How To Apply for LEAP
A guide on applying for Colorado’s Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) is a federally-funded, state of Colorado assistance program that offers a credit to pay heating bills. LEAP accepts applications between November and April.
LEAP works to keep our communities warm during the winter by providing assistance with heating costs, equipment repair, and/or replacement of inoperable heating tools. While the program is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating, it aims to help alleviate some of the burdens that come with Colorado’s colder months.
We do not process or manage LEAP applications. This page is only a guide to assist you. For questions about your application or for more information about LEAP, visit the state of Colorado’s LEAP website or call the HEAT HELP line at 1.866.432.8435.
Why Apply for LEAP?
Every year, thousands of Colorado families struggle to keep their homes safe and warm. The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) gives Colorado families $250 – $1000 credit each year on home heating bills. For the 2022-2023 season, LEAP is also paying past due water bills for those who submit an extra form (included with your mailed application or found under the “Low Income Household Water Assistance Program” tab on the LEAP website. If you are approved for LEAP, you are also eligible for other programs- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Free insulation, weatherization, and appliances to help your home use less energy and pay lower bills. Call 303.866.2100 for more information.
- Crisis Intervention Program (CIP): Free furnace repair or replacement for those in an emergency who are without heat. Call 1.855.4.MY.HEAT (1.855.469.4328).
- Colorado’s Affordable Residential Energy (CARE): Provides free home energy efficiency upgrades for homeowners and renters. Visit the CARE page for more information.
- Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP): Lowers utility payments to below 6% of a customer’s monthly income. Call your utility’s customer service line to enroll after receiving LEAP.
Who is eligible for LEAP?
You are eligible for LEAP if:- You pay home heating costs to an energy provider, fuel dealer, or as part of your rent*
- At least one member of your household is a permanent legal resident or citizen of the US and a resident of Colorado
- You can provide proof of your or your household member’s lawful presence in the US
- The total monthly income of all members of your household is not larger than what is shown in the table below
| Household Size** | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7 people | 8 people | Each Additional Member |
| Max Monthly Income | $2,880 | $3,766 | $4,652 | $5,539 | $6,425 | $7,311 | $7,477 | $7,644 | Add $166 |
*If your heat is included in your rent AND you are in subsidized housing, you may not be eligible for LEAP. Call 1.866.432.8435 with questions.
**Household size only includes people who live with you and who you support financially (like a spouse, child, or other dependent family members).
| Household Size** | Max 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 Member | Add $166 |
*If your heat is included in your rent AND you are in subsidized housing, you may not be eligible for LEAP. Call 1.866.432.8435 with questions.
**Household size only includes people who live with you and who you support financially (like a spouse, child, or other dependent family members).
How to Apply for LEAP
If you are new to applying to LEAP, you can begin your application starting on November 1st. There is no automatic enrollment in LEAP, so you will need to apply each year to receive your LEAP benefit and save money on your heating bills.Documents Required
- Completed LEAP application with all questions answered and a signature.
- Proof of legal residency for those born outside of the United States. Choose from the list below:
- Naturalization Certificate
- Born Abroad Certificate
- U.S. Passport
- Permanent Resident Card
- Documentation of Refugee or Asylee status
- Proof of income from all members of your household from the last month – this includes copies or photos of the last 4 pay stubs, copies of award letters from other assistance programs, and copies of loan paperwork.
- If you are self-employed: include a profit/ statement and make copies or take photos of receipts for all expenses claimed on the profit & loss statement for the month before you apply.
- If you pay heat directly to utility (like Xcel, Black Hills, Atmos Energy, etc): Copy or photo of your most recent heating bill showing the utility company name, address, and account numbers. OR if heat is included in your rent: Copy or photo of your most recent rent receipt that shows heat is included.
Download and print a pdf application from the LEAP website or request a mailed application by calling 1.866.HEAT.HELP (1.866.432.8435).
Mail your completed application and supporting documents to your county’s mailing address.
Attach a scan or photo of your application, and your supporting documents to an email and send it to your county’s email address.
Online
Apply through the
Colorado PEAK website
colorado.gov/PEAK
Phone
Call 1.866.HEAT.HELP (1.866.432.8435) and ask to apply over the phone.
This is the best option if you have a shut-off notice and need immediate assistance.
Online
Apply through the Colorado PEAK websitePhone
Call 1.866.HEAT.HELP (1.866.432.8435) and ask to apply over the phone. This is the best option if you have a shut-off notice and need immediate assistance.| COUNTY | MALING ADDRESS | EMAIL ADDRESS |
| Adams | LEAP 11860 Pecos Street Westminster, CO 80234 | leap@adcogov.org Send Email |
| Alamosa | LEAP P.O. Box 1310 Alamosa, CO 81101 | cdhs_leap_program@state.co.us Send Email |
| Custer | LEAP P.O. Box 929 Westcliffe, CO 81252 | cdhs_leap_program@state.co.us Send Email |
| Delores | LEAP P.O. Box 485 Dove Creek, CO 81324 | cdhs_leap_program@state.co.us Send Email |
| Mineral | LEAP P.O. Box 40 Del Norte, CO 81132 | cdhs_leap_program@state.co.us Send Email |
| Montrose | LEAP 1845 S. Townsend Ave. Montrose, CO 81401 | cdhs_leap_program@state.co.us Send Email |
| Otero | LEAP 13 W 3rd #102 La Junta, CO 81050 | ocdhs@oterogov.org Send Email |
| Pueblo | LEAP 320 W. 10th St. Ste 207 Pueblo, CO 81003 | dssleap@pueblocounty.us Send Email |
| Rio Grande | LEAP P.O. Box 40 Del Norte, CO 81132 | cdhs_leap_program@state.co.us Send Email |
| All Other Counties | LEAP P.O. Box 39200 Colorado Springs, CO 80949 | leaphelp@ goodwillcolorado.org Send Email |
Non-Documented Applicants
You are eligible for LEAP as long as ONE member of the household is a citizen or legal resident. If the legal resident or citizen is over 18, they should apply for LEAP (even if they are not the main account holder) and provide an ID showing proof of legal residency. If all citizens and legal residents are under 18, a non-documented adult should be listed as the applicant. Non-documented applicants should check the NO box for “Are you a US Citizen” and “Are you a documented non-citizen” in Section 1 of the application. List all household members in Section 2 of the application. Check the boxes about their citizenship and documented non-citizen status and list Social Security numbers of all US citizens and permanent residents. Include copies of the minor’s residency papers in your application, if they are available.Income for Non-Documented Applicants
Every applicant must include income information for all household members, no matter their legal status. If a household member who makes income is undocumented, their income will be counted in the total household income, but they will not be counted as a member of the household for the income limits. For instance, if a household contains 2 undocumented adults (who each earn income) and 2 children who are US citizens, the household size for determining LEAP eligibility would be 2, and not 4. Therefore, the adults in the house must make less than $3766 each month (based on the income chart above). For any questions, please call HEAT HELP (1-866-432-8435).After Submitting Application
It will take about 10-25 days to receive approval for LEAP after submitting your application and other documents. If you have had your service shut-off or are out of fuel, approval can be quicker, but make sure you have selected the “YES” box in Section 7 of your application. If any part of your application is incomplete, LEAP will mail you a follow-up letter requesting further information. This does NOT mean you are denied, but you MUST provide the documents requested in order to receive approval. For the quickest response, email images or scans or your requested documents to your county’s office (see county office listings above).Call 1.866.432.8435 at any time to check the status of your LEAP application.
After LEAP Approval
LEAP will send you a letter explaining that you have been approved and will explain where the funds will be sent. Most of the time, the funds will be transferred directly to your utility company where they will be used to pay down previous balances, and monthly balances until funds are fully used. If your heat is included in your rent, you will likely receive the benefit on an EBT card. You will be mailed a new LEAP application the October after you receive LEAP. You can return this application and supporting paperwork as soon as possible and get a jump on approval for the next LEAP season.2022-2023 LIHWAP Funding for Water Bills
Do you have past-due water or wastewater/sewer bills? The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) has funds to pay these past-due bills. Fill out the extra form (called an addendum) included with LEAP applications that asks for your past-due water bill information. This form will be included with mailed applications, or can be found on the LEAP website under the “Low Income Household Water Assistance Program” tab. Submit this form along with copies of past due bills to receive this extra funding. Extra funding for past due bills is first come, first served so apply to LEAP early!Additional Bill Payment Assistance
Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) Bill Payment Assistance Program Energy Outreach Colorado will pay past-due electric and heating bills for qualified households. This funding is in addition to LEAP, or for those who have been denied LEAP. To apply, find an agency near you by calling 1.866.432.8435 OR by visiting the Find A Payment Assistance Agency page. This assistance is available once a year, with the program year beginning each October 1st. Eligibility for EOC funding:- You pay your home energy costs to an energy vendor/utility
- Your bill is past due or you are running low on fuel
- You meet income qualifications (your income is at or below 80% of the area median income)
LEAP Application Handbook
The information on this page can be found in the LEAP Application Handbook. It is available to print or download for your reference. (Click the arrow or printer symbol located in the upper right of the black color bar below.)Would you like to receive periodic texts about energy assistance programs? Reminders may include updates and tips about LEAP, weatherization, furnace repair, bill assistance, and more!
Text your name and zip code to 720.853.1587 and we will add you to our contacts.
You can opt-out at any time.
CRITICAL PHONE NUMBERS
LEAP & EOC Bill Payment Assistance
Weatherization Assistance Program
Emergency Furnace Repair
