City and County of Broomfield
HomeOnline Services linkDepartment Listing linkBroomfield Services linkBusiness Information linkCity and County Government linkAbout Broomfield linkA to Z Index link

Self-Sufficiency, Employment and Public Assistance Division

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

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.  

Eligibility Requirements

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 guidelines. “Household” means people who live with you and for whom you are financially responsible.

To Apply for LEAP:

  • 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/.

  • Complete the application and review it for accuracy.  Incomplete applications can not be processed.

  • 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 2009/2010 LEAP program will be accepted from November 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010.

  • 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 most 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.

Notices:

  • If you have applied for LEAP, you should continue to pay your home heating bills. 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. 

  •  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.

  • 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).