Colorado Department of Human Services

Coloradans in need of assistance covering their home heating costs this winter can continue to access the state’s energy assistance program. With the government shutdown now over, the state’s Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is set to receive funding and will begin distributing benefits the week of Nov. 24. 

Energy costs are expected to rise more than 10 percent nationally this winter. LEAP can help vulnerable Coloradans pay a portion of their winter home heating bills so they have more money to spend on other essentials like groceries, medicine and rent.

LEAP will accept applications through April 30, 2026.

LEAP provides onetime energy assistance payments of several hundred dollars, distributed to customers through the primary heating fuel company, to defer heating energy costs. An estimated 80 percent of eligible Coloradans don’t take advantage of LEAP. To date, more than 49,000 Coloradans have applied for LEAP this season, which is a 3 percent increase over last season.

As a statewide program, LEAP helps eligible individuals and families pay winter home heating costs by making a onetime payment directly to the utility company on behalf of each LEAP-eligible household.

Last winter, more than 88,000 Coloradans received an average benefit of $565 from LEAP. Recipients may also be eligible to receive furnace repair and replacement in heat-related emergencies, and weatherization services pending the results of a home energy audit.

“Eligible families can expect to receive between $200 to $1,000 in energy assistance depending on the type of heating fuel, household income and other factors,” said Abby McClelland, director of the Food and Energy Assistance Division (FEAD) at the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). “We encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible to apply and take advantage of LEAP’s many benefits.”

To qualify for LEAP, Coloradans may have an income up to 60 percent of the state median income, equating to a household income of less than $83,256 a year for a family of four. Additionally, LEAP recipients must pay home heating costs directly to a utility company or landlord as part of their rent and have at least one U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S. living in the household.

To access the LEAP application, visit cdhs.colorado.com/leap. Online applications are processed through the CO PEAK system. You can also call the HEAT HELP line at 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to receive an application via mail or email or visit your local county Department of Human Services office to pick up or drop off an application.