STATE OF ALASKA
Department of Health
Division of Public Assistance
TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2022-02
MANUAL: Heating Assistance Program
DATE: September 1, 2022
Several sections of the Heating Assistance Program Policy Manual have been revised in order to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy, and align policies within our division's policy manuals.
If you have questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development Team at hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.
OVERVIEW OF CHANGES
MS 3000-2 DEFINITIONS
- Added oil and kerosene definitions to clarify the difference between the two fuels.
- Updated the signature requirements to align with all other DPADivision of Public Assistance programs.
MS 3001-4A VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
- Added examples of extenuating circumstances that will allow for the caseworker to seek verbal verification from a vendor.
MS 3008-4 METHODS OF PAYMENT
- Removed section directing caseworkers to issue payment to a landlord's vendor account. Clarified that clients paying for their utilities through their landlord's vendor accounts should be issued a direct payment.
- Clarified tha Policy does not need to be contacted prior to a caseworker authorizing a direct payment to a client who purchases wood or pellets from a non-approved vendor.
- Added natural gas as a primary heat source eligible to receive direct payment if the grant amount is insufficient to restore disconnected service.
Addendum B HAP TRIBAL PROVIDERS
- Changed FYFiscal Year 2022 to FYFiscal Year 2023
Addendum E FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES
- Updated FPLFederal Poverty Level income guidelines.