LEAP is a federally funded program that provides cash assistance to help low income households meet the costs of winter home heating.

LEAP is designed to help with winter heating costs. LEAP is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating.

Applications are taken at county social service agencies from November 1st through April 30th.

If you would like additional information or need an application call toll free 1.

The Colorado Commission on Aging was established in 1964 to inform and advise decision makers and to advocate for the quality of life of all seniors. Colorado has the third fastest growing aging population in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The duties of the Commission are:

To Conduct, and encourage others to conduct, studies of problems of the state's older people.

To assist government and private agencies to coordinate their efforts on behalf of the aging and aged in order that efforts are effective and non-duplicative.

What is an OMBUDSMAN?
A person who is concerned with protecting the civil and human rights of elderly persons in long-term care facilities, such as a nursing home or an assisted living facility.

A problem-solver and a mediator.

A resource.

An objective investigator of complaints.

What can the Ombudsman do for you?
Provide a place where a resident of a long-term care facility or their family can discuss a problem and receive assistance.

A program of the Colorado Attorney General, Better Business Bureau and AARP ElderWatch.

Call To:

• Check on business before you buy!
• Report elder fraud
• File a consumer complaint - and get help resolving it
• Talk to a consumer of elder fraud specialist

1-800-222-4444

Eldercare Locator is a nationwide, directory assistance service designed to help older persons and caregivers locate local support resources for aging Americans.

How to use Eldercare Locator:
Anyone can call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Eastern Time.

Please have the following information ready:

1. County and City Name or Zip Code.

AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) promotes and supports advocacy, education, and community service activities in states and communities. AARP works in both private and public sectors to improve the quality of life for our members and for all Americans as they grow older.

ElderWatch: Is a private organization that serves as a resource for people in long term care and their families. ElderWatch provides protective, medical, and legal services, all designed to protect residents in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. These services include investigation and prevention of resident abuse and neglect, medical record review by nurses or physicians, serving as an advocate for the resident at all stages of their stay in a facility, counseling and education for families regarding resident care issues and long term care options, and estate planning for those entering long term care.

Fun Fact:
The Social Security Act was signed by President Franklin Roosevelt on August 14, 1935. Taxes were collected for the first time in January 1937 and the first one-time, lump-sum payments were made that same month. Regular ongoing monthly benefits started in January 1940.

From 1937 until 1940, Social Security paid benefits in the form of a single, lump-sum payment. The purpose of these one-time payments was to provide some "payback" to those people who contributed to the program but would not participate long enough to be vested for monthly benefits.