 benefit were tracked separately from those that have/will receive regular LIHEAP funding for FFY2020/21; -If two vendors had the same customer in arrears or with a current disconnect, ASPEN issued the benefit to the vendor with the highest balance.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	Per NMAC, 8.150.100.7, a life-threatening situation is a related emergency that poses a threat to the health or safety of one or more members of the household. Eligible households with a life-threatening emergency will be provided assistance no later than 18 hours after the household's application for LIHEAP benefits. Assistance is defined as contact with the vendor to intercede on the household's behalf to resolve the crisis situation
Eligibility/Priority	150% FPG
Benefits	Year-round: $490
New York
Crisis Definition	The definition of a crisis emergency is when loss of heat is imminent. Imminent loss of heat is defined as less than 1/4 tank for oil, kerosene, or propane or less than a ten-day supply for other deliverable fuels, or heat or heat related utility service is scheduled for termination. Any HEAP eligible household's crisis emergency must be resolved within 48 hours from the time of the emergency application.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	The definition of life-threatening emergency is when a HEAP applicant or recipient household is without heat or utility service to operate a heating source. Any HEAP eligible household's life-threatening emergency must be resolved within 18 hours from the time of the emergency application.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI (>12 at 150% FPG)
Benefits	Winter: $900
North Carolina
Crisis Definition	The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) assists individuals and households experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis defnined by being in danger or suffering from a life threatening or health related emergency due to a disconnection and needing to restore service or needs assistance to prevent a disconnection from occurring.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	Life threatening is if a household has no heating/cooling source or has a past due or final notice for their primary heating/cooling source that will lead to disconnection of services, and the health or well being of a household member would be in danger if the heating/cooling crisis is not alleviated. Each application is evaluated on a case by case basis to determine if there is a crisis and whether it is life threatening. Other factors are taken into consideration, such time of year, weather conditions, temperature, and the ages and health of the household members.
Eligibility/Priority	150% FPG
Benefits	Year-round: $600
North Dakota
Crisis Definition	Energy Crisis: This term means weather-related and supply shortage emergencies and other household energy-related emergencies
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	Life-Threatening Energy Crisis: This term refers to an energy-related crisis that poses a serious threat to the health and safety of one or more members of the household.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Year-round: $1,000
Ohio
Crisis Definition	A disconnection, notice of disconnection, establishing new service, less than 25 percent supply of deliverable fuel, recent diagnosis of COVID-19 or heating system needing repair to be operable are criteria to be considered in crisis. For Summer Crisis Assistance: a disconnection, notice of disconnection, establishing new service, a medical certification and/or recent dia gnosis of COVID-19, or elderly (age 60 or older) are criteria to be considered in crisis.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	Development’s Energy Assistance Programs Guidelines, in keeping with the LIHEAP statute, require local HEAP providers to, no later than 18 hours after a household applies, provide assistance that will resolve the crisis if the household is eligible to receive such benefits and is in a life-threatening situation. Development and our local provider agencies understand a life-threatening situation to be a situation that is very dangerous or serious with the possibility that death could be the outcome. An example could be an eligible household containing a member with a disability or a frail elder who would be more vulnerable to experiencing a serious outcome if heat and light are not expeditiously restored. A household with a newborn baby is another example of how a utility/energy service crisis e.g. imminent shut-off, disconnection or empty fuel tank, can have more dire outcomes, up to and including death, if not quickly remedied. A life-threatening crisis could also exist when a household is without service and is using alternative heating sources such as kerosene heaters or using their oven.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Winter: $900; Summer: $800
Oklahoma
Crisis Definition	A utility crisis exists when a household is within 72 hours of having their heating or cooling utility disconnected, or within 72 hours of running out of heating fuel (usually propane), has a refusal to deliver from propane/kerosene supplier, or without heating or cooling utility and need assistance establishing or restoring service during our ECAP General Open Enrollment period. The household must have a precipitating factor that caused the household to choose between paying the energy bill and another vital household need.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life-threatening crisis exists when a member of the applicant household has a documented medical condition by a certified and licensed physician that would become life threating without the availability of the energy source. This can include those using life sustaining medical equipement in the home, refrigerated insulin, and those that may suffer more severe adverse affects from extreme temperature changes or exposure temperatures due to medical condition
Eligibility/Priority	130% FPG
Benefits	Year-round: $750
Oregon
Crisis Definition	A crisis exists when a household faces an energy burden which depletes or threatens to deplete financial resources, or which poses a potential health and/or safety threat to the well-being of the household.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life-threatening crisis exists when a household member's health and/or well-being would likely be endangered if assistance is not provided to continue heating/cooling/energy services. Generally, this would require an active medical certificate but may be deemed a life-threatening crisis by the local service provider if extreme circumstances are present (e.g. extreme cold or heat, fuel supply shortages, etc.). In addition to the above, the household must either be disconnected or at imminent risk of disconnection (within 5 days of application) to be considered as having a life-threatening crisis situation. Households with deliverable fuels must either be out of fuel or at imminent risk of being out of fuel. Life-threatening crisis situations must be addressed within 18 hours of application. This timeframe must be documented to ensure compliance with the federal requirement and must include comments outlining how the situation was addressed.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Year-round: $750
Pennsylvania
Crisis Definition	(1) The household shall meet the general eligibility requirements under §601.31 (relating to general eligibility requirements), income limit, responsibility for heating costs, Pennsylvania residency and lawfully admitted non-citizen status. (2) The household shall be without heat or in imminent danger of being without heat because of a weather-related or energy-supply-shortage emergency. (3) The household shall be eligible for a crisis benefit that, alone or combined with other resources available to the applicant household, will resolve the home-heating emergency. If a household is authorized for the LIHEAP Cash component before the date of their request for Crisis benefits, any existing credit including the LIHEAP Cash component that has been authorized and not yet received is considered to be available and must be used first for the resolution of the crisis. (4) The applicant must provide proof of the home-heating emergency Crisis benefits for energy-supply-shortage emergencies include payment for the following: 1. Home-heating fuel for a household that is out of fuel or if the heating fuel supply will last less than 15 calendar days. The payment may be for either the main or secondary fuel type and may include the cost of an added charge for off-hours delivery service. The payment amount will not exceed the cost of the delivery; including any necessary reconnect fees and/or minor furnace start-up costs. Any credit balance with the household's vendor, including LIHEAP funds that have been authorized and not yet received, will be deemed available to resolve the crisis and will be deducted from the household's benefit amount. 2. Utility bills to restore or continue home-heating service if the household is without heat or in imminent danger of being without heat because of actual or scheduled termination of the main or secondary source of heat by a utility company. The payment may include the charge, if required, for a service reconnection. NOTE: Crisis benefits may be approved in this instance based on issuance of a termination notice. The following applies: (A) For utilities regulated by a governing body such as the Public Utility Commission (PUC), winter termination procedures prevent the termination of service without the governing body’s approval from December 1 through March 31. Regulated utilities may still issue termination notices from December 1 through March 31. They cannot, however, act on these notices to terminate service without having been granted permission to terminate service by the governing body. In these situations, contact must be made with the utility to determine if the governing body has granted the utility permission to terminate service for the applicant household before crisis benefits may be authorized to relieve the emergency. The household is ineligible for crisis benefits if the utility has not been granted approval to terminate service. (B) For utilities not regulated by a governing body, a termination notice means that the utility has established a date when service will actually terminate, in accordance with the utility's current termination procedures. Documentation of the termination notice must be provided before crisis benefits may be authorized to relieve the emergency.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	This must be a documented medical emergency. The local County Assistance Office (CAO) would either need to already have on file or the household would need to provide documentation from a doctor that someone in specific in the household would be in a life-threatening emergency if the household was without heat due to a specific medical condition. If the household provides a Release of Information, the CAO could also verify this information via collateral contact with the doctor as well.
Eligibility/Priority	150% FPG
Benefits	Winter: $1,000
Puerto Rico
Crisis Definition	As Regulation #5257 states, in order to receive Crisis Assistance, the applicant must: • Household below Puerto Rico State Median Income. • Show a service shutoff or disconnection notice from the electric power supplier. • Need to purchase or refill fluid gas tank in order to prepare meals. • Need of fan or air conditioner due to a health condition, if medically certified.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	Regulation #5257 of the Puerto Rico Energy Assistance Program states that an application of life- threatening crisis situation will be considered addressed when an aid is given to relieve or remedy the crisis within 18 hours. Households with the following situations will be considered a life-threatening crisis: Disconnection of electricity services to a household thas has a member who is bedridden; who requires the use of an oxygen tank, other medical equipment, a/c or require refrigeration of medications.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Summer: $900
Rhode Island
Crisis Definition	A crisis is considered to occur when a client is unable to maintain heat in the home. This may be the result of: 1. Heat is shut off due to failure to pay a regulated utility bill. 2. A client's inability to pay for deliverable fuel. 3. The breakdown of a heating system
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life-threatening crisis is considered to occur when the client is unable to maintain heat in the home and the overnight temperature is below 20 degrees Fairenheit. This may be the result of: 1. Heat is shut off due to failure to pay a regulated utility bill. 2. A client's inability to pay for deliverable fuel. 3. The breakdown of heating system.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Winter: $1,500
South Carolina
Crisis Definition	An energy crisis is when a low-income household is facing imminent disconnection and/or needs restoration of their home heating/cooling source. An energy crisis may also be the result of weather or energy-related emergencies.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life-threatening crisis is an emergency requiring immediate action to prevent the loss or impairment of life/health due to a medical condition if the household’s energy service is interrupted.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Year-round: $1,000
South Dakota
Crisis Definition	Households must meet one of the following conditions for the period of October 1 – March 31 -Supplier refuses to deliver -Household has an overdue bill from supplier -Heating system requires repair or replacement -Household has less than 20% remaining in tank -Household has a disconnect notice or has already been disconnected -Household has an eviction notice for non-payment when heat is included in rent or paid in addition to rent Period of April 1 - September 30 -Household has an electric disconnect notice or has already been disconnected
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	An eligible household must receive some form of assistance no later than 18 hours after the household applies for emergency assistance. Life threatening situations include: An eligible household must receive some form of assistance no later than 18 hours after the household applies for emergency assistance. Life threatening situations include: 1. No heat in home due to primary heat source or electricity being disconnected 2. No heat in home due to furnace not operating 3. Household does not have alternate or temporary heat source 4. Temperature is or will be less than 50 degrees within the 18 hour timeframe
Eligibility/Priority	200% FPG >3=197.76% FPG, >4=197.37% FPG, >5=195.66% FPG, >6=194.39% FPG, >7=176.42% FPG, >8=162.09% FPG, >9=150.39% FPG, >10=150% FPG
Benefits	Year-round: $2,400
Tennessee
Crisis Definition	Crisis Assistance will be provided in an amount sufficient to alleviate the crisis and within the applicant’s determined benefit level amount. The Crisis Assistance component will be based on uncontrollable circumstances which must include either a shut off notice, disconnected utilities or a lack of home delivered fuel notice in combination with at least one of the following: Household has an unanticipated medical or major household expense. Out of pocket expense should exceed 100% of current utility bill. Documentation could include: receipts of payments made to meet this unanticipated medical or major household expense. Household wage earner with at least a year of stable work history has lost his/her job within the last twelve (12) months. Documentation could include: letter from employer, termination or lay-off notice, UI claims, UI notification ofeligibility. Household wage earner has left the home within the past forty-five (45) days. Documentation could include recent application for family a ssistance (Families First, Food Stamps), order of protection, police report, revised lease, or other legal documentation. Death of wage earner withi n the last twelve (12) months. Documentation could include obituary, death certificate, and funeral program. Significant loss of work hours. Doc umentation could include a letter from employer outlining details of loss of work hours or pay stubs. Household wage earner is unable to work due to illness and does not receive sick leave or time away from work. Documentation could include a statement from employer. Household has a non-functioning or malfunctioning heating system. Child under the age of six (6) in the home. Elderly - 1 member of household is age 60 or above. Disabled – 1 member of household is disabled. Uncontrollable Circumstances must be explained by the client and documented to the extent possible.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	If a client is in emminent danger of death or serious injury they are considered to be in a life threatening situation. Agencies are aware of the timeframe (18 hours) and the need to address clients' needs when they are in a life threatening situation. To ensure that all agency staff are aware of the importance of providing crisis assistance within 18 hours in life threatening situations, state wide training for all agency staff was held across the state. This was addressed and the timeframe and definition of life threatening was discussed. This was also included in their training material, and is a part of the agency annual operational plan which is signed by the Executive Director, Program Director, and Fiscal Officer for each agency. The plan was discussed in detail with agency staff to make sure they were aware of the requirements and policy.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Year-round: $1,500
Texas
Crisis Definition	Crisis Assistance can be provided to persons who have already lost service or are in immediate danger of losing service only under one of the following conditions, as defined in 10 TAC §6.301 (relating to Background and Definitions): (1) Extreme Weather Conditions, with assistance provided within 48 hours; (2) Disaster, with assistance provided within 48 hours; or (3) Life Threatening Crisis, with assistance provided within 18 hours.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A Life Threatening Crisis exists when the life of at least one person in the applicant Household who is a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or a Qualified Alien would likely, in the opinion of a reasonable person, be endangered if utility assistance or heating and cooling assistance is not provided due to a Household member who needs electricity for life-sustaining equipment or whose medical professional has prescribed that the person with a medical condition requires that the ambient air temperature be maintained at a certain temperature. Examples of life-sustaining equipment include, but are not limited to, kidney dialysis machines, oxygen concentrators, and cardiac monitors. Documentation must not be requested about the medical condition of the applicant, but the applicant must state that such a device is required in the Dwelling Unit to sustain life.
Eligibility/Priority	150% FPG
Benefits	Year-round: $2,400
Utah
Crisis Definition	A crisis exists when a household has a 48 hour shut-off notices or has less than 10% in their tank for delivered fuels and faces a sudden or unexpected even beyond their control resulting in the inability to pay household energy costs.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A crisis situation (as defined above) that exists in a household that has a written notice from the utility company that the residence has "life supporting equipment"
Eligibility/Priority	150% FPG
Benefits	Year-round: $2,000
Vermont
Crisis Definition	A crisis is found to exist in households that are at imminent risk of losing home heating because they have nearly exhausted their current supply of primary heating fuel, or have received a shutoff notice from their natural gas or electricity company, and the company either provides metered service for their primary heating source, or supplies service to a necessary component of their primary home heating equipment. Criteria for determining the existence of a home heating crisis include, but are not limited to, the following circumstances: (1) the household’s primary heating fuel tank is at 25% or less of its full capacity; (2) there is one week’s supply or less of fuel for households whose primary heating sources include firewood, wood pellets, or coal; (3) the household has received a disconnect notice for a metered utility, and the utility is responsible for either providing the household’s primary fuel source, or for operation of a necessary component of the household’s primary home heating equipment.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life-threatening crisis is any medical condition (physical, cognitive, or other) that requires a member of the fuel household to remian in the home and not be temporarily relocated to an alternate residence (such as another home belonging to family or friends, a commercial lodging establishment, or a residential shelter). The medical condition must be documented in writing (a letter or an email written within 30 days of the crisis fuel application) by a Vermont-licensed medical practitioner who is knowledgeable about the household member's condition. Services to resolve the home heating crisis must be completed within 18 hours of the household being determined eligible. If necessary, a benefit to pay for special trip, start-up, or similar charges may be included in the crisis fuel grant.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Winter: $742
Virginia
Crisis Definition	The Crisis Assistance component is designed to help households meet energy emergencies that cannot be met by other resources. The emergency may result from a weather related or supply shortage emergency such as: no source of heat; the only heating equipment in the home is inoperable or unsafe; or there is a potential no heat situation. Crisis Assistance will be provided when the conditions for providing assistance are met and the assistance will ensure heat for the household. Crisis Assistance intervention must resolve the energy crisis of eligible applicants within 48 hours, or 18 hours if in a life threatening situation. Assistance with the purchase of primary fuel and the payment of the primary utility bills is provided to households who did not receive Heating Assistance or who have exhausted their heating benefit.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A crisis situation is considered life-threatening if 1) the temperature is projected to be 32 degrees or less and 2) the household includes at least one vulnerable person (an individual who is under age six, age 60 or over, or disabled). Temperatures of 32 degrees or less for the current and following day are established by verifying the projected temperature through a weather service (The Weather Channel etc).
Eligibility/Priority	150% FPG
Benefits	Winter: $2,500
Washington
Crisis Definition	Crisis is defined individually by each sub-grantee and approved by the Department of Commerce at the beginning of each program year when sub-grantees apply to provide LIHEAP services. Definitions range from sub-grantee to sub-grantee, from a shutoff notice or less than a 10 day supply of fuel to being shut off or without fuel.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	In general, if a client provides proof of their medical condition(s) that requires a heat source to mitigate potential health risks, then they are considered as having a life-threatening condition. Eligible households faced with a life-threatening energy crisis, must have the crisis relieved within 18 hours of a completed application.
Eligibility/Priority	150% FPG
Benefits	Winter: $1,000; Summer: $1,000; Year-round: $2,500
West Virginia
Crisis Definition	A crisis is defined as being without home heat or being in danger of not having home heat and not having the resources to resolve the crisis without financial assistance. If the crisis threatens the loss of a utility, a past due bill or termination notice is required to be submitted with the application. if the home heating crisis is the result of a natural disaster, state and/or national public health emergency, payments may be issued to previously approved households. Under these circumstances, a past due bill, termination notice, or face-to-face interview may not be required. If there is an intake period in which an application is required, a past due bill or termination notice may be requested, but face-to-face contact may be waived. If the heating unit is no longer functioning or is considered unsafe heat, the client can be evaluated for the Emergency Repair and Replacement Program. If a client can no longer use the heating source due to a medical condition, i.e.,a client is now disabled and cannot load a wood stove, then the heat source is considered unavailable. Households with unavailable heating sources are categorized as being in crisis, as well
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life-threatening crisis is being without home heat or being in danger of not having home heat and having an illness or condition that will cause one's wellbeing to be detrimentally affected by not having heat or cooling in the home. A client also must have no way to resolve the crisis, i.e., having no money to pay the bill or having to pay for repair/replacement of a malfunctioning heating/cooling unit. A disconnect notice is required to verify that the utility is in danger of being terminated. If the heating unit is not functioning, the client can be evaluated for the Emergency Repair or Replacement Program. Life-threatening crisis must be documented in all cases.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Winter: $2,000; Summer: $2,000; Year-round: $2,000
Wisconsin
Crisis Definition	High Energy Burden is defined as the total amount spent on the primary heating source is greater than 20% of the household income.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	To qualify for a potentially life-threatening crisis, the weather and other conditions must create a concern for the health and life of the household’s residents. Determination of a threat to health or safety of an eligible household is based on four factors: expected low temperature, condition of the dwelling unit (habitable, operable furnace, etc.), presence of vulnerable persons (persons with medical need for heat -- elderly, handicapped, children under six, etc.), and alternatives available to the household (place for temporary relocation, etc.). Medical need for heat may be considered in determining the presence of an emergency for vulnerable persons, including households with young children, handicapped and/or elderly persons. The presence of vulnerable persons may affect the amount and type of benefit provided to the household.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Year-round: $1,200
Wyoming
Crisis Definition	In Wyoming, we refer to regular Crisis Situations as Special Situations. Special Situations include: deposits either to restore or establish power; back bill assistance to help avoid disconnections and restore power after disconnection; deliverable fuel special fill to avoid running out of heating fuel; propane tank set and rental assistance; heat loss emergency due to heating system failure; and heating system failure prevention assistance. These types of Crisis assistance are designed to remove or prevent a life or health threatening situation relating to a heat loss emergency or potential heat loss emergency. Wyoming will also offer an arrearage benefit paid from the ARP of 2021 LIHEAP award. The last of the ARP benefits will be paid out in September 2022.
Life-threatening Crisis Definition	A life-threatening crisis is defined as an energy related circumstance that presents a serious and imminent threat to the health and safety of the household member(s). Imminent threat is defined as immediate danger with the potential to result in serious injury/illness and/or loss of life.
Eligibility/Priority	60% SMI
Benefits	Winter: $525

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