LIHEAP Colorado

LIHEAP in Colorado

LIHEAP or the low-income home energy assistance program is also known as Colorado HEAP. The program accepts applications from November to April each year for heating and crisis support. In 2012 the Colorado LIHEAP program received an estimated $35.5 million in money, which will be spread throughout the state. Utility companies working with Colorado LIHEAP include:

• Aquila
• Atmos Energy
• City of Boulder
• City of Fountain
• City of Longmont
• City of Loveland Water and Power
• Colorado Springs Utilities
• Delta Montrose Electric
• Fort Collins Utilities
• Mountain Parks Electric
• Mountain View Electric
• Xcel Energy
• Yampa Valley Electric

Colorado LIHEAP Assistance

About 125,000 households received heating and crisis support from LIHEAP in 2011. The program is not designed to pay 100% of heating or cooling costs, but to reduce the burden of high utility bills during peak seasons and ensure residents are not left out in the cold, literally. Households receive a minimum of $200 in heating credits if accepted into LIHEAP in Colorado. The maximum benefit is $1,000. However, the average family receives about $373 per year in support.

The Colorado Department of Human Services (DHS) and community action agencies working with the DHS are available most days of the week to answer questions about LIHEAP and help residents submit applications. Proof of income and family size are required to apply for the program. Though the program only runs from November to April, crisis applications may be accepted at any time. The phone number for the Colorado DHS is 1-866-432-8435.

LIHEAP Application & How to Apply

You can apply for LIHEAP in Colorado through the Colorado Department of Human Services and community action agencies supported by the department. Some utility companies help customers apply for LIHEAP and some even offer additional heating and cooling support with reduced rates and bill credits, independent of the LIHEAP credit. Contact the Department of Human Services at 1-866-432-8435 for more information on how to apply for LIHEAP. Currently applications are accepted from November 1 to April 30.

LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?

Eligibility for the Colorado LIHEAP program is based on 150% of the federal poverty level. Before applying for LIHEAP support, it is suggested that you view the income guidelines to see if you are eligible. Meeting income limits is only one criterion and does not ensure acceptance or monetary support.

If there are more than eight persons in your household, add $5,730 for each additional member to the $56,445 income limit established for a family of eight. You will be required to prove family size and income.