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Keep your home warm this winter with help from LEAPColorado With winter officially in full swing, many Coloradans are struggling with the costs of heating their homes. Colorado's Low-income Energy Assistance Program offers help to eligible Coloradans by providing financial assistance with home heating bills. LEAP began accepting applications on Nov. 1, 2011, and will continue to accept applications thru April 30. LEAP is a federally funded program that provides cash assistance to help families and individuals pay a portion of winter home heating costs. The program pays the highest benefits to those with the highest heating bills and lowest incomes by family size. "This season approximately 90,000 Colorado families have applied for LEAP and the program has helped nearly 60,000 families cover heating costs, ensuring that thousands of Coloradans will remain warm throughout the winter," said Todd Jorgensen, LEAP director. According to Jorgensen, due to a decrease in federal funding, the income criteria for the LEAP program was reduced this season from 185 percent to 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. A family of four's maximum household income may not exceed $2,794 per month; previously that amount was $3,400. The average LEAP benefit this season is about $300. "We encourage Coloradans in need of assistance to call the HEAT HELP line, 866-HEAT-HELP, to find out if they qualify for LEAP," explained Jorgensen. "Folks not meeting the new criteria will be given information on additional community resources." To qualify for LEAP, applicants must be responsible for paying heating costs directly to an energy provider, fuel dealer or as part of rent; be a permanent legal resident of the United States and Colorado or have household members that are U.S. citizens. LEAP applicants must provide a copy of valid identification and a completed affidavit indicating that they are lawfully present in the United States. Valid forms of identification include, but are not limited to: 1. Colorado Driver's License or Colorado Identification card; or 2. United States Military Identification Card or Military Dependent's Identification card; or 3. United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner card; or 4. Native American Tribal document. As defined by the Colorado Department of Revenue, other forms of identification may be required as well. For more information on lawful presence requirements, contact the DOR or visit www.colorado.gov/revenue. Completed LEAP applications can be faxed, mailed or delivered to the appropriate county office. Potential program applicants may obtain an application through the following: --Call 866-HEAT-HELP (866-432-8435) to have an application mailed. --Visit any county department of social/human services across the state. To locate your county's office, visit www.colorado.gov/cdhs/leap. --Download and print an application from www.colorado.gov/cdhs/leap. LEAP eligible households may also qualify for the Crisis Invention Program and the Governor's Energy Office's Weatherization Program. The CIP operates year-round and provides assistance with a home's primary heating source such as a furnace or wood-burning stove. The Weatherization Program improves the energy efficiency in homes throughout Colorado, thereby permanently reducing heating costs.
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