Although Colorado has experienced a very mild fall, many of us will soon be turning on our furnace as we experience cold temperatures. For some, heating the home can be very expensive.
Starting November 1, 2016 and running through April 30, 2017, individuals whose monthly income is less than $1634 per month ($2203 for a couple) may qualify for help with utilities through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). LEAP does not have an asset or resource test
Renters & home owners, who pay utilities directly to a utility company or as part of the rent are eligible for LEAP. Those who pay a percentage of their income for rent, such as those living in subsidized housing, may not be eligible.
People must prove legal residence in Colorado and identity. Usually, by providing a copy of a driver’s license, Colorado ID, a military ID, or Native American tribal documents.
People also need to provide proof of income for the previous month, by providing copies of pay stubs; letters from Social Security for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Social Security Retirement; pension income including VA pensions; and any other income.
Those who pay utilities as part of the rent, should provide a copy of their lease to show that utilities are included in the rent.
To apply, submit the application to the county department of human services in the county where you live, along with the required documentation. Most counties require that the form be submitted by fax, mail or in-person, but a few counties accept the form via e-mail, and it usually takes between 10-25 days to process.
If you have a shut-off notice on utilities, you may qualify for extra help by calling 1-800-HEATHELP. LEAP is not meant to pay the total heating bill, only a portion of the cost.
Individuals who receive LEAP may also be eligible for weatherization, which can help with costs like replacement furnaces or refrigerator, insulation, storm doors & windows and other items that improve energy efficiency. To see if you qualify, call 303-333-3482 and ask for the phone number of the company serving your county. Some renters can receive weatherization.
People who are 65 and over and/ or disabled may also be eligible to receive assistance with utilities from the Property Tax/Rent/Heat Rebate, commonly called the PTC 104. To receive this, your annual income must be less than $12,953 for a single person ($17,460 for a married couple). There is no resource requirements. You apply for this benefit through the Colorado Department of Revenue and is available to renters as well as a home owners.
Residents who are 65 and over or disabled and who are home owners or renters of the City and County of Denver may also qualify for an additional tax/rent credit through the Payment to the Elderly Program if their annual income is less than $15,900 for single person or $23,000 for a married couple. There is no resource requirements.
You can obtain the forms online with the mailing address. If you need any of the applications, help completing the forms, or submitting the applications, call a counselor at 303-333-3482 or 1-855-880-4777.
~ Eileen Doherty, MS is the Executive Director of the Colorado Gerontological Society since 1982.