Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
- Are you behind on your electricity or natural gas bill, and face having your service disconnected?
- You may qualify for emergency financial help through the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).
- How do you qualify?
To qualify you need to meet all of the following criteria:
- The account must be in your name;
- You must live at the address of the account;
- You must have made a payment to the account within past 6 months; and
- You are behind on your bill – or in arrears – and may face having your service disconnected.
At what amount of income does it takes to qualify? See the chart below.
The amount of income it takes to qualify depends on two factors:
- How many people live in the house; and
- Your combined household income.
| Household after tax income ($) | Number of People Living in Home | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
| $0-$28,000 |  |
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| $28,001 – $39,000 | |
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| $29,001 – $48,000 | |
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| $48,001 – $52,000 | |
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What help is available?
- Receive up to $500 in emergency assistance for your electricity bill ($600 if your home is heated electrically) and $500 for your natural gas bills.
- Advocacy on your behalf with your electricity or natural gas provider to pause any further disconnection or collection activity on your account until a decision is reached.
- The LEAP program does not assist with Water/Sewer arrears.
What documents do you have to provide?
- Identification for all members of the household
- Current electricity and gas bills
- A disconnection notice, if you have received one
- A copy of a rental contract, lease or mortgage documents
- Proof of household income – cheque stub, employment letter, income tax return for each adult member of household
- A copy of your most recent bank statement
Who do I have to contact for assistance? It depends upon your utility company. See the chart below:
| Utility Company | Contact | Steps |
|---|---|---|
|
Enbridge Gas, Hydro One |
Call United Way Simcoe Muskoka |
Please indicate them you are |
|
Lakefront Utilities |
Call The Help Centre |
– |
NOTE:
- Emergency financial assistance is provided on a first-come first-served basis.
- Funds may be limited.
- Grants are issued on your behalf and paid directly to your utility.
Disclaimer
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