vendor For LIHEAP, an agent or company that directly distributes home-heating energy or service in exchange for payment. The term does not include landlords, housing authorities, hotel managers or proprietors, rental agents, energy suppliers or generators, or other parties who are not direct distributors of home-heating energy or service. A vendor who is recorded as inactive cannot receive payments through the LIHEAP system. payment An approved cash or crisis benefit issued through the LIHEAP automated system.

A payment made to a third party on behalf of a client A person who is applying for or getting benefits. Regulations that specify requirements for a "client" apply to both applicants and recipients..