Colorado’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) will begin accepting applications on Nov. 1.
Coloradans who need help paying winter heating bills, saving energy or fixing broken heating systems are encouraged to apply.
National home energy costs are expected to rise 9 percent this winter. LEAP helps eligible Coloradans pay a portion of their heating bills, freeing up household funds for essential needs like groceries, medicine, rent and transportation. Applications are accepted through April 30, 2027.
LEAP makes a onetime payment directly to utility companies on behalf of qualifying households. Last winter, more than 80,000 Coloradans received an average benefit of $353. Depending on funding and home audit results, LEAP recipients may also qualify for emergency furnace repair, system replacement and weatherization services.
“Eligible families can expect to receive between $200 and $1,000 in energy assistance depending on their fuel type, household income and other factors,” said Paul Brown, community programs manager in the Food and Energy Assistance Division at the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). “An estimated 80 percent of eligible Coloradans don’t take advantage of LEAP. We encourage anyone who thinks they might qualify to apply and get the support they need.”
Who qualifies?
To qualify, households must:
• Have an income at or below 60 percent of the state median income (for example, a family of four with a monthly gross income up to $7,258 or $87,096 annually).
• Pay heating costs directly to a utility vendor or as part of rent.
• Have at least one household member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
How to apply
• Online: Visit cdhs.colorado.gov/leap to apply online via CO PEAK.
• By phone: Call the Heat Help line at 1-866-432-8435 (1-866-HEAT-HELP) to request a paper application by mail.
• In person: Visit your local county Department of Human Services office.
CDHS works with partners to empower Coloradans to thrive. CDHS provides help and hope to Coloradans through a wide range of programs that support the health, safety and well-being of our state’s most vulnerable populations.
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