Qualifying households may still apply for the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) until April 30. This annual financial assistance program, which runs from November through April each winter with an increased maximum potential benefit of $1,300, is designed to aid in reducing household energy bills by paying a portion of the cost of home heating for qualifying, limited-income households. Applications are due no later than Wednesday, April 30 and can be mailed to LEAP, PO Box 39200, Colorado Springs, CO 90949 or faxed to 719-633-9098.
“The LEAP program is one way to help households stretch their dollars further when expenses are higher during the winter months,” said Kathleen Lyons, Economic Services Director for Eagle and Pitkin County Health & Human Services. “So far this LEAP season, the program has helped more than 120 families in Eagle and Pitkin Counties by providing over $66,000 in heating assistance.”
Each qualified home may receive only one benefit, or subsidy, for the entire season. If a household has already applied and received a benefit this season, they should not re-apply. Many factors such as income, the type of heat being used and number of people in the household are considered before an amount is awarded to an applicant.
Although the winter heating season is winding down, households who are current on their heating bill or have fallen behind on their heating bills may still apply. If eligible, their LEAP benefit can be applied to their past due heating bill or be applied as a credit to their account. Applications can be found on our website at www.eaglecounty.us/EconomicServices/Energy_Assistance/. For more information, contact Discover Goodwill of Southern & Western CO at 888-775-5327 or call Heat Help at 866-432-8435 to request an application by mail.
