LEAP is a Colorado Department of Human Services program that provides cash assistance to help families and individuals pay for winter heating costs.



LEAP accepts applications from Nov.1 through April 30 of each year.



In order to receive LEAP assistance, income cannot exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty index (see the chart below).



Beginning Nov. 1, LEAP applications can be downloaded from the program's Web site: http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap/apply.htm.

Applicants may fax the completed application to their appropriate county office or they may mail it to the county at the address available on the Web site.



You can also apply by calling 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) and order a mailed application. Applications are also available at every county department of social/human services. Most utility companies keep a supply of LEAP applications and instruction sheets. Additionally, many community agencies, like Catholic Charities, stock LEAP applications.



LEAP pays the highest benefits to those with the highest heating bills and lowest incomes by family size. The minimum benefit is currently $350 per household. The maximum benefit is currently $900 per household.



Approximately 80 percent of LEAP benefits are paid directly to the applicants' heating fuel provider.

The following utility companies cover these areas: Xcel, Black Hills Utilities, ATMOS, Colorado Springs Utilities and SourceGas.



LEAP FACT SHEET



Eligibility is based on month income for the number of people in a house/apartment:

- 1 | $1,670

- 2 | $2,246

- 3 | $2,823

- 4 | $3,400

- 5 | $3,976

- 6 | $4,553

- 7 | $5,129

- 8 | $5,700

For each additional person over the age of 8, $577 can be added to the gross monthly income requirements.



Applicant must:



- Be a Colorado resident and a U.S. citizen or legal alien

- Provide a copy of valid identification and a completed affidavit to comply with Colorado Revised Statutes regarding documentation of lawful presence

- Be responsible for paying heating costs, either directly to a utility company, or to a landlord as part of rent



Valid forms of identification include, but are not limited to:



- Colorado Driver's License or Colorado Identification card

- United States Military Identification Card or Military Dependent's Identification card

- United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner card

- Native American Tribal document



Other benefits provided to LEAP eligible housholds



- The Crisis Intervention Program assists with the repair or replacement of the home's primary heating system such as a furnace or wood-burning stove.

- The Weatherization Program, through the Governor's Energy Office, improves the energy efficiency in homes throughout Colorado, permanently reducing heating costs.



- Counties have up to 50 days to process applications. If assistance is needed immediately, applicant can apply for emergency assistance.