LEAP, the Low-income Energy Assistance Program that helps eligible individuals, families, and seniors pay a portion of their winter home heating costs, is accepting applications through April 30, 2018. While LEAP isn’t intended to pay the entire cost of home heating, it can alleviate some of the burden associated with colder months for those with a limited income.
With energy costs continuing to rise, Denver Human Services (DHS) is working with state and local partners to make sure residents, especially seniors and those living on fixed incomes, have easy access the resources they need to save money on home heating bills, freeing up funds to be used on other necessities.
“As we enter what should be the coldest months of the year, it’s important to do all we can to keep our residents safe and warm,” said DHS Executive Director Don Mares. “No matter who you are or where you’re from, during this time of year, home should be where the warmth is.”
To qualify for LEAP, you must:
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, or be part of a household with a legal resident
• Be responsible for paying heating costs for your home, whether to your landlord as part of rent or directly to a utility company (if heat is included in your rent and you do not live in subsidized housing, you may still qualify)
• Meet the income limits – up to 165 percent of federal poverty level index, or $1,658 per month for an individual and up to $2,233 for a household of two
Applying for LEAP is easy. Simply download an application online at www.denvergov.org/LEAP and follow the instructions for submission. If you need assistance completing the application, or are facing a heat emergency, call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435).