(Revised 10/00 ML #2629)
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Occasionally, due to death or divorce, a family may acquire a different head of household than what is already entered on the computer. Depending upon the circumstances it may be necessary to make adjustments to the computer file.
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Head of Household Dies
If the remaining family members do not plan to change the name on the supplier's account, it is not necessary to create a new computer file until the next fiscal year. The existing file should be adjusted to reflect change in number of persons, income and benefits.
If the family wants to change the name on the supplier's account, the case for the original head of household should be closed, a new application taken, and a new case set up on the computer using the social security number of the new head of household. Benefits will be calculated using only the income of the new household and authorized from the month of application to the end of the season or less if the county feels a shorter time period is appropriate for some reason.
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Head of Household Leaves
If there is the potential of two households requiring LIHEAP, as in a divorce situation, it will be necessary to take a new application for the new head of household and proceed as described in 1 b above.
If the original head of household continues to be eligible for LIHEAP also, the household characteristics must be corrected appropriately on his computer file, and benefits changed to reflect any change in living circumstances (such as change of residence) and/or income.
If the original head of household does not require LIHEAP, close his case after making appropriate changes in household characteristics on the computer file.
Case closing effective dates should be timed to ensure the supplier can collect payments due him, without overlapping months of authorization for the two households.
