Help from LEAP is still available

Posted

By Michelle Worthington

Special to The SUN

Colorado’s Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) has already helped nearly 85,000 Coloradans pay their heating bills this winter, but there are still hard working families eligible for the program who have yet to apply.  LEAP encourages those in need of financial assistance with home heating bills to take advantage of the program before the April 30, 2013 deadline.

LEAP is a federally funded program that provides cash assistance to help families and individuals pay a portion of winter home heating costs. The program pays the highest benefits to those with the highest heating bills and lowest incomes by family size. Applicant income cannot exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty index, which equals a maximum income of $2,882 per month for a household of four people. The average LEAP benefit is estimated to be $302 per household. LEAP began accepting applications on Nov. 1, 2012, and will continue to accept applications thru April 30, 2013.

Completed LEAP applications can be faxed, mailed or delivered to the appropriate county office. Potential program applicants may obtain an application through the following:

Call  (866) 432-8435 to have an application mailed.

Visit the county Department of Human Services.

Download and print an application from www.colorado.gov/cdhs/leap.