(1) Procedures followed in determining eligibility for low income energy assistance are:

(a) An application is filed by the applicant together with all necessary verification for determining financial eligibility and benefit award. An applicant who willfully fails to provide information necessary for a determination of eligibility within 45 days of the date of initial application shall be determined ineligible but may reapply for assistance. The staff member of the local contractor accepts the application and determines financial eligibility and amount of benefit. The client is notified of the reasons for approval or disapproval of his application. Eligible applicants shall be notified that benefits are computed for heating costs only for the period October 1 through April 30.

(b) Eligibility requirements that must be verified include but are not limited to:

(i) current receipt of benefits under supplemental security income or cash assistance funded by temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) ;

(ii) income/resources;

(iii) lack of tax dependency status for individuals enrolled at least half time in an institution of higher education;

(iv) primary heating fuel; and

(v) receipts to support paid eligible energy costs when a household seeks direct reimbursement for paid eligible energy costs as provided in ARM 37.70.607. Failure to provide receipts to the local contractor within 45 days of the heating season's end will result in forfeiture of any remaining benefits for that heating season.

(c) If reasonable doubt exists as to the accuracy of the information provided by the client, the type of dwelling, including the number of bedrooms and/or the primary heating fuel/vendor must also be verified.