| (a) 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 conditions listed in paragraphs (1) - (3) of
this subsection, and shall not exceed the caps as defined in §6.309
of this subchapter (relating to Types of Assistance and Benefit Levels):
(1) Extreme Weather Conditions, as defined in §6.301
of this subchapter (relating to Background and Definitions), with
assistance provided within 48 hours;
(2) Disaster, as defined in §6.301 of this subchapter,
with assistance provided within 48 hours; or
(3) Life Threatening Crisis, as defined in §6.301
of this subchapter, with assistance provided within 18 hours.
(b) In order to resolve the crisis, Subrecipient shall
ensure that for customers assisted through Crisis Assistance services
are provided within the timeframes as described in subsection (a)
of this section. The time limit commences upon completion of the application
process. The application process is considered complete when an agency
representative accepts an application and completes the eligibility
process. Subrecipient must maintain written documentation in customer
files showing crises resolved within the appropriate timeframe. The
Department may disallow improperly documented Expenditures.
(c) Low Income Households as defined in §6.2 of
this chapter (relating to Definitions) may be eligible for any one
or more of the types of assistance listed in paragraphs (1) - (8)
of this subsection:
(1) Payment of utilities or fuel bills and utility
bill deposits necessary to retain heating or cooling.
(2) Emergency deliveries of fuel up to 250 gallons
per crisis per Household, at the prevailing price. This benefit may
include coverage for tank pressure testing.
(3) Utility reconnection costs.
(4) Blankets, as tangible benefits to keep individuals
warm.
(5) For Non-Vulnerable Populations meeting the conditions
described in subsection (a) of this section, service and repair of
existing heating and cooling units is allowed when the Household has
an inoperable heating or cooling system or the system is not functioning
according to its intended purpose. If a component(s) of the heating
or cooling system cannot be repaired using parts, the Subrecipient
can replace the component(s) in order to repair the heating or cooling
system. When a heating or cooling system is nonexistent, purchase
of heating or cooling, or heating and cooling units for up to $7,500
is allowed. The cost shall not exceed $7,500 and will not be counted
towards the total maximum benefit level per Household under the Crisis
Assistance Component.
(6) When a Household meets the definition of Life Threatening
Crisis, purchase of portable cooling and/or heating units, window
units, evaporative coolers, and mini splits is allowable. Units must
be Energy Star® . In cases where the
type of unit is not Energy Star® ,
or if Energy Star® units are not
available due to supply shortages, Subrecipient may purchase the highest
rated unit available. Purchase of more than two of these types of
units for a Household requires prior written approval from the Department.
(7) Purchase of fans. The number, type, size and cost
of these items may not exceed the minimum needed to resolve the crisis.
(8) If necessary, the purchase of a generator is allowable
when a Household meets the definition of Life Threatening Crisis.
(d) When Disasters result in energy supply shortages
or other energy-related emergencies, CEAP will allow home energy related
expenditures for:
(1) Temporary Shelter in the limited instances that
supply of power to the Dwelling Unit is disrupted causing a temporary
evacuation.
(2) Cost to temporary Shelter or house individuals
in hotel, apartments or other living situations in which homes have
been destroyed or damaged when health and safety is endangered by
loss of access to heating and cooling.
(3) Costs for transportation (e.g., cars, shuttles,
buses) to move the individuals away from the crisis area to Shelters
when health and safety is endangered by loss of access to heating
and cooling.
(e) Subrecipient may request a waiver from the Executive
Director or designee for the 18 and 48 hour timeframes in the case
of a Natural Disaster. The Executive Director or designee may grant
a waiver if good cause is found.
(f) Benefit Level for Crisis Assistance:
(1) Crisis Assistance for one Household cannot exceed
the maximum allowable benefit level in one Program Year as defined
in §6.309 of this subchapter. If a Household's Crisis Assistance
needs exceed that maximum allowable benefit, Subrecipient may pay
up to the Crisis Assistance limit only if the remaining amount of
Household need can be paid from other funds to resolve the crisis.
If the Household's crisis requires more than the Household limit to
resolve and no other funds are available, the crisis exceeds the scope
of this Component.
(2) Payments may not exceed Household's actual utility
bill.
(3) Payments may not exceed the Maximum Household allowable
assistance benefit level.
(4) Temporary Shelter not to exceed the annual Household
benefit limit for the duration of the Contract Term.
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