DENVER (Jan. 31, 2024) — CDHS is celebrating Feb. 1 as National Energy Assistance Day. All potentially eligible Coloradans are encouraged to apply for Colorado’s Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), a federally funded program that helps save eligible households money by paying a portion of winter home heating costs.
LEAP helps eligible individuals and families statewide pay a portion of winter home heating costs by making a one-time payment directly to the utility company on behalf of each LEAP-eligible household.
Since Nov. 1, nearly 99,000 Coloradans have applied for LEAP, a 3 percent increase over this time last season. This season, eligible families can expect to receive between $200 to $1,000 in energy assistance depending on the type of heating fuel, income and other factors. Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2024.
“Recent data shows nearly 15 percent of Coloradans have reported being unable to pay their home energy bills and 23 percent have reported reducing basic expenses like food and medicine to pay energy bills,” says Theresa Kullen, LEAP manager. “LEAP can help. If you think you may be eligible for LEAP, we encourage you to take a few minutes to apply.”
To qualify for LEAP, Coloradans may have an income of up to 60 percent of the state median income. This equates to a household income of less than $71,112 a year for a family of four. For a further breakdown of income requirements, visit the LEAP website. Additionally, LEAP recipients must pay home heating costs directly to a utility company or landlord as part of their rent and have at least one U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S. living in the household.
In addition to home heating bill assistance, LEAP recipients may be eligible to receive furnace repair and replacement in heat-related emergencies and weatherization services pending the results of a home energy audit.
To access an application, visit the LEAP website. Online applications are processed through the Colorado PEAK system. You can also call the HEAT HELP line at 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to receive an application via mail or email or visit your county department of human services office to pick up or drop off an application.
Media contact:
John Rosa
Office of Economic Security Communications Manager
john.rosa@state.co.us