'LEAP' Assistance For Home Heating Begins Accepting Applications Sunday

DENVER (CBS4) – Staying warm in the cold can be overwhelming for some Colorado families struggling to make ends meet. A program called LEAP, which will begin accepting applications, can help.

Residents are eligible for LEAP assistance based on their monthly income. LEAP helps people get a heater or repairs. It can also help turn the heat back on for anyone with missed payments.

Thousands of Coloradans qualify for LEAP.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to receive help from LEAP:

- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, or be part of a household with a legal resident;
- Responsible for paying heating costs; and
- Meet certain income limits

"No matter who you are or where you're from, during this time of year, home is where the warmth is," Denver Human Services Executive Director Don Mares said in a statement. "We're proud to be able to assist even more families than before by helping provide an essential aspect of home and family life to those in Denver who need it most."

LEAP will begin accepting applications on Sunday.

For more information visit a special section of colorado.gov, or call (866) HEAT-HELP (432-8435).