SANFORD — Changes in eligibility guidelines for the Home Energy Assistance Program known as HEAP make fuel assistance accessible to more York County households.

That is the word from York County Community Action Corporation, which is currently accepting applications from across York County for the 2020 season.

YCCAC spokesman Brad Bohon said for last year’s season, HEAP eligibility for a household of two was a maximum three months’ income of $6,173; but under the new guidelines, this year the maximum will be $8,700 — a difference of $2,527, or 40 percent.

For a household of three, the three-month income maximum was $7,793 last year; now it is $10,747, a difference of $2,954, or 37 percent, said Bohon.

In 2018, 2,692 York County households received HEAP benefits – on average, about $608, said Bohon. Figures for 2019 wont be available until next month.

“The 2019 figures will be higher, because we were able to connect with more Biddeford, Saco and OOB households through a variety of outreach efforts,” he said.

The new HEAP eligibility guidelines can be found on the YCCAC website at www.yccac.org under Heat, Energy & Fuel.

New clients or York County residents who did not receive HEAP services last year may call to schedule an appointment at 459-2950.

Bohon said face-to-face appointments are available, if preferred, and will take place take place in YCCAC’s Sanford or Biddeford office.

It is also important to note, he said, that renters who pay for their heat directly, or who pay for their heat through their rent, are eligible for HEAP benefits if they otherwise qualify. Also, if the client’s phone number or address has changed, they should call Fuel Assistance to correct that information.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or twells@journaltribune.com.