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Chapter 24 – Home Energy Assistance Program Page 11 of 33

10. A Live-In-Care Attendant who (i) provides needed health/supportive services to a member of the Household as documented by a qualified professional; (ii) would not be living in the unit except to provide the necessary supportive services; and (iii) does not contribute financially to the Household, will not be considered part of the Household. If an individual does not meet this definition, they must be included as a Household Member.

11. Any eligibility documentation with mismatched names requires additional verification in accordance with the procedures set forth in the HEAP Guide.

B. Dwelling Unit Eligibility.

1. The Dwelling Unit must:

a. Have a Functioning Heating System;

b. Be occupied by the Household as its primary residence on a full-time/year- round basis;

c. Be permanently connected to or serviced by standard utilities such as electricity and water unless the Household can provide supporting documentation to show the Household occupies the Dwelling Unit as its primary residence on a fulltime/year-round basis; and

d. Be a residential housing structure with one or more rooms that was originally constructed and designed as permanent living quarters.

2. A Dwelling Unit does not include a camper, trailer, semitrailer, truck camper, motor home, boat, railroad car, bus, yurt or any other structure designed and constructed to provide temporary living quarters, regardless of any and all modification(s) or length. For Fuel Assistance only, a Dwelling Unit may include a hotel or motel if the Household provides documentation showing that the hotel/motel has been their permanent residence for at least sixty (60) days prior to the Application Date.

3. A Dwelling Unit that is considered Subsidized Housing may be eligible for Fuel Assistance if the heat is included in the rent and the Household pays a portion of their rent or utility costs.

4. Dwelling Units that are used partially for business activity are eligible.

C. Income Eligibility

Income Eligibility is based on documented Household Income or Categorical Income Eligibility. MaineHousing uses the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines and State Median Income Guidelines as reported annually by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. MaineHousing reserves the right to manage the Programs within those guidelines when determining benefits.

1. Household Income is determined and verified in accordance with the information provided on the Application. Household Income means the total combined income of all Household