By John Rosa
In advance of National Energy Assistance Day tomorrow, Friday January 31, the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) reminds residents statewide that they may be eligible for assistance to pay a portion of their home heating bills this winter, as well as lower their energy costs for years to come. So far this season, a record number of Coloradans have applied for — and received — benefits through the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) when compared to this same time in previous seasons.
Nearly 61,500 Coloradans have already received benefits through LEAP this heating season. That’s an 11 percent increase from this same time last season. Coloradans have through April 30 to apply for assistance.
During the 2023-24 heating season, more than 85,000 Coloradans received benefits through LEAP.
“No one should go without heat this winter, and we encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible for LEAP to apply,” says Theresa Kullen, LEAP manager. “While the program cannot pay the entire cost of heating your home this winter, LEAP can lessen some of the burdens that come during the colder months.”
LEAP helps by making a one-time payment of up to $1,000 directly to the utility company on behalf of each LEAP-eligible household. LEAP recipients may also be able to get furnace repair and replacement.
To qualify, Coloradans may have an income up to 60 percent of the state median income, which is a household income of less than $78,060 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 and have at least one U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S. living in the household.
To apply for LEAP, visit CDHS’s website (cdhs.colorado.com/leap). 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 you can visit your county human services office to pick up or drop off an application.
National Energy Assistance Day was first observed in 2022 and was established by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association to raise awareness about LEAP and other state and local energy assistance programs.
The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible hard-working Colorado families, seniors and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating costs.
John Rosa is Communications Manager with Colorado Department of Human Services.