La Plata County Dept. of Human Services offering home heating assistance

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DURANGO, Colo. – La Plata County residents struggling to pay their heating bills can now receive assistance through the Colorado Department of Human Services Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).

La Plata County Human Services will accept applications for LEAP from November 1, 2008 through April 30, 2009. LEAP does not pay the entire costs of home heating, and for most households, benefits will be paid directly to the utility company or fuel supplier.

To be eligible, households must pay heating costs to a utility company or fuel supplier or pay heating costs as part of their rent. The maximum monthly income for a one-person household is $1,604 and applicants must reside in Colorado. Applicants must submit a copy of their most recent heating bill or rent receipt, if heat is included in rent, proof of lawful presence, and proof of income.

LEAP is funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the state and Energy Outreach Colorado, a local non-profit organization, which receives funding from the energy industry and contributions from public donations and energy consumers.

Potential program applicants can apply several ways:

1.      Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to have an application mailed to your home.

2.      LEAP applications are available at the La Plata County Department of Human Services, 1060 E 2^nd Avenue, Durango.

3.      LEAP applications can also be downloaded from the program’s Web site at http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap/apply.htm. Applicants may then mail or deliver a completed application to La Plata County Department of Human Services, 1060 E. 2^nd Ave., Durango, CO 81301.  Applications may also be faxed to (970) 247-2208.

For additional information, contact the La Plata County Department of Human Services, 970.382.6150.

 

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