RBC I Colorado’s Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is now accepting applications for its 2015/16 season, and with an increase in applicant income qualification this season, more Coloradans will qualify for assistance with paying their home heating costs.
LEAP is a 100-percent federally funded program administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) that provides cash assistance to help Coloradans pay a portion of home heating costs during winter months.
The program pays the highest benefits to those with the highest heating bills and the lowest incomes by family size. This year, applicant income was raised from 150 percent to 165 percent of the federal poverty level, which equates to $3,334 per month for a family of four.
“With the increase in income qualification this year, we hope to provide the opportunity for even more Colorado families to receive assistance in paying their home heating costs this winter,” said Aggie Berens, LEAP manager. “Last year, nearly 103,000 Coloradans applied for LEAP, receiving an average benefit of $458 per household.”
To qualify for LEAP, applicants must be responsible for paying heating costs directly to an energy provider, fuel dealer or as part of their rent; and be permanent legal residents of the United States and Colorado, or have household members that are U.S. citizens.
The State of Colorado also offers a rebate of property tax, rent and heat expenses to low-income seniors and disabled persons. To find out if you qualify for LEAP, call toll-free at 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) or visit www.colorado.gov/cdhs/leap Applications will be accepted until April 30.
