Colorado calls its LIHEAP program “LEAP” — the Low-income Energy Assistance Program — administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). LEAP helps eligible Colorado households pay a portion of their winter home heating costs with a one-time payment directly to the utility company. LEAP accepts applications from November 1 through April 30 each year.
Colorado also offers the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) — a year-round program for emergency furnace repair or replacement — and a Weatherization Program through the Governor’s Energy Office. LEAP approval unlocks access to both. A unique Colorado addition: the Property Tax/Rent/Heat (PTC) rebate for low-income seniors and disabled residents, administered separately by the Colorado Department of Revenue.
What Does Colorado LEAP Cover?
Regular Heating Assistance (LEAP) — a one-time payment per heating season toward winter home heating costs, paid directly to your utility company. Benefit range: $200 to $1,000, depending on heating fuel type, household income, and other factors. In a recent season, nearly 80,000 Colorado households received an average benefit of $355.
LEAP does not offer cooling assistance — Colorado’s LIHEAP program is heating-only. For cooling emergencies, contact Energy Outreach Colorado or dial 211 for local resources.
Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) — year-round emergency assistance for the repair or replacement of a home’s primary heating system such as a furnace or wood-burning stove. CIP only covers households that have already cleared basic LEAP eligibility. If you are without heat, contact your county LEAP office immediately — CIP can help even outside the November–April LEAP window.
Weatherization Program — offered through the Governor’s Energy Office, this program improves energy efficiency in Colorado homes through insulation, sealing, and heating system upgrades, helping to permanently reduce heating costs year-round. A LEAP approval connects you to a home energy audit and potential weatherization services.
Property Tax/Rent/Heat (PTC) Rebate — a separate Colorado program for low-income seniors (65+) and disabled persons. Provides a rebate of up to $660 for property taxes and up to $192 for heat expenses. Administered by the Colorado Department of Revenue, not CDHS. Apply through the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Colorado LEAP Income Limits 2026
To qualify for LEAP, your household’s gross monthly income must not exceed 60% of the Colorado State Median Income (SMI). For the 2025–2026 LEAP season, this equates to a household income of less than $83,256 per year for a family of four — or approximately $6,938 per month.
The state median income used for LEAP is released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services each April and applies to the following heating season beginning November 1.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (60% Colorado SMI) |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~$3,984 |
| 2 | ~$5,208 |
| 3 | ~$6,072 |
| 4 | ~$6,938 |
| 5 | ~$7,614 |
| 6 | ~$8,280 |
| 7 | ~$8,496 |
| 8 | ~$8,700 |
| Each additional | +~$177/month |
60% SMI figures for the 2025–2026 season. The new season’s limits are posted at cdhs.colorado.gov/leap on November 1. Confirm current figures at cdhs.colorado.gov/leap or by calling 1-866-HEAT-HELP.
Colorado’s 60% SMI limits are notably more generous than the 150% FPL threshold used by most states. A family of four can earn up to ~$6,938/month and still qualify for LEAP — well above the ~$4,628/month they’d need to meet in a 150% FPL state. For a national comparison of state income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: Colorado LEAP has no asset test.
Categorical eligibility: Households receiving Colorado Works (TANF), SSI, or SNAP (food assistance) may automatically qualify for LEAP. Receiving LEAP does not affect eligibility for SNAP, SSI, Medicare, Colorado Works, Old Age Pension, or Aid to the Needy Disabled.
Who Qualifies for Colorado LEAP
To be eligible for LEAP, you must:
- Live permanently and legally in Colorado
- Have at least one U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident in the household
- Pay home heating costs — either directly to a utility company or to a landlord as part of your rent
- Meet income guidelines — gross monthly income at or below 60% Colorado SMI
Renters are eligible — including those whose heating costs are included in their rent. If utilities are included in your rent, bring a copy of your lease agreement to your application.
Lawful presence documentation is required for all household members born outside the U.S. Acceptable documents include U.S. Passport, Colorado driver’s license or state ID, U.S. military card, Permanent Resident Card (green card), and others listed at cdhs.colorado.gov/leap.
35% of Colorado households reduced spending on basic necessities at least one month in the last year to pay an energy bill, according to CDHS — Colorado energy costs are rising more than three times the rate of inflation.
How to Apply for Colorado LEAP
Colorado LEAP accepts applications November 1 through April 30 each year. Applications submitted before January 1 are processed within 30 days; emergency applications are processed within 18 days. CDHS also recommends applying early because funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application Methods
Online (preferred): Apply through Colorado PEAK at cdhs.colorado.gov/leap. The link to the online application goes live on November 1 each year. Colorado PEAK is the same portal used for SNAP, Medicaid, and Colorado Works — if you already have an account, sign in to apply.
By phone: Call the HEAT HELP line at 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to have an application mailed or emailed to you, or to apply with assistance over the phone. You can find Colorado’s state LIHEAP contact in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
For a general overview of the application process, see how to apply for LIHEAP.
By mail or email: Download a paper application from cdhs.colorado.gov/leap beginning November 1 and mail or email to your county LEAP office. Mail address for the processing center: LEAP, PO Box 39200, Colorado Springs, CO 80949.
In person: Pick up or drop off an application at your local county Department of Human Services office. A list of county offices is at cdhs.colorado.gov. Some counties use contracted providers such as Goodwill of Colorado — your county DHS office can confirm who processes applications locally.
Required Documents — LEAP Checklist
Before submitting, confirm you have:
- All questions answered in every section of the application
- Lawful presence documentation for all household members born outside the U.S.
- Social Security numbers and birth dates for all household members
- Proof of all monthly household income — pay stubs, award letters (SSI, Social Security, SNAP, Colorado Works), or loan documentation
Your utility service provider data is accessed automatically through the application — CDHS has authorization from applicants to retrieve account payment history, energy usage, and shutoff notices directly from the utility.
Processing Times
- Regular applications: processed within 30 days of receipt
- Emergency applications: processed within 18 days of receipt
- You have the right to appeal if your application is not processed within these timelines — contact the State LEAP Office at 303-861-0269
Once approved, CDHS sends payment directly to your utility company. You will receive a notification of your benefit amount. To check on a pending application, see how to track your LIHEAP application status.
Outside LEAP Season — What’s Available
If you need energy assistance outside the November–April LEAP window:
- Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) — year-round furnace repair and replacement; contact your county LEAP office or call 1-866-HEAT-HELP
- Energy Outreach Colorado — provides assistance to Coloradans who do not qualify for LEAP; visit energyoutreach.org
- Project COPE — assistance for Xcel Energy customers who have applied for LEAP first; call 211 for a referral to a Project COPE agency near you
- Fort Collins Utilities Payment Assistance Fund — for Fort Collins residents with a shutoff notice; visit the Mission at Catholic Charities Northern, 460 Linden Center Dr., Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 1–4 PM
- 211 — dial for referrals to local energy assistance, food banks, and other programs statewide
Colorado LEAP Funding 2026
Colorado receives federal LIHEAP funding annually. In a recent heating season, nearly 80,000 Coloradans statewide received LEAP assistance. CDHS publishes weekly statistical reports showing application totals by all 64 Colorado counties from the start of the season — available at cdhs.colorado.gov/leap. To compare Colorado’s funding with other states, browse the LIHEAP state directory.
Additional Resources for Colorado Families
Colorado SNAP (Food Assistance): Check Colorado SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Colorado.
Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado): Check Colorado Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Colorado WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LEAP in Colorado?
LEAP (Low-income Energy Assistance Program) is Colorado’s name for the federal LIHEAP program. It helps low-income Colorado households pay a portion of their winter home heating costs. Administered by CDHS, it accepts applications November 1 through April 30 with a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company.
What are the income limits for Colorado LEAP?
60% of Colorado’s State Median Income — approximately $83,256/year ($6,938/month) for a family of four for the 2025–2026 season. There is no asset limit. Confirm current figures at cdhs.colorado.gov/leap.
Does Colorado LEAP cover cooling costs?
No — Colorado LEAP is a heating-only program. There is no cooling assistance component. For cooling emergencies, contact Energy Outreach Colorado or dial 211.
What is the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)?
CIP is a year-round Colorado program that provides emergency repair or replacement of a home’s primary heating system (furnace, wood-burning stove). You must first qualify for LEAP to access CIP. CIP is available outside the November–April LEAP application window — contact your county LEAP office if you are without heat at any time of year.
When can I apply for LEAP?
November 1 through April 30 each year. Online applications open at cdhs.colorado.gov/leap on November 1. Apply early — funding is limited and first-come, first-served.
What is the PTC rebate?
The Property Tax/Rent/Heat Credit (PTC) rebate is a Colorado program for low-income seniors (65+) and disabled persons that rebates up to $660 in property taxes and up to $192 in heat expenses. It is administered by the Colorado Department of Revenue — separate from LEAP. Apply through the Colorado Department of Revenue.
For current Colorado LEAP information and to apply, visit cdhs.colorado.gov/leap or call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435). Income limits update each November 1 with the new season — confirm current figures at the CDHS website.