1. (a) Coordination with Native American tribes. Oklahoma Native American tribes may receive federal funds to operate their own Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), per Section 8623 of Title 42 of the United States Code (42 U.S.C. § 8623). Tribes may choose to use their funds for one assistance payment per household or through multiple application periods throughout the federal fiscal year that runs from October through September each year.
2. (1) Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) and participating tribes share information regarding tribal member's receipt of LIHEAP to prevent assistance duplication.
3. (2) Tribal members are not eligible to receive energy assistance from their tribe and OKDHS for the same component in the same federal fiscal year.
4. (3) When a tribal member applies for LIHEAP through OKDHS, Energy Assistance (EA) eligibility staff treats the person's eligibility in the same manner as any other household when the person is a member of a tribe that:
5. (A) does not operate its own LIHEAP; or
6. (B) operates its own LIHEAP, but the person has not applied to the tribe for energy assistance.
7. (4) When a tribal member applies for OKDHS LIHEAP and EA eligibility staff determines that a household member received energy assistance from a tribal LIHEAP program for the same component in the same federal fiscal year, EA eligibility staff denies the application.
8. (5) When a tribal member approved for OKDHS LIHEAP later applies for tribal LIHEAP for the same component in the same federal fiscal year, the tribe denies the application unless the tribal member requests that OKDHS cancel its certification before payment is made.
9. (b) Coordination with utility suppliers. OKDHS staff familiarizes utility suppliers with LIHEAP regulations, per 42 U.S.C. § 8624. During an Energy Crisis Assistance Program, EA staff coordinates with utility suppliers to pledge payment and ensure fuel is delivered timely to settle the energy crisis.
10. (c) Coordination with other OKDHS programs. LIHEAP payments do not count as income for all OKDHS programs. LIHEAP coordinates with other Adult and Family Services income support programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), TANF flex funds, and State Supplemental Payment. When the household's need is for primary home energy, it is met through LIHEAP when LIHEAP funds are available. TANF flex funds are used for emergency needs that LIHEAP does not cover.
11. (d) Outreach. OKDHS provides information and presentations regarding LIHEAP to interested persons and community agencies, per 42 U.S.C. § 8624. OKDHS collaborates with local Community Action agencies to offer energy efficient workshops and coordinate energy assessments on LIHEAP households' homes to evaluate what may be done to lower energy costs. Some utility suppliers enroll LIHEAP clients in discount rates for their main heating and cooling energy sources.

Amended at 10 Ok Reg 637, eff 12-14-92 (emergency)

Amended at 10 Ok Reg 2259, eff 6-11-93

Amended at 11 Ok Reg 483, eff 11-15-93 (emergency)

Amended at 11 Ok Reg 1671, eff 5-12-94

Amended at 15 Ok Reg 152, eff 12-1-97 (emergency)

Amended at 15 Ok Reg 1604, eff 5-11-98

Amended at 25 Ok Reg 1301, eff 6-1-08

Amended at 29 Ok Reg 760, eff 7-1-12

Amended at 35 Ok Reg 1620, eff 9-17-18

Amended at 39 Ok Reg 1709, eff 9-15-22

Amended at 42 Ok Reg, Number 20, effective 9-15-25