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LEAP program helps pay winter home heating costs

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LEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible Colorado families, seniors and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating costs. The goal is to help bring warmth, comfort and safety to homes and families by assisting with heating costs during the all-too-often harsh Coloradan winters.  

The program is active from November through April, and provides 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.

If your income is up to 165% of the federal poverty index, you may qualify for heating assistance this winter through LEAP.

The amount of the energy assistance benefit varies depending on a variety of factors, including the primary heating fuel costs and income. The program does not provide financial assistance for any type of temporary or portable heating. In most cases the energy assistance benefit is paid directly to the household energy supplier. 

You may qualify if you: 

  • Pay home heating costs, either directly to a utility company or to a landlord as part of rent.  
  • Are a permanent legal resident of the United States and a Colorado resident or you have household members that are U.S. citizens.  
  • Earn a maximum family household income that does not exceed 165% of the federal poverty index.  

Provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S. Valid forms of identification include:  

  • Colorado Driver’s License or Colorado Identification card  
  • United States Military Identification Card or Military Dependent’s Identification card 
  • United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner card  
  • Native American Tribal document 

The table below shows gross income limits based upon the number of people in the home. 

HOUSEHOLD SIZE

MAXIMUM GROSS MONTHLY INCOME

1

$1,670

2

$2,264

3

$2,858

4

$3,452

5

$4,046

6

$4,640

7

$5,234

8

$5,828

for each additional person over 8

add $594

In most cases, if a household is approved for LEAP, payments are made directly to the primary heating fuel company, and a notice will be sent to the household stating the benefit amount. 

LEAP only accepts applications between November and April.

How To Apply

Online applications are accepted at the Colorado PEAK website.

Completed LEAP applications can also be faxed, mailed, emailed or hand delivered to county LEAP offices.

In Kiowa County, contact

Kiowa County Dept of Social Service

Ashlynn Miner

1307 Maine St.

PO Box 187

Eads, CO 81036

Phone: 719-438-5541

Fax: 719-438-5370

Kiowa County