Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Applications Accepted Beginning Nov. 1

---

Eligible low-income Douglas County households can apply for energy assistance through the Douglas County Human Services Department’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) from Nov. 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009 to help offset the cost of heating their homes during the winter months.

Eligible applicants must make a monthly household income in one of the following categories:

Number of people in household	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	Each additional person add:
Monthly Gross Income 185% of Poverty	$1,064	$2,159	$2,714	$3,269	$3,824	$4,379	$4,934	$5,489	$555

Applicants must pay their home heating costs to a utility company, fuel dealer or as part of the rent. Those living in non-subsidized housing that pay home heating costs either in the form of rent or as a separate charge in addition to rent, may also be eligible for LEAP. Individuals living in subsidized housing are eligible for LEAP if the unit has a separate meter for fuel charges or if individuals are billed a heating surcharge for fuel.

The amount that applicants receive through the LEAP is based on the number of household members, monthly income, home verses apartment, gas verses electric, propane, etc. LEAP does not pay electric unless the home is 100 percent electric. Funds are usually paid directly to the vendor in one or two payments depending on the amount.

Individuals who received LEAP in 2007-2008 and those on Old Age Pension, Supplemental Security Income, Aid to the Needy Disabled and/or Aid to the Blind, will automatically be mailed an application this November.

Applicants will need to provide the following with their application: proof of income from all sources unless they receive Old Age Pension, Aid to the Needy and/or Disabled/Aid to the Blind; a copy of their most recent heating bill showing the company name, address and account numbers, or a copy of the most recent rent receipt stating heat included in rent; proof of identification (valid Colorado driver’s license); and a signed Affidavit of Proof of Citizenship.

Applications are available online at www.douglas.co.us/humanservices/LEAP.html or can be picked up at the Douglas County Human Services building, 4400 Castleton Ct., in Castle Rock. Anyone without Internet access can visit the Human Services building or visit their local library. For questions, please call 303.688.4825.

The LEAP is made possible through grants from the federal government, as well as the State of Colorado.