Md. Code Regs. 07.03.21.07

Current through Register Vol. 52, No. 1, January 10, 2025

Section 07.03.21.07 - Delivery of Benefit

A. Delivery of benefit may be accomplished by a:

(1) Benefit payment to the energy supplier on behalf of the applicant, as determined by the Administration in accordance with the provisions of the current contract in effect with the energy supplier.

(2) Benefit payment to the landlord on behalf of the applicant when heating costs are included in the rent. The payment is to be credited to the applicant's rent.

(3) Direct benefit payment to the applicant if:

(a) The vendor or landlord refuses to accept payment; or

(b) Other circumstances as determined by the local agency prevent the issuance of the benefit to a vendor; and

(4) Direct benefit payment to the shelter.

B. Amount of Benefit Payment.

(1) The Administration shall determine annually the benefit payment levels and include the levels in each year's approved State plan.

(2) The Administration may authorize a supplemental benefit increase, and shall determine the amount of any supplemental increase and provide notice of the amount by:

(a) An approved State plan amendment for the current year;

(b) A benefit letter to the household; and

(c) A letter to the energy supplier.

(3) The Administration shall determine annually the percentage of a shelter's total documented current heating bill that comprises the benefit payment to shelters, and provide written notice of the benefit amount to eligible shelters.

C. The local agency shall send written notification to each energy supplier to return to MEAP the undelivered benefits of households that no longer have an active account with the energy supplier. The written notice shall request that the energy supplier return to MEAP balances remaining at the close of a customer's account, by the time specified in the supplier's current contract.

Md. Code Regs. 07.03.21.07

Regulation .07B, C amended effective April 9, 2007 (34:7 Md. R. 697)