Section 427.10.2. Program criteria.

       10.2(1) Households with incomes at or below the annually determined guidelines, but not to exceed 150 percent of the Office of Management and Budget’s federal poverty income guidelines, revisions of which are published annually in the Federal Register, may be eligible for assistance under LIHEAP. To receive benefits, an application must be made, eligibility determined, and program funds available before any payments may be made.

       10.2(2) All payments are contingent upon the availability of federal funds.

       10.2(3) The amount of assistance a household may receive depends upon available funding, total household income, household size, dwelling type, type of primary heating fuel the household uses, other targeting factors enumerated in the payment matrix, and whether a household qualifies for a crisis assistance award as described in 10.14(216A,PL97-35,PL98-558) in addition to the basic energy assistance payment.

       10.2(4) Residents of publicly assisted housing units who are not billed directly for their primary heating source by a utility company and whose rent is established as a percentage of their income are not eligible for assistance.

       10.2(5) All clients applying for this program will simultaneously be making application for weatherization assistance, and 427—Chapter 5 shall govern such weatherization applications.

       10.2(6) Both owner-occupied and renter-occupied households will be assisted.