Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is geared towards helping low-income families, the elderly, and individuals in Colorado meet their winter home heating bills. By helping low- and middle-income families in Colorado pay for their energy costs, LEAP can improve their health, happiness, and safety.
During the winter months (November–April), LEAP provides financial assistance for utility and heating costs, heating equipment repairs, and new installations. While the program does not cover all the utility and energy costs during Colorado’s colder months, it goes a long way towards alleviating the financial hardship that comes with them.
The majority of energy assistance payments are given directly to the utility company that serves the residence. If you are eligible for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), the program will pay your primary utility provider, which will then pass on the savings to you. Furthermore, LEAP assists households in repairing or replacing essential heating equipment, such as furnaces and wood stoves. There are no funding alternatives for temporary or portable heating.
How to Qualify for Utility Assistance
You can qualify for Colorado’s LEAP program if your income does not exceed 60% of the state’s median income. In July 2022, the United States Department of Health and Human Services unveiled the state median income level that would be used for the 2022–2023 LEAP season. While the amount of the energy assistance benefit fluctuates based on a variety of factors, the most significant factor is the recipient’s income.
Below is a list of qualifications:
- You must be paying energy or utility costs directly to a utility company or to a landlord as part of your rent.
- Your maximum family household income must not exceed 60% of the state median income.
- You must provide proof of your lawful presence in the U.S. Acceptable documents include:
- Naturalization Certificate, or
- Certificate of Birth Abroad, or
- U.S. Passport
- Work Authorization document
- Permanent Resident Card, or
- Documentation of Refugee or Asylee Status
Medium Income Chart
|
Household Size |
Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
| 1 | $2,880 |
| 2 | $3,766 |
| 3 | $4,652 |
| 4 | $5,539 |
| 5 | $6,425 |
| 6 | $7,311 |
| 7 | $7,477 |
| 8 | $7,644 |
| Each Additional Person | $166 |
Does the Program Cover Water Bills?
The answer is yes. The federal government increased CDHS funds to assist low-income households in paying their water bills. Colorado’s Long Island Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) was established to provide financial assistance to eligible households that are experiencing the following:
- They’ve had their drinking water or waste/sewer services disconnected.
- Are at risk of being disconnected due to a past-due amount,
- Are currently disconnected due to nonpayment.
LIHWAP will assist Colorado residents even in situations where the rent is late or there is a risk of eviction. For the available funds, it’s first come, first served.
Important Considerations
Before submitting your application, please confirm that you have answered all questions and included all required materials. If you do not supply this information, LEAP will have to write you to request it, which may cause delays. Non-urgent applications typically take 10–25 days to process.
Even if you have a disconnect notice, you can apply for LEAP. Use the contact information below to speak to a LEAP representative. Remember, never stop paying your bill even while your application is being processed. If you fear disconnection before LEAP kicks in, contact your utility company to see if you can get a payment arrangement. To check the status of your application, call LEAP.
The Application Process
There has been some confusion regarding how to apply for Colorado utility assistance. Let’s clear that confusion now. First, there is no formal interview required for LEAP. But here are the best ways to apply:
- You can submit an application electronically
- You can call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435)
Receiving LEAP Assistance
Make sure you are residing at the same address you entered in the application. Attach all relevant documentation to the application. Utility assistance payments are sent directly to the utility company.
What if You Don’t Qualify for LEAP?
Don’t panic. There are other organizations that also provide utility assistance or consultation. These include:
Energy Outreach Colorado
Colorado Weatherization Assistance Program
