By Jennifer Nuhfer | LEAP
With the holiday season here and the cost of essentials like food, gasoline and energy continuing to rise, Colorado’s Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is helping to save eligible Colorado households money by paying a portion of winter home heating costs. The program will accept applications through April 30, 2022.
Coloradans eligible for LEAP may also qualify for help paying their water bills through the Low-income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). LIHWAP is funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which was created to provide financial assistance during the pandemic. LIHWAP helps pay down water bills that are either late, disconnected or in danger of disconnection by making a onetime payment to the water vendor directly on behalf of the eligible household. This is a temporary program that is accessible as long as funding is available.
“We know that the pandemic has made everything more expensive and that many Coloradans are facing difficult times financially. It is especially tough for those on a fixed income. Help is available. We encourage all Coloradans who think they may be eligible for LEAP to apply and take advantage of the many benefits,” said Theresa Kullen, LEAP manager.
To qualify for LEAP, Coloradans may have an income up to 60 percent of the state median income level, which equates to a household income of less than $64,000 a year for a family of four. Additionally, LEAP recipients must pay home heating costs directly to a utility company or landlord as part of their rent, be a resident of Colorado, and have at least one U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S. living in the household.
To access the LEAP application, visit www.colorado.gov/cdhs/LEAP. Online applications are processed through the CO PEAK system. You can also call the HEAT HELP phone line at (866) HEAT-HELP [(866) 432-8435] to receive an application via mail or email.
