LEAP benefits still available

Colorado residents behind on home heating bills still have time to apply for help. The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) encourages Coloradans who are having a hard time paying utility costs to apply for LEAP benefits. Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2011.
LEAP provides cash assistance to help families and individuals pay 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 185 percent of the federal poverty index, which equals a maximum income of $3,400 per month before taxes for a household of four people. The minimum LEAP benefit a household could receive is $200 and the maximum is $1,000.
As of March 31, LEAP has helped nearly 117,000 Colorado households with their heating bills. However, there are still thousands eligible for the program who have yet to apply.
Completed LEAP applications can be faxed, mailed or delivered to the appropriate county office. Potential program applicants can apply several ways:
Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to have an application mailed to your home.
Visit any county department of social/human services across the State. To locate your county’s office, visit the program’s website at http://www.cdhs. state.co.us/leap/index.htm
Download and print an application from www.cdhs. state.co.us/leap.
To find out if you qualify for LEAP, call toll free 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) or visit www.cdhs.state. co.us/leap to view the most current program application requirements.