Md. Code Regs. 07.03.21.10

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 07.03.21.10 - Crisis Assistance

A. A household may apply for crisis assistance from November through March.

B. The applicant shall sign a declaration form attesting to the crisis situation.

C. A household may apply for crisis assistance at the time of application for MEAP or after the date of application, but before notification that the benefit has been granted.

D. The local agency shall determine income eligibility based on the documentation provided by the applicant at the time of application. The applicant shall declare the amount of income by signing an income declaration form, if the documentation provided is insufficient to complete the application.

E. The local agency shall determine eligibility for crisis assistance and provide a benefit for crisis assistance to equal the amount needed to alleviate the crisis, up to the current year's approved crisis assistance payment level in accordance with each year's State plan and any corresponding amendment or amendments to the plan.

F. The local agency shall arrange for delivery of the benefit within 18 hours of the time that the crisis is declared if the:

(1) Household has no supply of fuel;

(2) Household's utility service is disconnected; or

(3) Household has a broken furnace or fuel burner.

G. The local agency shall arrange for delivery of the benefit within 48 hours of the time that the crisis is declared if the household has:

(1) Not more than a 3 to 4 day supply of fuel; or

(2) A "true" disconnection notice for within 3 or 4 days.

H. Crisis assistance benefits may take the form of:

(1) Payment to an energy supplier;

(2) Furnace repair; or

(3) Temporary shelter.

I. If the household is determined eligible based on the completed application, the local agency shall deduct the value of the crisis assistance from the benefit. The local agency shall authorize the energy supplier to deliver the remainder of the benefit.

J. If the applicant is found to be ineligible after receiving crisis assistance, the local agency shall attempt to recover the benefit.

K. The local agency shall deny a household crisis assistance if the household applies for crisis assistance after the benefit has been exhausted, but the local agency shall refer the household to other agencies for assistance.

Md. Code Regs. 07.03.21.10