Section 1-5 - Applicant's and/or Recipient's Rights (a) Applicants have a right to receive an application for LIEAP by a phone, email or written request without delay.
(b) All applications and attached photocopies of personal information shall be held confidential and shall not be disclosed except when deemed necessary to determine eligibility or as provided in the W.S. 42-2-111.
(c) Applicants or recipients shall be informed of the following: - (i) Factors of LIEAP eligibility;
- (ii) Purpose for which LIEAP is provided;
- (iii) Length of time LIEAP assistance is available;
- (iv) Requirement to process application within forty-five (45) days of receipt;
- (v) Rights and responsibilities as an applicant or recipient; and
- (vi) How and when a fair hearing may be requested.
(d) LIEAP payments shall be made within forty-five (45) days of certification of eligibility after the first payment month as defined in the State Plan.
(e) Fair Hearing - (i) Any applicant shall be granted a fair hearing upon request, when:
- (A) The application is denied;
- (B) The application is not acted upon within forty-five (45) days of the date stamped on the application; or when
- (C) The applicant believes the awarded benefit is inaccurate.
- (ii) A fair hearing is not available if circumstances change after the application has been submitted unless good cause is determined by DFS Program Manager.
- (iii) A hearing shall be requested within ten (10) days of notice of determination. Attempts shall be made through phone conversations or in person with the LIEAP office manager to resolve the dispute. If the dispute is resolved to the satisfaction of both parties, the person who requested the fair hearing shall sign a statement withdrawing the request. If the dispute is not resolved, the LIEAP office manager shall refer the matter to the DFS LIEAP Program Manager.