It may feel like spring outside, but a state program aimed at helping struggling Coloradans pay for heating bills is taking applications until April 30.
The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), a Colorado Department of Human Services project, offers financial relief to residents on home heating bills from November through April, paying the highest benefit to those with the highest heating bills and lowest incomes by family size.
According to a news release sent Monday, the program has paid out an average of $389 a month to Coloradans, and to date, has served more than 70,700 residents.
To qualify, an applicant’s income must not exceed 165 percent of the federal poverty index – about a maximum income of $3,334 per month for a household of four.
“I know that many of us are focused on spring this time of year, but LEAP can still provide a huge help to people who have outstanding home heating bills,” LEAP Manager Aggie Berens said in prepared statement. “We will give full consideration to every application we receive before the April 30 deadline.”
Although the La Plata Electric Association does not contribute to LEAP, the local co-op donates funds to the Community Emergency Assistance Coalition through its Round Up Foundation.
Spokeswoman Indiana Reed said Round Up gave $22,225 to the Community Emergency Assistance Coalition in 2015.
Those interested in the LEAP fund can call 1-866-432-8435 or visit www.colorado.gov/cdhs/leap.
