Eligible low-income DouglasCounty households can apply for energy assistance through the Douglas County Human Services Department's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) from Nov. 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010 to help offset the cost of heating their homes during the winter months. Applications and verifications can be mailed back to Douglas County Human Services. No appointment is needed to apply for this program.Eligible applicants must make a monthly household income in one of the following categories:
Number of people in household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Each additional person add: |
Monthly Gross Income 185% of Poverty | $1,670 | $2,246 | $2,823 | $3,400 | $3,976 | $4,553 | $5,129 | $5,706 | $577 |
Applicants must pay their home heating costs to a utility company, fuel dealer or as part of the rent. Those living in non-subsidized housing that pay home heating costs either in the form of rent or as a separate charge in addition to rent, may also be eligible for LEAP. Individuals living in subsidized housing are eligible for LEAP if the unit has a separate meter for fuel charges or if individuals are billed a heating surcharge for fuel.
The amount that applicants receive through the LEAP is based on the number of household members, monthly income, home versus apartment, gas versus electric, propane, etc. LEAP does not pay electric unless the home is 100 percent electric. Funds are usually paid directly to the vendor in one or two payments depending on the amount.
Individuals who received LEAP in 2008-2009 and those on Old Age Pension, Supplemental Security Income, Aid to the Needy Disabled and/or Aid to the Blind, will automatically be mailed an application this LEAP Season.
Applicants will need to provide the following with their application: proof of income from all sources; a copy of their most recent heating bill showing the company name, address and account numbers, or a copy of the most recent rent receipt stating heat included in rent; proof of identification (valid driver's license); and a signed Affidavit of Proof of Citizenship.
Applications are available online at
www.douglas.co.us/humanservices/LEAP.html, by calling the HEAT HELP LINE at 1-866-432-8435 to have one mailed to you directly, or can be picked up at the Douglas County Human Services building, 4400 Castleton Ct., in Castle Rock or at the Douglas/Elbert Task Force in Castle Rock or the Parker Task Force. For additional questions, please call 303.688.4825.
The LEAP is made possible through grants from the federal government, as well as the State of Colorado.