The Low-income Energy Assistance Program, more commonly called LEAP, continues to see a rise in the number of applications it has received this season in Denver, which may be attributed to the economic downtown.
The good news is LEAP can provide relief for some people affected by the current economic situation who need help paying their heating bill if they qualify.
"Some people might not have qualified two months ago, but now their financial situation has changed," says Carmen Carrillo, deputy manager at Denver Department of Human Services. "Since LEAP partially bases eligibility off monthly income, we're seeing some people that didn't qualify a few weeks ago now become eligible."
For instance, a person or a member of a household that was recently laid off may be eligible for LEAP if the household monthly income falls within the specified guidelines.
Even people collecting unemployment benefits may qualify if their monthly income falls within the limits.
Additionally, people can re-apply who had previously been denied due to income eligibility if their income or household status has changed.
"We are seeing more and more people who tell us they recently lost their job and they can't afford to pay their heat bill," says Denver LEAP Supervisor Enrique Hernandez. "The number of first time applicants we have in Denver is nearly 40 percent of the total number of applications we've received so far this season."
Denver LEAP has received 11,812 applications since Nov. 1, with 4,681 being new applicants. The number of people applying in Denver this season over last season is up 15 percent according to data the Denver Department of Human Services had on Jan. 9, 2009.
To be eligible for the program, a person needs to be a U.S citizen or legal resident, pay heat costs to an energy company or as part of rent, and meet income guidelines of up to 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, which for a household of three, monthly income before taxes must be less than or equal to $2,714.
Denver residents can apply by calling 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435), visiting
www.denvergov.org/leap or visiting the Denver Department of Human Services East office located at
2855 Tremont Place.
LEAP Income Guidelines
|
Number of People in Household
|
Highest Monthly Income Before Taxes
|
|
1
|
$1,604
|
|
2
|
$2,159
|
|
3
|
$2,714
|
|
4
|
$3,269
|
|
5
|
$3,824
|
|
6
|
$4,379
|
|
7
|
$4,934
|
|
8
|
$5,489
|
|
Each additional person
|
$555
|