Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) 

LEAP is a federally funded program administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services and is designed to assist with winter heating costs.

LEAP is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating.  Even if you are applying for LEAP assistance you should continue to pay your home heating bill.

The LEAP eligibility period runs from November 1st through April 30th.

More information can be obtained by calling 383-3168.

LEAP applications, in both English and Spanish, are available in Room 102 of the Otero County court house or at the state web site: http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap/  Please note that applications from the state web site are not available until November 1 of each program year.

For year-round assistance with your utility bills please contact HEAT HELP toll-free at 1-866-432-8435.

Crisis Intervention Program: The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) operates year-round and provides assistance with your home's primary heating source such as a furnace. You must be eligible for basic LEAP to qualify for CIP. Applications are available in Room 102 of the Otero County court house or at the state web site:  http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap/offices.htm.

To qualify for LEAP you must:

• Pay heating costs to an energy provider, fuel dealer, or as part of your rent.
• Be a permanent leagl resident of the United States and Colorado or have household members that are U.S. citizens.
• Provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S. **
• Have income that falls within the guidelines given below.  "Household" means people who live with you and for whom you are financially responsible.

Guidelines for 2009-2010 Program Year

 ** Verification of Lawful Presence

LEAP applicants must provide a readable copy of one of the following valid identifications:

1. A Colorado driver's license or a Colorado identification card
2. A United States military ID or military dependant's card
3. A United States Merchant Mariner card
4. A Native American Tribal document
5. Any other document authorized by rules adopted by the Department of Revenue