LEAP Helps Seniors Stay on Budget

For many seniors like Freddis Bledsoe, the cost of living continues to rise while incomes remain fixed.  LEAP, a heating assistance program, has helped Bledsoe keep the cost of her heating bill down.

“I have to pay a lot for rent and then I still have my electric and heating, insurance, television and phone bill to pay,” said Bledsoe.  “It’s a struggle.  By the time you get done paying all of that out of your little check, there’s not much left.”

The good news came for Bledsoe when she found out she qualified for assistance through LEAP.  To qualify for LEAP, the household incomes must be at or below 150 percent Federal Poverty Level, which for a household size of one is $1,436.

Eighty-one year-old Monica Lockhart uses LEAP to keep her adopted and foster children warm.

“I don’t know what I would do without LEAP,” said Lockhart.  “I’m able to use the money I save with LEAP to take care of the children.  Their school uniforms are expensive and the cost of food is high.”

Lockhart was most impressed with how easy it was to apply for LEAP.  By simply calling 1-866-HEAT-HELP, she was able to have an application mailed directly to her home and it, “even included a return envelope” to send the completed application back in.

“A lot of seniors don’t have access to a computer or car to turn in the paperwork, so the mail-in process is excellent,” said Lockhart.

Along with a completed application, LEAP applicants should also include a copy of an ID, proof of the last four weeks of income and a current heating bill or a statement from the tenant’s landlord if heat is included with rent.

Those who qualify for LEAP typically receive financial assistance one time each season and may also get help with furnace repairs through the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP), which can be reached by calling 1-855-4-MY-HEAT (1-855-469-4328).

Lockhart believes that everybody needs a little help, “sometimes you just have to let go of your pride.  If you need help, just ask.”
Applicants can apply through April 30.For more information about LEAP, call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) or visit www.denvergov.org/leap.
(Information for Pull-Out Boxes)
LEAP: 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435)
Crisis Intervention Program: 1-855-4-MY-HEAT (1-855-469-4328)

Copies to mail with the completed application:

• Valid ID
• Proof of your last four weeks of income
• Heat bill or, if heat is included in rent, a statement from your landlord

Mail the application and copies to: Denver LEAP, PO Box 40609, Denver, CO 80204