LIHEAP Crisis: Tribes

Emergency crisis is a situation that provides relief following a natural or man-made disaster. It includes: 

1.  Loss of income due to the death of the wage earner, layoff, termination, or theft, supported by documentation from local law enforcement.
2. Natural disasters such as fires, tornadoes, direct winds, hurricanes, floods, snowstorms, ice storms, or other severe weather events declared by the National Weather Service or the Governor of Alabama.
3. Heating or cooling system failure, with temperatures exceeding 80°F or dropping below 30°F for three consecutive days.
4. Households that have received a shut-off notice and are within 48 hours of service disconnection.
5. Deliverable fuel clients who are out of fuel or within two days of running out, including those with a shut-off notice.
6. Since electric power is necessary to operate most heating 

A household that has properly exhausted their heating assistance benefit from the previous years program, or has not recieved a heating assistance benefit from the current year, and meets one of the following criteria: 

1. The household has run out of heating fuel/firewood or has electricity services terminated; or
2. The household will run out of heating fuel/firewood or have electricity services terminated within the next 48 hours.

A crisis is when a person has received a shut off notice for their electricity and they have no anticipated income previous to the actual shut off date. 

If the household consists of at lease one elder 60 year old and older) or an infant under the age of one year old and the predicted outside temperature of -5  degrees Fahrenheit for the next 5 days is used.

For an elderly (55+), disabled or child under the age of 5, whose household has exhausted the regular benefit and is in crisis, which he power cannot be shut off such as, but not limited to the following situations:  

• Medication that requires uninterrupted refrigeration.  
• CPS threat of removal of a child in the custody of a grandparent, because of an unsafe environment that may be caused by a lack of electricity for heating and cool.  
• Post medical procedure or emergency convalescence at home which has prevented the ability to pay for electricity. 

Crisis Definition A household is considered to be in crisis if it faces an imminent loss of energy necessary for heating or cooling that would endanger the health and/or safety of household members.
Examples include: 

• A utility disconnection notice with a shut-off date within 48–72 hours.
• Less than 3–5 days’ supply of deliverable fuel (propane, wood, heating oil, etc.).
• A broken or malfunctioning heating/cooling system that leaves the household without safe energy service. 

Life-Threatening Definition A household is considered in a life-threatening situation when an immediate energy-related condition endangers the health or safety of a vulnerable household member and requires same-day intervention. 
Examples include: 

• Disconnection of utility service where electricity is medically necessary for life-support equipment.
• No source of safe heating during extreme cold or no source of cooling during extreme heat (especially for elderly, young children, or medically fragile individuals).
• Fuel tank completely empty in severe weather conditions.

A life-threatening crisis is defined by a household needing electricity to operate medically prescribed equipment devices. For example, if a member of a household relies on an oxygen machine that requires electricity, and the household is in danger of having it's electricity service disconnected, or has had it's electricity service disconnected, then the household is in a life-threatening crisis.  

LIHEAP funds are distributed by Kimaw Medical Center and life-threatening crisis requests are routed through the clinic to obtain proof of medically necessary devices. All clients execute a release of information for these purposes. 

Shut off notice (24 or 48 hour notice)

15 Day Notice

Power shut off or out of propane or wood

A household is in danger or or experiencing:

• Possible loss of energy services (electricity, wood, propane, kerosene);
• Depleting fuel for energy service 25% or less (wood, kerosene, propane);
• Arrears and applicant is on an already established payment plan (electricity, propane, kerosene);
• Demonstrates financial hardship and needs assistance with payment to avoid additional stress.

The Round Valley Indian Tribes designates Crisis Assistance criteria as the following: 

1.  48 hour shut off notice.
2. Empty tank /furnace, in which our maintenance engineer will verify tank % and supply a acknowledgement signed by the applicant and engineer.
3. Medical necessity.

Applicant will provide a Doctors explanation of the medical needs/situation.

Shut off notice (24 hour or 48 hour notice, 15 day notice)

Power shut off or terminated.

Low or out of propane.

No wood for main heating source.

The community needs have changed that the need is to have year-round crisis assistance due to the previous few years the year-round available crisis funds have been used more than seasonal needs.  YEAR ROUND, a crisis is determined on a case-by-case situation AND FOLLOWS THE BENEFIT MATRIX THAT DETERMINES HOW MUCH THE HOUSEHOLD WILL RECEIVE. SIHC will take into consideration crises that are due to one or more of the following reasons: 

1.  Utility shut off notice or picture of propane tank at or below 10%.
2. Disconnection notice.
3. Household had an unanticipated medical or major household expense.
4. Household wage earner with a year of stable work lost their job within the last six months.
5. Household wage earner left the home in the past three months.
6. Death of household wage earner within the last twelve months.
7. Significant loss of work hours of over ten hours.
8. Household wage earner is unable to work due to illness with no sick leave from work.
9. Household has a non-functioning or malfunctioning heating system.
10. Elderly 60 and older.
11. One member of the household is disabled.
12. Young child(ren) under the age of six. 

Although the above share priority or vulnerable populations they are also life-threatening crisis as the application allows for an other reason that the applicant may be facing as life-threatening crisis. All of the above crises can be shown by appropriate documentation up to and including a Statement of Proof, Tribal Office Letter, or receipts of payment, income statement, employer or medical verification (letter), or death certificate when applicable.

Every life-threatening crisis vary greatly; however, here are some situations that SIHC constitutes a life-threatening crisis:

1. Extreme weather changes due to the heat of summer and the cold of winter with no propane or electricity.
2. Sudden illness or death of primary household wage earner.
3. ncontrollable incident that is construed as life-threatening.

When power is shut off in a household, it can create or aggravate several medical conditions, especially if the shutoff occurs during extreme weather conditions. Here are some examples of how a power outage can impact a household member's health, taking into account the month, temperature, source of fuel, and available resources:

1.  Respiratory Conditions (e.g., Asthma, COPD): 
   Summer: High temperatures and humidity can aggravate respiratory conditions. Without air conditioning, individuals with asthma or COPD may find it difficult to breathe due to poor air quality and increased pollen levels.
   Winter: Cold temperatures can trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate COPD symptoms. Without heating, the cold air can cause bronchospasms and other respiratory issues.
2. Cardiovascular Conditions (e.g., Hypertension, Heart Disease): 
   Summer: High temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, particularly dangerous for individuals with heart conditions. The stress of heat can increase blood pressure and heart rate. 
   Winter: Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure and putting additional strain on the heart. Lack of heating can increase the risk of heart attacks.
3. Diabetes: Summer and Winter: Insulin and other medications may require refrigeration. A power outage can compromise the effectiveness of these medications, leading to poor blood sugar control and potential health crises.
4. Chronic Pain and Arthritis: 
   Summer: Dehydration and heat can exacerbate chronic pain conditions. 
   Winter: Cold weather can increase joint stiffness and pain, making it difficult for individuals with arthritis to move around. Lack of heating can make these symptoms worse.
5. Mental Health Conditions (e.g., Anxiety, Depression): Summer and Winter: The stress of a power outage, combined with extreme temperatures, can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression. Lack of light and heating/cooling can contribute to feelings of isolation and discomfort. 

Considerations: Month and Temperature: The specific month and temperature play a crucial role. For example, in July (summer), high temperatures may lead to heat-related illnesses, while in January (winter), low temperatures may cause hypothermia and other cold-related health issues.

 Source of Fuel: Households relying on electric heating and cooling systems are particularly vulnerable. Fuel sources like gas or propane for stoves or heaters might mitigate some issues but still pose risks if not used safely. Resources: Access to backup generators, community cooling or warming centers, and emergency medical services can influence the severity of the impact. Households with limited resources may face greater health risks during a power outage.  

Applicants who request energy assistance with a shutoff or a termination notice is considered a crisis. the application will be expedited with supporting documentation turned in to our front office now or additional documents can be submitted later but no future services authorized until the information is submitted. This process will take no longer than 48 hours. Exemption is wood due to the labor intensiveness and high demand.  

Wood is not a Crisis benefit and cannot be expedited because of the labor and the high demand of this service. The program has a wait list of clients that have applied months in advance for wood and the program is still delivering to those clients who can be higher priority then the client in crisis. We do offer emergency load deliveries in the month of January and deliver a half cord of wood for clients in need every Friday. 

Additional wood can be provided to clients when the program has delivered wood to all clients. And exception to wood being a crisis emergency is when the client only source of heat is wood and does not have another life support system. 

A Crisis is defined as a household who has less than enough fuel to supply the home with at least 30 days of heat with the primary heating source and, depending on the fuel supply for that heating source, the: 

1. Household has 1/8 or less of fuel in a standard 275 gallon tank of fuel.
2. Household has less than 1/4 cord of wood.
3. Household has 25% or less on a propane tank.
4. Household has less than 4 bags or 200 pounds of pellets.
5. Household has received a disconnection notice of a utility that is necessary for the operation of the heating system.
6. Household has a dysfunctional heating system and there is no secondary heating system for that home.

Between October 1st and September 30th, a household may be eligible for crises assistance if they are experiencing an energy related emergency which poses a health and safety threat and the household is income eligible for one of the following time periods and eligible for Liheap. 

1. The twelve (12) calendar months immediately preceding the date of application.
2. The calendar month immediately preceeding the date of the application.
3. The thirty (30) days immediately preceding the date of application
4. The previous years tax return for self-employment applications.

A. Temperature below fifty (50) degrees and the household has no heat or electricity. 

B. Interruption of electrical services which impact households with medical issues.

A household is considered to be experiencing an energy crisis if one of the following conditions exists:  

1. The primary heating source of the household has less than one-quarter (1/4) of the fuel tank capacity remaining or less than one-quarter (1/4) cords of wood remaining.
2. The household has received a shut-off notice from the electric company.  
3. The household has received a notice to quit or court order indicating eviction from the residence.   
4. The primary heating system of the homeowner/home buyer is inoperable or malfunctioning.

A client is determined to be in a life threatening crisis if any of the following conditions exist: 

1. Household that need electricity for medically prescribed equipment/devices.
2. Medication that needs refrigeration.
3. Clients experiencing post medical procedures.
4. Households experiencing temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Households with children under the age of two and/or have medical conditions.
6. Households that contain members of vulnerable populations with absolutely no heat.

A crisis is considereed to be a life-threatening, energy related emergency which poses a threat to the health or safety of one or more members of the household. Households with a past-due or shut-ff notice from the vendor. If they are out of heat, wood, or if their propane tank is below 10%, this constitutes as an emergency.  

A form of assistance to resolve the crisis not later than 48 hours, after an eligible household applies for crisis assistance, will be provided.

A crisis is considered to be a life-threatening, energy related emergency which poses a threat to the health or safety of one or more members of the household. Households with a past-due or shut-ff notice from the vendor. If they are out of heat, wood, or if their propane tank is below 10%, this constitutes as an emergency.  

A form of assistance to resolve the crisis not later than 48 hours, after an eligible household applies for crisis assistance, will be provided.

LRBOI defines a crisis as an energy related need that may impact the health and/or safety of a household.  Eligibility for energy-related crisis is based on the household's demonstration of an immediate need for assistance with home heating fuel, electricity, energy related home repairs or medically necessary energy service.  Crisis means one (or more) of the following:   

•  An individual or household has a past-due or shut off notice on an energy bill for his/her household.
• Residential fuel tank is less than 25% of it's capacity, or fuel tank over 25% has been locked by the provider and payment on account will remove the threat.  
• Individual or household has a stated need for a non-traditional fuel source (wood, corn, cherry pits, wood pellets).  Individual or household has received notice that prepayment on account is below $100.00.  
• Notice from a licensed service provider that the homeowners furnace is inoperable and in need of repair. 

LRBOI defines a life-threatening energy crisis as:

• The household has experienced a disconnect of gas/electric service, run out of propane or non-traditional heating source, or has a statement from a licensed provider that the furnace is inoperable or needs replacement. Service restoration is medically necessary for in-home medical equipment.
• The household does not have a temporary housing option while the emergency is resolved. The household is not protected under the MI Winter Protection Plan.
• The household has a precipitating factor that required the household choose between paying the energy bill over another vital need such as food, medical expenses or clothing for children in the household. 

Eligibility for an energy-related crisis is based on the household’s demonstration of immediate need for assistance with home heating fuel, electricity, or energy-related home repairs. 
Crisis means one of the following: 

• Non-life-threatening crisis situations must be mitigated within 48 hours.
• An individual or household has received a past due or shut off notice on an energy bill for his or her household.
• A residential fuel tank is estimated to contain not more than 20% of its heating fuel capacity.
• A stated need for household deliverable fuel or a non-traditional fuel source in which there is no meter or regular energy bill provided, (example: wood, corn, cherry pits, etc.)
• A statement from a licensed service provider indicating the homeowner’s furnace is inoperable and in need of repair or replacement.

A household is considered to have a life-threatening crisis if the following criteria is met: 

1. Life-threatening crisis must be mitigated within (18) hours.
2. There is a documented medical need and restoration of services is necessary.
   • Heating and/or electric service is currently disconnected or out of bulk fuel (empty tank.)
   • The household has a statement from a licensed service provider indicating the homeowner's furnace is inoperable and in need of repair or replacement.
   • The household does not have any temporary housing alternatives while the emergency is being resolved.
      

As mentioned previously furnace repair, fans, a/c units have all been provided with in-kind funding. Collaboration with other programs is
done to access other funding sources.

To ensure adequate funding for all, the maximum for a crisis event is set at $300. Amount of payment is not intended to eliminate the
crisis; other funding streams should be utilized to meet the applicants needs. Collaboration with other programs is done to access other funding sources, this actually helps to create a wraparound approach and solidify cross checking measures.

Major Disaster Relief or Crisis: If there is an major disaster like an tornado the community is affected with a crisis under the LIHEAP policy, the tribes could use LIHEAP funds to help deal with crisis situation to assist with home energy related needs resulting from a natural disaster.  Shelter, safe center, transportation, utility re-connection or deposit, repairs, (furnace/air conditioner, window, etc., ) all these components will be referred to the type of disaster or crisis.      

There are two types of crisis situation that a common during are regional area winter extreme cold or summer extreme heat wave. 

1. Life threatening ECIP must be acted on within 18 hours.
2. Regular ECIP must be acted on with 24 hours.

The household has used all energy benefits and has run out of has 10% or less of propane. 

The household has had their utilities, disconnected or will be disconnected with seven days. 

The household has had their main source break down and emergency furnace repair/replacement is required. 

An elderly/handicapped household may have medical need for cooling assistance during the summer on very hot days. This would be determined by the LIHEAP staff would allow for a purchase of a window air-conditioner, if the applicant could have a crisis situation develop due to the summer heat. 

4.3 What constitutes a life-threatening crisis? 
There are two types of crisis situation. 

1. Life threatening ECIP must be acted on within 18 hours.
2. Regular ECIP must be acted on with 24 hours.

 The household has used all energy benefits and has run out of has 10% or less of propane. The household has had their utilities, disconnected or will be disconnected with seven days. The household has had their main source break down and emergency furnace repair/replacement is required. An elderly/handicapped household may have medical need for cooling assistance during the summer on very hot days. This would be determined by the LIHEAP staff would allow for a purchase of a window air-conditioner, if the applicant could have a crisis situation develop due to the summer heat.

Define winter forecast: 
We look at all scenarios: freezing temperatures 32 degrees or below, we consider the weather forecast, winter storms coming in, the amount of snow fall ( we have to look at getting to our clients homes that live in the country with propane tanks), if a storm is coming in we try to check on our clients and make sure they are ok on propane before the crisis happens.) 

Client is completely out of propane and it's below freezing temperatures. Propane is their only source of heat. During this time, our staff can contact the local propane vendor to place a order for propane to be delivered to the client. If it is a weekend the staff phone numbers are posted int the local telephone book for contact. Weekend deliveries will be based on the vendor. If the vendor can not get to the client with 18 hours, the LIHEAP program will assist with heaters until propane can be delivered. Crisis If client is completely out of propane and it's below freezing temperatures or a winter scenario. Propane is their only source of heat. During this time, our staff can contact the local propane vendor to place a order for propane to be delivered to the client. If it is a weekend the staff phone numbers are posted on Facebook and listed under emergency contact numbers through the tribes system for contact. Weekend deliveries will be based on the vendor. If the vendor can not get to the client with 18hours, the LIHEAP program will assist with heaters until propane can be delivered.  

Households that are in a situation where hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions exist  with the household's heating system and safety modifications are necessary or its heating source and/or fuel supply is no longer available, is shut down or will be shut down due to an energy related incident or caused by a situation that is beyond the household's control may be eligible for crisis assistance.

 Eligible households will be provided some form of assistance that will resolve the energy crisis no later than 48 hours after a household applies for such benefits but not later than 24 hours if house hold is in a life threatening situation when the temperature has reached 0 degrees Fahrenheit. 

An emergency crisis is a lack of heating and cooling. Applicants must update income at the time of the crisis application. Crisis assistance may be used for purchase of heating and cooling. May include purchase of wood stoves, blankets, heaters and/or emergency furnace repair. The applicant may use a portion in repair and a portion in fuel delivery. Reconnect fees if heating or cooling has been disconnected are allowed.

Emergency crisis intervention will be within 48 hours. 

Eligible applicants are considered in crisis if the household:  

• Those with an unexpected reduction in income and/or unexpected increase in monthly expenses.  
• For crisis assistance we require documentation that proves the need.
• Applicant must still meet income guidelines to be eligible for any LIHEAP Assistance.

Eligible applicants are considered in crisis if the household:   

• Those who have life sustaining medical emergencies and/or require medically necessary equipment.  
• For crisis assistance we require documentation that proves the need.  

Applicant must still meet income guidelines to be eligible for any LIHEAP Assistance.

Households that are at risk for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions related to their energy system are considered crisis. A household can also be considered crisis should there be unavailability of heating or cooling resources if fuel supply is no longer available, is shut down or will be shut down or caused by a situation beyond the household's control (i.e. financial hardship due to unforeseen expenses). 

Eligible households will be provided some form of assistance that will resolve their energy crisis no later than 48 hours after a household applies; but no later than 18 hours if circumstance is considered, "life threatening."

Currently disconnected or in receipt of a utility termination notice from supplier.  (Gas or Electric heat, heat-related electric, or cooling-related electric). 

Having at least one vulnerable household member (under 6 years, over 60 years and/or disabled) that qualifies and medically, for receipt of cooling equipment.

A crisis exists when a household faces an energy burden in which it depends and /or threatens to deplete financial resources or poses as a threat to the health and/o safety treat to threat to the household. Households must meet one of the following conditions: 

1. Overdue bill from home energy supplier.  
2. Heating system needs repairs.
3. Propane tank has 20% or less in tank.  
4. A disconnect notice from Electrical Vendor.
5. Additional assistance.

 LIHEAP outreach will help resolve crises within 48 hours of said crises or no later than 18 hrs after said household applies for crises.   

LIHEAP outreach will help resolve crises within 18 hrs. of said crises or no later then 18 hrs. after said household applies for crises assistance where it involves a life threatening situation, such as:

1. Natural disaster, such as an ice or snow storm.
2. Disconnection of electricity (for breathing machines, feeding machines, or dialysis.)
3. Additional assistance if needed.
4. Housing and food assistance for up to 18 hours to help alleviate the immediate crises.

A crisis is defined by weather-related and supply shortage emergencies and other household energy-related emergencies. An Energy Crisis is determined eligible when a member of the applicant's household of the following vulnerable populations: 

1. Elder over 60.
2. Child under 16.
3. Person with a disability,
4. AND the vulnerable population member in the household is in risk of endangerment to their health and/or well being if energy assistance is not provided. 

Non-emergency crisis includes crisis that are not life-threatening such as terminated from employment, education, income management, a member or veteran of US Armed Forces or in an addiction recovery program or counseling. An approved applicant must receive relief within 48 hours.

A life threatening crisis is defined as being without (disconnected) or within one week of being without (shut off notice) primary heating and/or cooling Life threatening crisis include:   

• natural or man-made disasters that are considered unexpected or life-threatening (income loss due to layoff,)
• natural disaster or severe weather,
• unexpected expense (death related or medical,)
• AND the crisis must represent an imminent threat to the health and safety of the household if energy assistance is not provided.  

An approved applicant must receive relief within 48 hours.  

Crisis is defined as having one or more of the following: 

•  An active cut off notice (within 72 hours.)
• Service disconnected with option to restore service (within 5 calendar days of cut off.)   
• Crisis funds will assist with account balances and re-connection fees.     
• Prepaid account with $25 or less credit.
• Refusal notice to deliver additional propane and/or signed LIHEAP Crisis Propane Statement.
• An eviction due to non payment of the utility portion of the rent.   

Life Threatening Crisis is defined as having one or more of the following: 

• An active cut off notice (within 72 hours.)
• Service disconnected with option to restore service (within 5 calendar days of cut off.)  
• Crisis funds will assist with account balances and re-connection fees.     
• Prepaid account with $25 or less credit .
• Refusal notice to deliver additional propane and/or signed LIHEAP Crisis Propane Statement.
• An eviction due to non payment of the utility portion of the rent,
• and cut off or barrier to restoration of services due to life threatening illness. 

The Osage Nation Home Energy Assistance Program will provide a year round crisis component to vulnerable households only. Vulnerable households are defined as to containing at least one member who is elderly, disabled, a young child or enrolled member of the Osage Nation. 

1. Possible health threat to a vulnerable household.  
2. Non-operating heating or cooling equipment.
3. Principal Chief of the Osage Nation has declared an emergency due to extreme temperatures.
4. President has declared the service a natural disaster 

Any event that causes or is reasonably expected to lead to an unstable and/or dangerous situation (places life or limb in danger) for a participant/applicant. This includes an event when a household has a 48-hour shut-off notice or has less than 10% in their tank for delivered fuels and the household:

• Has documentation from a medical professional that life sustaining equipment (i.e. oxygen) is currently in use.
• Has children under five years old living in the home, and/or the sustained outside temperatures are or are expected to be below 32 degrees or above 100 degrees and there is no other heating/cooling source available to the client.

Life threatening crisis applications must be acted upon within 18 hours.