Colorado’s Low-income Energy Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance with home heating bills, is accepting applications.
LEAP, a federally funded program that provides cash to help families and individuals pay a portion of winter heating costs, pays the highest benefits to those with the highest bills and lowest incomes by family size. Applicant income cannot exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level, which equates to $2,944 per month for a family of four.
“The government recently released a report that a majority of U.S. households will pay more to heat their homes this winter,” said LEAP manager Aggie Berens. “After two years of flat or falling prices, natural gas costs are expected to increase by 13 percent this winter. We want to make sure that all LEAP-eligible Coloradans are aware of the assistance offered by LEAP so that they can receive some help in paying these rising costs.”
According to Berens, the average LEAP benefit is about $425 per household. Last year, nearly 118,000 Coloradans applied for LEAP, and 96,009 households received an average of $302.
To learn more, call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (866-432-8435) or visit www.colorado.gov/cdhs/leap.