3007-1      SUBSIDIZED HEAT AND APPLICATION PROCESSING

Applications involving subsidized heat are handled in the following manner:

• If the applicant lives in subsidized rental housing (public housing) and heat is included in the rent, the application is denied.

• An applicant residing in subsidized housing and pays directly for heat may qualify for a partial or full benefit depending on if they are also receiving a utility allowance. The caseworker must contact the housing authority for a current client rental worksheet to determine if they are receiving a utility allowance as part of their rental calculation. If the household is receiving any type of utility allowance for heat, the HAPHeating Assistance Program benefit is processed normally and the final amount is reduced by 50 percent because they are already receiving a subsidy towards heating costs.
• If the applicant is not receiving a utility allowance and is paying for their heat, their benefit is processed normally and they are awarded a full benefit.

• If the household pays directly for heating costs and the worker determines the household is in the LIHTCLow Income Housing Tax Credit Program, Tax Credit Program, or other home purchase program, the caseworker will contact the housing authority to determine if there is a monthly utility allowance. If there is no subsidized utility allowance, the case is processed as any other homeowner or renter. If there is a utility allowance, the household's final point count will be reduced by 50 percent.