Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

Lead

The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) gives emergency financial help to those who have low income and are behind on paying their electricity and gas bills or have been disconnected. You could get up to $500 in emergency assistance for electricity bills ($600 if your home is heated electrically) and $500 for gas bills.

Introduction

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) gives emergency financial help to those who have low income and are behind on paying their electricity and gas bills or have been disconnected.

You could get up to $500 in emergency assistance for electricity bills ($600 if your home is heated electrically) and $500 for gas bills.

You can apply for the program once a year. Emergency financial assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Funds may be limited.

Eligibility

You may be eligible if you:

Note

  • The family income limit changes each year depending on:
    • the size of the town or city you live in
    • the number of people in your family.

How to apply

Apply for LEAP

  • Call a representative from a local social agency. You will most likely have to meet them for an interview.
  • Prepare your paperwork. You will be asked to provide:
    • Identification
    • Current electricity and gas bills
    • A disconnection notice, if you received one
    • A copy of a rental contract, lease, or mortgage documents
    • Proof of household income – cheque stub, employment letter, or income tax return for adult members of household
    • A copy of your most recent bank statement

Notes

  • The social agency will review your case and decide whether or not your family income qualifies as low-income.
    • In the meantime, the social agency will contact your electricity or natural gas provider (i.e. your utility) and ask them to stop any further disconnection or collection activity on your account until a decision is made.
    • Whether or not your application is successful, your utility will be notified.
  • If your application is approved, the grant will be issued on your behalf and paid directly to your utility. You will not get a cheque.

Difficulty

Moderate Application
Tax filing
No
Jurisdiction
Provincial
Topics
Housing