Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) Emergency Financial Assistance
This is a one-time emergency grant if you are behind on your electricity or natural gas bill and could be cut off. The money goes straight to your utility, not to you. You can get up to $650 for electricity (up to $780 if your home is heated by electricity) and up to $650 for natural gas.
What you get
Up to $780
Who it's for
You qualify if you are behind on your power or gas bill and could be disconnected, and your household size and income after tax are below the limits (for example, under $38,000 for 1 person; up to $54,000 for 2; up to $65,000 for 3-4; up to $71,000 for 5+).
This takes you to the official website
What to have ready
Documents they may ask for
- Government ID for everyone in your household, if available
- A copy of your lease or rent agreement
- Recent rent receipt, ledger, or proof of what you owe
- Recent pay stubs, benefit statement, or income proof
- ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP, OAS, or other benefit statement if you have one
- Recent bank statement, if the program asks for it
What to say when you call
“Hi, I found your housing support program and I want to check if I can apply. Can you tell me the current rules, documents needed, and the next step?”
Use the official page first, then call 211 if you are not sure where to start.
Can I get this?
You have a good chance if this sounds like you:
- You apply through a designated intake agency
What to do next
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The fine print
More details about the money
Electricity: up to $650 (or up to $780 if your home is heated electrically). Natural gas: up to $650. Grants are paid directly to your utility - you do not receive a cheque.
Amounts and eligibility change. Confirm the current figure with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on it.
The full eligibility rules
Households behind on an electricity or natural gas bill and facing disconnection, whose household size and after-tax income are below program limits (for example: 1 person under $38,000; 2 people up to $54,000; 3-4 people up to $65,000; 5+ people up to $71,000). You must apply through a designated intake agency.
Good to know
Grant caps ($650 electricity / $780 if electrically heated / $650 natural gas), income thresholds by household size, intake-agency process, and direct-to-utility payment all confirmed on the Ontario Energy Board (oeb.ca) LEAP page. LEAP is a once-per-year emergency benefit; income thresholds and grant caps are set by the OEB and may change - re-verify annually.
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