Low income energy assistance program

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps needy Colorado residents pay their winter utility bills. You may qualify if:

• Your family household income falls within 150% of the federal poverty level guidelines;
• You pay home heating costs to an energy provider or as part of your rent and;
• You are a permanent and legal resident of the United States and Colorado.

Colorado residents may apply for LEAP assistance from November 1 through April 30.

Application forms are available at the Garfield County Department of Human Services or you may call the department and have an application mailed to you.

Estimated home heating costs and household income determine the amount of LEAP assistance. When an application for LEAP assistance has been approved, the local utility company is contacted and payment is forwarded to them.

LEAP also offers a free crisis intervention program, which allots funds to repair or replace broken furnaces and furnaces that are health hazards, and broken windows.

A monthly discount on your telephone bill and one-half the cost of a new telephone installation is available if you are on Aid to the Blind (AB), Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND), Old Age Pension (OAP), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Call 1-800-782-0721 for assistance.

LEAP Information from the State of Colorado - http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap/