Section 427.10.3. Local administering agencies.

       10.3(1) The department of human rights shall administer the LIHEAP program by contracting with local administering agencies (LAAs) meeting program and fiscal guidelines as required by federal law.

       10.3(2) Outreach activities. The LAAs will be required to sign a contract which specifies required and allowable program activities, including Department of Health and Human Services regulations, special conditions, transfer of electronic data to fuel vendors and the state, program and fiscal reporting to department of human rights, and audit requirements.

       10.3(3) Each LAA will ensure that eligible households are made aware of this program. In addition to its normal outreach functions, each LAA will authorize its workers to take applications in a potential client’s home as well as at local community, church, and elderly centers. The program is to be made easily accessible to all who are eligible, especially the elderly and disabled. All LAAs are required to visit each elderly meal site in their geographic area to publicize the Energy Assistance program. When taking applications at a location other than an outreach office, the date and time of the visit should be publicized at least one week in advance.

Applications may be made by mail. A notice of the appeal and hearing procedure must be posted at each intake site, and a copy of the appeal and hearing procedure and any other state-required handouts must be given to each client at the time of application.