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

People like Rita Carrillo, who's been coming here for several years, depend on the help to save money for food and medicine.

 

"There's people out here that struggle. They get shut off notices. They can't pay their bills, so they come here for assistance," Carrillo said.

The state's director of LEAP, Todd Jorgensen, says they anticipated a big crowd with rising unemployment and a downturn in the economy.

"Last year we saw about a 15 percent increase. We're projecting at least that this year," he said. "The good news is we have about $7 million more in benefits this year, so our funding is stable. So we're hoping we can meet the need."

LEAP applications are accepted 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.

Jorgensen says the application process can take up to 50 days, but if someone's heat is about to be shut off, that person's application can be expedited in 10 working days, according to Jorgensen.

Carrillo says she knows people who have been turned away.

"If you get denied, it's hard, because people are like, 'Now what am I going to do? Where do I go next?' I feel sorry for those people that get denied. It's hard for people like that," Carrillo said.

Jorgensen says every effort will be made with the additional funding to ensure that does not happen.

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.