FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 1, 2008

For more information contact:
Jamie Glennon, Denver Human Services, 720-944-2405 or Jamie.Glennon@denvergov.org

Denver, Colo.—–The Denver Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), a heating cost assistance program, begins accepting applications today, Oct. 1, 2008. (Most other counties in Colorado do not accept applications until Nov. 1.  Call your local county human services office to find out when your county begins accepting applications)

“The pre-application lets the Denver LEAP staff take a look at completed applications to make sure all the information and documentation is accurate,” says Enrique Hernandez, Denver LEAP supervisor.  “If something is wrong on the application, we can contact the client to resolve the issue so the application won’t be delayed when processing it in November.”

People who qualify are eligible to receive the LEAP benefit one time each season, which runs Nov. 1, 2008 – April 30, 2009.

LEAP increased the minimum benefit to $200 and maximum benefit to $900, per household, for the 2008-2009 season. 

“Rising heating costs are going to impact many families in Denver,” says Carmen Carrillo, deputy manager at Denver Human Services.  “The extra money LEAP will give to families who qualify will help out tremendously for those who are already having a difficult time getting by.”

To qualify for LEAP, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, pay heat costs to an energy company or as part of rent, and meet gross monthly income limits. 

The gross monthly income limit for a household of one must be less than or equal to $1,604; for a household of two, $2159; for a household of three $2714; and increases by $555 for each additional person living in the household.

Applicants must submit the following items with the application when they apply: a copy of a valid state photo ID, proof of citizenship or lawful alien status, social security numbers and birth dates for all household members, signed LEAP affidavit (included with application), copies of prior month’s income, and copy of prior month’s heating bill or rental agreement that shows heat is included with rent.  

Denver residents should call 1-866-Heat-Help (1-866-432-8435) to pre-apply for assistance and ask for an application.  People living in Denver can also visit Denver Human Services at 2855 Tremont Pl. between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, for assistance with the application.

If someone is in an emergency shut-off situation, contact Energy Outreach for Colorado or call 1-866-Heat-Help (1-866-432-8435).

For more information, visit www.denvergov.org/leap.

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