421—22.5(216A,PL97-35,PL98-558) Payments.

1. 22.5(1)  Types of payments. The following types of energy assistance payments may be made:

   1. a. To suppliers on behalf of eligible households. The client’s assistance shall remain as a credit on the client account until the program assistance is expended or the account is terminated.
   2. b. Eligible households that pay an undesignated portion of the rent toward energy costs will receive assistance sent directly to the secondary vendor.
   3. c. Direct payments may be made to eligible households as outlined in the Iowa LIHEAP Policy and Procedures Manual.
2. 22.5(2)  Duplicate and fraudulent payment control. Each LAA is required to monitor and prevent possible duplicate and other fraudulent applications and payments. Duplication cross-checks shall be based on household members’ names, addresses, and social security numbers, as well as vendor account numbers.
3. 22.5(3)  Referrals. Each LAA is required to refer all suspected cases of fraud, including duplicate payments, overpayments, and fraudulent statements on applications, to the division for investigation.

[ARC 6101C, IAB 12/29/21, effective 2/2/22]