Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
Date updated: 12/19/2011
Chart Directory:
Larimer County LEAP, FYE2002 to FYE2011:
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a program designed to help low income households with winter home heating costs. If a household is eligible for LEAP, it may also qualify for help such as minor furnace repair or replacement of broken windows. Households must submit a written application during the LEAP season (November 1 - April 30). Information in this data page is presented by Fiscal Year Ending [FYE], which corresponds to the end of the LEAP season in April. Funds are provided by the federal government and the Colorado Energy Assistance Foundation (CEAF), a non-profit organization. See Colorado Department of Human Services for more information about LEAP.
What this chart shows: Total Number of Approved/Denied Applicants for LEAP Assistance in Larimer County, FYE2002-FYE2011
Data Source: Colorado Department of Human Services LEAP office (data not available online)
What this chart shows: Average Dollar Amount of LEAP Benefits per Household in Larimer County, FYE2002-FYE2011
Data Source: Colorado Department of Human Services LEAP office (data not available online)
What this chart shows: Minimum/Maximum Amount of LEAP Benefits Received
in Larimer County, FYE2002-FYE2011
Data Source: Colorado Department of Human Services LEAP office (data not available online)
What the above data tell us:
From FYE 2002 to FYE 2011, the number of Larimer County households submitting applications for heating assistance increased 85%, with a corresponding percentage increase (89%) of approved applications. On average, approximately 16% of applicant households are denied benefits each year. The two most common reasons for denial of benefits in FYE 2011 were:The average benefit decreased by more than 29% in FY 2011 over the previous year to accommodate for the loss of funding.
The eligibility guidelines are adjusted each year to reflect 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. Beginning in FY 2007, an additional requirement was added in response to Colorado House Bill 1023, a law dealing with illegal immigration. All LEAP applicants were required to provide a picture ID and sign an affidavit regarding United States residency.
In FY2011, the minimum benefit decreased from $403 to $200 (50%) and maximum benefit decreased $100 from $1,000 to $900.
Additional Information:
Related Information on COMPASS -
- Affordable Rental Costs
- Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
- Federally Subsidized Housing
- Food Stamps
- Home Ownership/Affordable Housing
- Homelessness [pdf]
- Income by Racial Classification
- Median Family Income
- Per Capita Income
- Poverty
- Self-Sufficient Wages
- Students Eligible for Free/ Reduced School Lunch
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
Other Resources -
- Colorado Department of Human Services - Energy Assistance, includes income limits for qualifying for assistance
- Cost of Living Calculator - compares the cost of living in various United States cities
- Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Larimer County Department of Human Services - information on basic assistance programs
- Larimer County Department of Human Services - LEAP program and application information
Standards or Targets: N/A
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) - Larimer County
|
Denied Applications |
Approved Applications |
Total Number of Applications |
Average Amount of LEAP Benefit per household |
Minimum Benefit |
Maximum Benefit |
|
|
FYE 2002 |
682 | 3,529 | 4,211 | $248.91 |
$120 |
$700 |
|
FYE 2003 |
784 | 3,683 | 4,467 | $260.54 |
$165 |
$700 |
|
FYE 2004 |
1,003 | 4,692 | 5,695 | $270.03 |
$138 |
$700 |
|
FYE 2005 |
918 | 4,972 | 5,890 | $323.00 |
$177 |
$700 |
|
FYE 2006 |
1,169 | 5,561 | 6,730 | $500.00 |
$221 |
$900 |
|
FYE 2007 |
1,102 | 5,114 | 6,216 | $282.13 |
$165 |
$700 |
|
FYE 2008 |
909 | 5,121 | 6,032 | $382.57 |
$175 |
$900 |
|
FYE 2009 |
985 | 5,595 | 6,580 | $555.45 |
$497 |
$999 |
|
FYE 2010 |
1,167 | 6,479 | 7,646 | $468.11 |
$403 |
$1,000 |
|
FYE 2011 |
1,150 | 6,657 | 7,807 | $331.93 |
$200 |
$900 |
See chart - Number of LEAP Applications
See chart - Average Amount of LEAP Benefits
See chart - Range in Amount of Benefits