(1) A new application for low income energy assistance must be made for each new heating season, or when a household changes residence during the heating season. An application is initiated by filing a signed written application on the form prescribed by the department at the office of the local contractor in the area where the applicant lives. If necessary, the contractor will provide assistance in completing the application form.

(2) The application form may be submitted by mail or by other means to the local contractor's office. The department or its contractor may, at their option, accept applications at locations other than the local contractor's office, such as a senior citizen center, as designated by the department or its contractor.

(3) An application for low income energy assistance generally must be filed during the heating season for which assistance is being sought, that is, between October 1 and April 30. However, at the option of the department, applicants who use certain types of heating fuel which are sold at lower prices during the summer months or applicants for emergency services between May 1 and September 30 may be permitted to file their applications prior to October 1 of the heating season for which they are seeking assistance.

(4) After the application is filed, the contractor may request any additional information or documentation required to verify whether the applicant is eligible for assistance. The contractor may also, at its option, conduct an interview with the applicant in person or by telephone if necessary to determine eligibility. In cases where the contractor considers an interview to be necessary and neither the contractor's office nor a telephone is reasonably accessible to the applicant, the contractor will conduct the interview at some place which is reasonably convenient for both the applicant and the contractor.

(5) The applicant has the burden of proving that the applicant meets all requirements for eligibility, and the application will be denied if the applicant fails to provide necessary information or documentation when requested to do so.

(6) No person or family will be excluded from participation in the low income energy assistance program or be discriminated against in regard to the amount of benefits or in any other regard on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, culture, age, creed, marital status, physical or mental disability, political beliefs, or national origin.