About LEAP

The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps eligible Colorado families, seniors and individuals stay warm during the winter months. LEAP can help pay part of your home energy costs, but it’s not meant to cover your entire heating bill.

LEAP runs from November through April. If you qualify, you may also be eligible for programs that help repair or replace your heating system, whether it’s a furnace or a woodburning stove. You also might qualify for weatherization services that can help your home become more energy efficient.

If you’re approved, we normally send your heating assistance payment directly to the relevant utility. You’ll also receive a notice telling you how much assistance you qualify for.

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.
• Can 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, such as your household income and home heating costs. 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(opens in new window).
• 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 office.
• If you received your LEAP application in the mail, please send it back in the enclosed return envelope to your 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.

Additional help for LEAP applicants

If you qualify for LEAP, you also might 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.

Colorado LEAP Winter Heating Assistance Applications

Colorado LEAP applications are open. Review eligibility, required paperwork and application steps for winter heating assistance. Apply by April 30.

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