Some applicants cannot get accounts in their own names because of a bad credit history. Others may get heating bills in the name of a deceased husband or wife. If an applicant’s bill is in someone else’s name, the applicant must prove that he or she is responsible for paying the home-heating costs.
55 Pa. Code § 601.106; LIHEAP State Plan § 601.104(d)
Examples of proof include a canceled check to the heating company or a bank statement showing a payment to the heating company.
The applicant must provide written proof, besides the heating bill, that the applicant resides at the address. The applicant also must provide in writing the reason why the bill is in the name of a non-household person’s name.
If proof of heating responsibility is not provided at the time of application, the CAO will send a pending notice requiring such proof.
In situations when the heating bill is in the landlord’s name and the household is responsible for paying the heating bill directly to the vendor, a landlord statement or a copy of the lease indicating this arrangement is acceptable proof. If the heating responsibility for the household cannot be established, the application will be denied.
Energy bills cannot be in the name of a child, even if the child lives in the household.
Direct pays are appropriate in most situations where the account is in someone else's name.
NOTE: LIHEAP grants can be paid to account in the name of a deceased spouse.
Reissued March 28, 2017, replacing November 16, 2016