Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

Who qualifies for LEAP

You might qualify if you:

• Pay home heating costs directly to the utility company or as part of your rent to a landlord.
• Meet the household income limit for the upcoming LEAP season.
• Provide can proof of lawful presence in the United States for you and household members born outside the country. Valid forms of ID include:
  • Naturalization certificate,
  • Born Abroad certificate,
  • U.S. Passport,
  • Permanent Resident Card, or
  • Documentation of Refugee or Asylee status.

Your LEAP benefit amount depends on several factors. Check this income table to see the maximum monthly income for your household size.

Note: Your household is the people you live with and support financially.

How to apply for LEAP

You can apply for LEAP at any time between Nov. 1 through April 30. Just choose the option that works best for you:

• Apply online through Colorado PEAK.
• Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to apply by phone.
• Download a paper application and mail, email or drop it off at your county LEAP office.
• Pick up and drop off a paper application at your local county human services office.
• Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to request a paper application.

You do not need an interview to apply for LEAP.

Sending in your LEAP application

• Make sure you are sending your application and all materials to the correct county LEAP office.
• If you received your LEAP application in the mail, please send it back in the enclosed return envelope to your LEAP county office.
• To email your application, scan the application and all required documents. Attach the files to your email and send it to your LEAP county office.

Before you apply

Make sure your application is complete. Missing information can slow things down. Your application should include:

• An answer to every question.
• Information about everyone in your household, including Social Security numbers and birth dates.
• Proof of household income.
• Your latest heating bill. If heat is included in your rent, provide your most recent rent receipt.
• Proof of lawful presence for household members born outside the country, when required.
• Information about self-employment income and expenses, if applicable.

Be sure to sign your application and include all the requested documents.

Once you’re approved

If you qualify for LEAP, you might also qualify for other programs that can help keep your home warm and lower your energy costs.

Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) – Helps repair or replace your main heating system, such as a furnace or wood-burning stove. This program operates year-round.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) – Helps make your home more energy efficient and less expensive to heat. This program is offered through the Governor’s Energy Office.

Property Tax/Rent/Heat Credit (PTC) Rebate – Some older adults and people with disabilities might qualify for a rebate for property tax or heating expenses. The maximum heat expenses rebate is $192. The Colorado Department of Revenue administers this rebate.

Frequently asked questions

Eligibility

Do I qualify for LEAP if my heat is included in my rent?

You might qualify for LEAP if your heat is included in your rent and you do not live in subsidized housing. Be sure to include the documents LEAP asks for with your application.

Can I apply for LEAP even if I participate in other government programs?

Yes. You can apply for LEAP even if you get help from other government programs, such as Medicare, SSI, Colorado Works/TANF, food assistance, Old Age Pension or Aid to the Needy Disabled/Aid to the Blind. Getting LEAP will not affect those benefits.

After applying

How long does it take to get approved for LEAP?

Most LEAP applications that are not emergencies are processed within 30 days. Missing information can make it take longer.

How much does LEAP in Colorado pay?

LEAP usually pays between $200 to $1,000. LEAP does not pay the same amount to everyone. The amount depends on your heating costs, household income, available LEAP funding and the number of applications received.

Is the LEAP money sent directly to me?

In most cases, LEAP sends the payment directly to your heating fuel company.

How do I check on the status of my LEAP application?

To check the status of your LEAP application, call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435)

How often can I get help from LEAP?

You can get LEAP heating assistance once each season. The LEAP season runs Nov. 1 to April 30 of each year.

Can I stop paying my heating bill while my LEAP application is being processed?

No, keep paying your heating bills while you wait for your LEAP application to be processed. If you are behind on your payments, contact your utility company to ask for a payment plan or budget billing.

Emergency heat help

Can LEAP help if my heat is about to be shut off?

Yes. LEAP might be able to process an emergency application in about 10 days if you qualify. Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) right away to see if you qualify for LEAP. Tell them your heat might be shut off, or you are running out of propane.

What can I do if I run out of propane?

LEAP also might be able to process an emergency application in about 10 days if you qualify. Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) right away to see if you qualify for LEAP. Tell them your heat might be shut off, or you are running out of propane.

What can I do if I have no heat?

Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to apply for LEAP.  Tell them you have no heat. If you qualify for LEAP, your emergency application can be processed in about 10 days.

What to do if you can't afford to fix your furnace?

If you are already approved for LEAP, you may also qualify for help repairing or replacing your main heating system. Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435).

What to do if your heat is turned off?

Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to apply for LEAP. You can also ask your utility company about a payment plan or budget billing, if available.

How do I get help with my energy bills?

How do I get help with my heating bill?

LEAP may help pay part of your home heating bill if you qualify. You can apply from Nov. 1 through April 30. Apply online through Colorado PEAK or by phone. Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435).

How do I get help with my electric bill?

If electricity is your primary source of heat, LEAP may help pay part of your home heating bill if you qualify. You can apply from Nov. 1 through April 30. Apply online through Colorado PEAK or by phone. Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435).

What government programs help with energy bills?

LEAP helps eligible households pay part of their winter heating costs. If you do not qualify for LEAP, other help may be available. Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to ask about your options.

If I qualify for LEAP but still need assistance with my utilities, are there any other programs available to help my family?

Yes. Other help with utility bills may be available. Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to ask what other programs may be able to help you.

If I don’t qualify for LEAP, what should I do?

Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to ask what other programs may be able to help you.

If I don’t qualify for LEAP, can I still get help?

If you don’t qualify for LEAP,  you may still qualify for heating assistance through Energy Outreach.

Additional resources

LEAP outreach materials (for community partners)

Colorado community partners can help county agencies share information about LEAP with families and individuals across the state. These outreach efforts help Coloradans understand what LEAP offers, who may qualify and how to apply. The latest LEAP marketing materials are available below. If you have questions, contact the state LEAP office at 303-861-629 or cdhs_leap_program@state.co.us.

Brochure

• LEAP three-panel brochure and brochure insert (income guidelines)
• Editable brochure version (revisions in progress)

Posters

• Regular LEAP Poster
• Winter LEAP Poster (revisions in progress)

Animations

• Why Apply for LEAP - English, Spanish (Include video in the top in the new design)
• LEAP Eligibility - English, Spanish (Include video in who qualifies section, design permitting)
• How to Apply for LEAP - English, Spanish (Include video in how to apply section)
• Tips to Stay Warm - English, Spanish
• There’s Still Time to Apply - English, Spanish (replace why apply video- at top of site - in April)

Other materials

Social Media Assets 

Add the What I Love About LEAP Campaign

What I Love About LEAP Frame

What I Love About LEAP Post(s) - One and Two

Helpful links

Federal LIHEAP

LIHEAP Clearinghouse

LEAP applicant statistics

Finally, see how many LEAP applications each Colorado county has processed. CDHS updates these reports weekly, with running totals starting from the program year’s Nov. 1 launch.

View the weekly LEAP stats by county report.

View data on the number of cases per denial reason by county.