Colorado Low Income Energy Assistance Programs (LEAP)
The Colorado Department of Human Services offers state residents the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) program. This provides cash assistance and grants that help individuals and families pay for their winter heating bills. The LEAP program accepts applications annually from November 1 through April 30 of each year.
There are numerous ways to apply, and you can apply by:
- Applications for LEAP are available at every county department of social/human services.
- People can call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to request a mailed application.
- Also, most utility and gas companies keep a supply of LEAP applications and instruction sheets.
- Many local community agencies, such as like Catholic Charities, stock LEAP applications and are great resources to learn more.
The Colorado LEAP program pays the highest benefits to those with the highest heating bills and those who have the lowest incomes by family size.
- The minimum benefit paid is set annually and it can change based on federal government and state funding levels. The same applies to the maximum benefit from LEAP.
Please be aware that approximately 80 percent of LEAP benefits and grants are paid directly to the applicants' heating fuel provider, and the money is not sent directly to the individual or family who applies.
The following gas and utility companies cover these areas: XCEL, Colorado Springs Utilities, Black Hills Utilities, SourceGas, and ATMOS.
More information and benefits on the Colorado LEAP includes
• A Crisis Intervention Program is part of the assistance that can be provided, and it assists with the replacement or repair of the home's primary heating system such as a furnace, wood-burning stove, or even hot water heaters.
• Also, the Colorado Weatherization Program, through the Governor's Energy Office, improves the energy efficiency in homes throughout Colorado, permanently reducing heating costs and saves people hundreds of dollars per year on their heating bills.
You should apply as soon as possible, as counties have up to 50 days to process applications for the program. However, if assistance is needed immediately as maybe you are experiencing an emergency, applicant can apply for emergency assistance, which can provide grants much quicker.
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