United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Access centre to apply for LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program) emergency financial assistance

• program runs from January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 or until funds are depleted
• grant is credited directly toward energy bill
• agency can arrange hold on a disconnection notice while a case is being assessed
• length of hold depends on utility company
• all decisions can be appealed
• Assistance through LEAP program is no longer limited to being received only once in a calendar year, but maximum amounts have changed
  • Gas customers can receive up to $500 on past due balance
  • Customers who heat with electricity can receive up to $600 on past due balance
  • Eligible customers can apply more than once up to the maximum grant amounts

• Effective March 1 2024

  • Gas Customers can receive up to $650 towards their past due gas arrears
    
  • Customers who heat with electricity can receive up to $780 towards their electricity arrears
  • Income thresholds have increased, please call to find out if you are eligible
  • No eligible leap applicant will be denied a leap grant due to lack of funding

• Age Requirements: 18 yrs and older
• decision will be based on several factors including long-term viability of the account
• a disconnection notice is not required to be eligible
  • Hydro One (customers throughout Ontario)
  • Alectra Utilities, formerly Powerstream (Customers from Barrie to North York only)
  • Alectra Utilities (Customers in Brampton and Caledon)
  • Epcor Natural Gas (Customers in parts of Bruce County, Elgin County, Middlesex County, Oxford County and Norfolk County)

• Pre-screening by telephone before in-person interview
  
• documents required for interview include photo id for everyone in the home, current utility bill, proof of lease or mortgage, proof of household income for everyone over the age of 18 yrs and recent bank statement showing 30 days prior to application date

• photo id for everyone in the home
  
• current utility bill
  
• proof of lease or mortgage
  
• proof of household income for everyone over the age of 18 yrs
  
• recent bank statement showing 30 days prior to application date

• Income Support - Emergency Financial Assistance

• Brant County
• Ontario
• Simcoe County