Cooling Assistance Program 415-60

(Revised 10/1/22 ML #3679)

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The North Dakota State LIHEAP does not routinely include a cooling program. However, the State reserves the option to implement a temporary cooling program contingent upon available funding, or in the event of unusual cooling needs due to weather aberrations, or an emergency disaster declaration.

 

A LIHEAP-eligible household may qualify for a cooling device (an air conditioner or a fan, as the need dictates), if a member of the household has a documented medical need. The household need not be responsible for paying heating costs so tenants in subsidized housing may qualify. Documentation of a household member’s medical need for a cooling device will not be required if there is an elderly person (age 60 or over) in the household. Documentation of medical need will continue to be required when there are no elderly persons in the household.

 

If a complete application is received on or before May 31, the household may be eligible for other benefits as well. If the application is taken after May 31, the household will not be eligible for other benefits.

 

If a household requests cooling assistance May – September and they received LIHEAP during the regular heating season, the client can take their approval notice to Community Action, or you can generate a cooling referral notice to Community Action for a cooling device.

 

If the household requests cooling assistance after May 31 and they did not receive LIHEAP during the regular season because they had been denied during the year, live in subsidized housing and heat was included in their rent, or never applied in the heating season, they may apply for a cooling device. If they are determined income eligible, send a cooling referral notice to Community Action.

 

The LIHEAP application form has a release of information to permit sharing of information between the Community Action Agencies and LIHEAP. Community Action Agencies are responsible for obtaining verification of medical need.

 

If you have questions, please contact Policy and System Support.