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Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

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LEAP Applications are Open

LEAP accepts applications from Nov. 1, 2022, until Apr. 30, 2023, for the 2022-2023 winter season. 

The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps hard-working Coloradans pay a part of their home heating costs.  The program aims to help reduce some of the burdens associated with a Colorado winter. 

Assistance may include  

  • Help with heating costs
  • Help with a furnace, fireplace, or baseboard repair
  • Help with the replacement of heating equipment that is not functional

All LEAP applications for Larimer County are now handled through Goodwill of Colorado. The Larimer County Department of Human Services staff is able to help with the acquisition of applications only. Please direct any questions or issues to Goodwill of Colorado by calling 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) or emailing  leaphelp@goodwillcolorado.org. You may also visit the Goodwill of Colorado website.  

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for LEAP, you must: 

  • Be a Colorado resident. 
  • Be an American citizen.
  • Pay home heating costs to a utility company or as part of your rent.
  • Make 60% or less of the median income level for Colorado.

You can apply for LEAP in a few different ways. Please select the option that works best for you.

 

How to get your application
 

Online

  • Apply online through the Colorado PEAK  website from  November 1, 2022, until April 30, 2023

Paper Application

  • To request a paper application to be mailed to you. Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435).
 
Pick up an application from any Larimer County Department of Human Services location​​​​​.
Loveland

  • 200 Peridot Ave. 
    Loveland, CO 80537
     

Fort Collins

  • 1501 Blue Spruce
    Fort Collins, CO 80524
     

Estes Park

  • 1601 Brodie Ave. 
    Estes Park, CO 80517

How to return your application

In Person

Drop off an application at any Larimer County Department of Human Services location.
 

Loveland

  • 200 Peridot Ave. 
    Loveland, CO 80537

Estes Park

  • 1601 Brodie Ave. 
    Estes Park, CO 80517

Fort Collins

  • 1501 Blue Spruce
    Fort Collins, CO 80524

 

By Mail

  • Mail it to
    LEAP
    P.O. Box 39200
    Colorado Springs, CO 80949

 

By Email

Over the Phone

  • Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to apply with assistance over the phone.

Use this checklist to ensure your application is complete before submission.

  • I have answered all the questions in each section of the application.

  • I have enclosed a readable copy of lawful presence documentation for 

    • myself 

    • my household members who were born outside of the U.S.

      • Accepted documentation:

        • Naturalization Certificate, or

        • Born Abroad Certificate, or

        • U.S. Passport

        • Permanent Resident Card, or

        • Documentation of Refugee or Asylee status

  • Social Security numbers and birth dates for all members of my household are on the application.

  • Proof of all monthly household income (pay stubs, award letters, loans, etc.) is attached to the application.

  • I have attached receipts for all expenses claimed on my profit and loss statement for self-employment income. 

  • A copy of my most recent heating bill 

    • If you pay your heat as part of your rent, include a copy of your most recent rent receipt.

  • I have signed my application.
     

  • If submitting by email:

     

    •  I have scanned:

      •  My application

      • All required paperwork

    • I have attached the files to the application email.
      Email leaphelp@goodwillcolorado.org

    •  

For help with your application call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435).

Local Resources 

State Resources 

  • Crisis Intervention Program

    • The Crisis Intervention Program helps with the repair or replacement of a home’s primary heating system. They operate year-round. 

  • Weatherization Program (WAP)

    • This program is designed to improve the energy efficiency of Colorado Homes. They work with Colorado residents to reduce heating costs long term. This program is offered through the Governor’s Energy Office.

  • Colorado Property Tax/Rent/Heat Credit (PTC) rebate

    • This rebate is for low-income seniors and disabled persons.  The greatest property tax rebate is $660 and the greatest heat expenses rebate is $192. This program is administered by the Colorado Department of Revenue.

  • Energy Outreach Colorado

    • This non-profit raises money to help low-income Coloradans afford their home energy bills

National Resources 

  • Federal LIHEAP

    • LIHEAP provides help to reduce the costs of home energy bills.

  • LIHEAP Clearinghouse 

    • LIHEAP Clearinghouse is a website that provides information about LIHEAP and NEAR Services

FAQs

  Expand All   Collapse All
  1. Applications are accepted from November 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023.
  2. Most non-emergency applications are processed within 10-25 days.
    You must complete the entire application, answer all questions, and attach all requested information for your application to be processed. If you are missing materials or skip answering any questions, your application will be delayed.  LEAP will have to reach out to request this information before they can process the application.
     
  3. Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to check on the status of your application.
  4. Yes. If you qualify for help, LEAP may be able to hurry your application in 10 days.
    Please call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) or email leaphelp@goodwillcolorado.org for questions or help filling out your application.
  5. No. Continue to pay your bills while waiting for a decision on your application. If your bills are overdue or you are in danger of running out of fuel, contact your heat or utility company. Ask to set up a payment agreement or budget billing, if available.
  6. If heat is included in your rent and you do not live in subsidized housing, you may qualify for LEAP.
  7. You can receive heat assistance only once each season through LEAP. The season runs from Nov.1, 2022, to April 30, 2023.
  8. No. The LEAP program does not provide help with any type of temporary or portable heating source. This includes electric heaters or portable heaters.
  9. The energy assistance benefit varies depending on a variety of factors:
    • The heating costs of your home
    • The amount of LEAP funding available
    • The number of applications received 
    • LEAP pays the highest benefits to those with the highest primary heating fuel costs
  10. In most cases, the payment is sent to your utility or fuel company. You will receive a letter with the amount awarded and where your benefit is being sent.
  11. Yes. If you qualify for LEAP you may also be eligible for our heating system repair/replacement program. Please call FOR MY HEAT (1-855-469-4328) or email leaphelp@goodwillcolorado.org for more information or help filling out your application.

     

    • Yes. Your participation in other programs will not be changed in any way if you take part in LEAP. 
    • These programs will not be affected by participation in LEAP:
      •  Medicare
      • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
      • Colorado Works/TANF, food stamps/ SNAP
      • Old Age Pension (OAP)
      • Aid to Needy Disabled (AND)
      • Aid to the Blind (AB)
  13. No. You must live in the home.
  14. You can report the monthly income for all household members by
    • Attaching copies of all pay stubs and proof of other income received the month before you sign your application.
    • This includes seasonal, self-employed, public assistance, veteran's benefits, etc.
  15. In most cases, the payment is sent directly to your primary heating fuel company. You will receive a letter indicating your LEAP assistance amount and where your benefit is being sent.
     
  16. Yes. Please call HEAT HELP (1-866-432-8435).  Ask if there are other utility payment help options available to you.
  17. If you do not qualify for LEAP, help may still be available. Check out the other resources tab above for other resources.
    You can call 1-866-HEAT- HELP (1-866-432-8435) or email leaphelp@goodwillcolorado.org and ask for other utility payment help options. 
    • Yes. Your participation in other programs will not be changed in any way if you take part in LEAP. 
    • These programs will not be affected by participation in LEAP:
      • Medicare or Medicaid
      • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
      • Colorado Works/TANF
      •  Food Stamps/ SNAP
      • Old Age Pension (OAP)
      • Aid to Needy Disabled (AND)
      • Aid to the Blind (AB)

Still have questions? Reach out to Goodwill of Colorado.

For more information: 

  • Phone: 1-866-432-8435
  • Email:  LEAPHELP@discovermygoodwill.org