Frequent Pitfalls

If you live in Colorado, have low income and few resources, and are struggling to pay your utility bills, it can feel overwhelming. There is help available, but only if you apply.

• Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) from November 1 to April 30 to find out how to get help paying your winter heating bills through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).
• Energy Outreach Colorado has a variety of programs, including finding help to pay your utility bills year round. Contact them at 1-303-825-8750 or info@energyoutreach.org.
• If you are enrolled in LEAP and your heating system stops working, you can get emergency service from the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) at 1-855-4-MY-HEAT (1-855-469-4328) for emergency service. The phone line operates 24 hours a day, every day, so you can call at any time. (If you qualify for LEAP but are not enrolled, CIP will explain how to file an immediate LEAP application.)
• Get help lowering your heating costs by making your house more energy efficient through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). For more details or to apply, contact your local WAP agency.
• Colorado's Affordable Residential Energy Program (CARE) offers free energy efficiency, health, and safety upgrades to qualified Colorado residents. Contact CARE at 1-303-825-8750 or info@energyoutreach.org.

If you don't complete the entire application process correctly, your LEAP application may be delayed. You need to:

• Answer all the questions in each section of the application.
• Make sure that you sign it and are sending it to the correct county LEAP office.
• Attach a copy of your most recent heating bill (if you pay your heat as part of your rent, attach a copy of your most recent rent receipt).
• Include a readable copy of your valid photo ID.
• List the birth dates and Social Security numbers (if they have them) for all members of your household.
• Attach proof of all monthly household income, like copies of pay stubs, award letters, or loan documents.
• If self-employed, include copies of receipts for all expenses claimed on your profit and loss statement.

When you apply for the Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), you must prove that you are in this country legally, either as a citizen or a lawful permanent resident. To do this, you must provide a copy of your ID and sign what is called an affidavit. There are several boxes on the affidavit, each with a different reason for why you are in this country legally. Only check one box. Sometimes people check all the boxes on the affidavit section, and that delays their application.