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Self-Sufficiency, Employment, and Public Assistance Division

Frequently Asked Questions

Index

Housing

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

Child Support Enforcement

Housing

Where can I find information about affordable housing and housing assistance programs?

Housing assistance services are offered by the Broomfield Housing Authority.  For additional information on their services please see their website at http://www.broomfield.org/housing/ or contact the Housing Program Manager at (303) 438-6396.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

What is the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program?

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services that is designed to help qualifying low-income households cover part of their winter home heating costs from November 1st through April 30th.  LEAP is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating.  LEAP benefits are available to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, national origin, political or religious beliefs.  Qualifying persons will receive only one LEAP benefit per heat season.  Although LEAP assistance may be split into two (2) separate payments, any benefit received during a heat season will be the only one for that year and participants must plan accordingly.

Who is eligible for LEAP?

You may qualify for LEAP if:

  • You pay home heating costs to an energy provider, fuel dealer, or as part of your rent;

  • You are a permanent legal resident of the United States and Colorado or you have household members that are U.S. Citizens;

  • You provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S.;

  • Your maximum family household income falls within the established income guidelines.  “Household” means people who live with you and for whom you are financially responsible.

If I am eligible for LEAP, will LEAP cover the entire amount of my heating bill?

No, LEAP is designed to cover only a portion of your home heating bill.

How do I apply for LEAP?

  1. You may obtain an application by calling the Broomfield Health and Human Services Department at (720) 887-2200 or visiting the state’s LEAP website at http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap/.
  2. Complete the application and review it for accuracy.  Incomplete applications can not be processed.
  3. Submit the application and other required documentation* by mailing it or bringing it to the Broomfield Health and Human Services Department, 6 Garden Center, Broomfield, CO 80020. Applications for the 2006/2007 LEAP program will be accepted from November 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010.
  4. The applicant for LEAP must also complete, sign and date the affidavit located on page 5 of the application.

*Due to recent legislation, applicants for LEAP must provide additional documents with each LEAP application.  A readable copy of one of the following valid identifications must be provided:

  1. Colorado Driver License or a Colorado Identification Card; or

  2. A United States military card or military dependant’s card; or

  3. A United States Merchant Mariner card; or

  4. A Native American Tribal document.

  5. Any other document authorized by rules adopted by the Department of Revenue (DOR).

The following checklist will help you make sure that you have submitted all of the necessary information to be considered for LEAP:

I have answered all questions in all sections on my application.

  • I have enclosed a readable copy of the applicant’s valid (Photo) identification.

  • I have included social security numbers and birth dates for ALL household members.

  • I have completed and signed the affidavit.

  • I have attached proof (copies of pay stubs, award letters, loans, etc.) for all income received by my household last month.

  • I have attached a copy of my moth recent heating (not lighting) bill showing company name, address, and account numbers.

  • I have attached a copy of my most recent rent receipt (if heating costs are included in rent).

  • I have signed my application.

If I have applied for LEAP, should I continue to pay my home heating bills?

Yes.  Do not wait for help from LEAP.  The process takes time, so you must keep your account current by making a payment towards your heating bill on time.  If you apply for LEAP and receive a shutoff notice before you know the outcome of your application, or you have your heating service disconnected, notify the Broomfield Health and Human Services Department immediately.  Remember, simply filling out this application does not mean that you can ignore your current bills and notices from your energy company. 

Will LEAP affect my eligibility for other government assistance programs?

No.  This program will not affect your eligibility for other government programs, including Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Colorado Works/TANF, Food Stamps, Old Age Pension (OAP), and Aid to Needy Disabled (AND) / Aid to the Blind (AB).

What are weatherization services and am I eligible?

If you are eligible for LEAP, you may receive free furnace and weatherization services for your home through the Energy Saving Partners Program (E$P).  LEAP applications are used by E$P to provide energy efficiency or weatherization services.  LEAP applications also serve as an E$P / weatherization application.  For information, please call toll-free 1-866-HEATHELP or 1-866-432-8435.

Child Support Enforcement

What is paternity?

Paternity means fatherhood.  Paternity is considered already legally established if the child is born during the course of a marriage.  If a child is born outside of a marriage and the father’s name is not already on the birth certificate, our agency will help establish paternity in one of two ways:

  1. Legal Establishment of Paternity

    1. If the man alleged as the child’s father denies being the father, or if the mother is unsure of whom the father is, a legal action may be filed and genetic tests can be performed. 

    2. If the man continues to state that he is not the father, a court hearing may be requested and the judge will make the determination.

  2. Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity

    1. If the man alleged as the father admits paternity, he will be asked to sign a legal acknowledgement stating that he is the father.

Why is establishing paternity important?

  1. Identity - Children have the right to know there mother and father.
  2. Financial – The father may be required to pay child support if paternity has been legally established.
  3. Medical – It may be possible to obtain medical insurance for the child through the father’s employer.
  4. Survivor’s benefits – If the father dies, his child could qualify for a number of benefits such as Social Security, inheritance, veteran’s benefits or life insurance.