LEAP Ontario 2026: Get $650 for Your Hydro Bill

The "Red Notice" is a soundless panic. You open your mailbox, see the envelope from your utility provider (Hydro One, Alectra, or Toronto Hydro), and there it is: a Disconnection Notice. You’ve been juggling your Ontario Works payments and rent, but the hydro bill has slipped through the cracks, and now you owe hundreds of dollars with a deadline of 48 hours.

In 2026, thousands of Ontarians are in this exact position. However, there is a specialized "Safety Valve" designed for this crisis: the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).

Contrary to older information stating a $500 limit, the 2026 LEAP program now provides up to **$650** for natural gas or electricity bills, and up to $780 if your home is heated electrically. This is a grant, not a loan—you never have to pay it back. This guide is the definitive manual on how to secure these funds before your power is cut.

Bypassing the "Disconnection" Deadline

1. The "Pause" Rule: How to Stop the Clock

The moment you start a LEAP application, your utility provider is legally required to pause all disconnection activity for 21 days.

• The Secret: You don't have to wait for approval to stop the technician from coming to your door. As soon as the "Lead Agency" (like United Way or The Salvation Army) starts your file, they send a "Pause" notification to your utility.
• Action: If you have received a 48-hour notice, you must call the LEAP intake line immediately at 1-855-487-5327.

2. LEAP vs. OESP: Know the Difference

Many people apply for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) thinking it will pay their overdue bill. It won't.

• OESP: Provides a monthly credit (e.g., $45/month) to lower future bills.
• LEAP: Provides a one-time emergency grant (up to $780) to pay off past bills (arrears).
• The 2026 Strategy: You should apply for both at the same time. Use LEAP to kill the debt and OESP to keep the debt from coming back.

Part 1: LEAP Eligibility & Income Limits (2026)

Eligibility is based on your After-Tax Household Income and the number of people living in your home. The 2026 thresholds have been expanded to allow "Middle-Low" income earners to qualify.

Critical Eligibility Rules:

1. Arrears Requirement: You must be "in arrears," meaning you have an overdue balance. You cannot apply for LEAP if your bill is currently paid up.
2. Sustainability: The agency will look at your profile or income to ensure that once the grant is paid, you can actually afford your future bills.
3. One-Time Rule: Generally, you can only receive LEAP once per calendar year (January to December). However, in 2026, "Top-Up" grants are available if your initial grant didn't cover the full debt and your situation has worsened.

Part 2: Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Gather the "Big Five" Documents

If you don't have these ready, the agency will move to the next person in line.

1. The Bill: Your most recent utility bill with your account number.
2. The Notice: A copy of your "Notice of Service Disconnection" (if you have one).
3. ID: Two pieces of ID for the main applicant; one for every other member of the household.
4. Proof of Income: Your last 3 months of bank statements and your CRA My Account tax summary.
5. Proof of Shelter: A copy of your lease or mortgage statement.

Step 2: Contact the Lead Agency

You do not apply through the government. You apply through a local non-profit.

Step 3: The Phone Screening

The "Pre-Screening" takes about 10–15 minutes. They will ask about your income, your family size, and the reason for the emergency (e.g., medical bills, job loss, or a delay in your Employment Insurance (EI)).

Part 3: What if $780 Isn't Enough?

In 2026, some families owe $2,000+ due to heating costs. If the LEAP grant only covers $780, you still have a problem. Here is how to handle the "Residual Debt":

1. The "Arrears Payment Agreement": Once LEAP is applied, your utility is legally required to offer you a "Special Arrears Agreement." This allows you to pay the remaining debt over several months without being disconnected.
2. Stacking with the OESP: Apply for the Ontario Electricity Support Program to get a permanent $45–$113 credit on every bill moving forward.
3. The Housing Stability Fund: If you are on Ontario Works, your caseworker can sometimes "stack" a Housing Stability Fund grant on top of the LEAP grant to wipe the debt to zero. Check our Ontario Works Guide for more details.

LEAP Ontario Help

To get emergency help with your Ontario hydro bill in 2026: Call the LEAP intake line at 1-855-487-5327. You can receive a one-time grant of up to $650 ($780 for electric heat) paid directly to your utility provider. To qualify, your after-tax household income must be under $38,000 (for 1 person) or $71,000 (for 4 people). Starting an application immediately pauses any scheduled disconnection for 21 days.

Part 4: Special Rules for Low-Income Customers (2026)

Beyond the cash grant, being "LEAP-eligible" unlocks special legal protections in Ontario. Even if you don't get the money, being classified as a low-income consumer gives you these rights:

• Security Deposits: Your utility must wave or return any security deposit you’ve paid.
• No Late Fees: They cannot charge you late payment penalties while you are in a payment plan.
• Longer Grace Periods: You get more time to pay before a disconnection notice can even be issued.
• Winter Moratorium: In Ontario, utilities are banned from disconnecting residential customers for non-payment between November 15 and April 30.
  • Warning: They can still disconnect you on May 1st! Use the winter months to get your LEAP application finished.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I get LEAP for my water bill?

A: No. LEAP is strictly for electricity and natural gas. For water bill help, you must contact your local municipality’s "Utility Assistance" or "Rent Bank" program. See our List of Rent Banks in Canada for more info.

Q: Do I get a check in the mail?

A: No. The money is sent directly from the agency to your utility provider. It will show up as a credit on your next bill (e.g., "-$650.00").

Q: Can I apply if I am an international student?

A: Yes. If you are the account holder and meet the income criteria, you are eligible. Your immigration status does not matter for utility grants.

Q: What if I have already been disconnected?

A: You can still apply. If approved, the LEAP grant will include the "Reconnection Fee" (usually $30–$50) as part of the total assistance.

Q: Does LEAP cover "Delivery Charges" or just the energy used?

A: It covers the total outstanding balance, which includes delivery, regulatory charges, and HST.

About the Author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian labour market researcher and digital entrepreneur specializing in government benefit data and cost-of-living support. As the founder of CanadaPaymentDates.ca and BetterPayJobs.ca, Jeff helps newcomers, students, and workers navigate the Canadian social safety net—from tracking CRA payment schedules to finding entry-level work.

Sources

1. Ontario Energy Board (OEB): Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) Rules 2026
2. Hydro One: Financial Assistance & LEAP Intake
3. United Way Simcoe Muskoka: LEAP Emergency Financial Assistance Portal
4. Enbridge Gas: Energy Assistance Programs for 2026

Note

Official 2026 payment dates and benefit amounts are determined by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and provincial governments. While we strive to keep this information current, government policies and schedules are subject to change without notice. All data in this guide is verified against official CRA circulars at the time of publication and should be treated as an estimate. We recommend confirming the status of your personal file directly via CRA My Account or by calling the CRA benefit line at 1-800-387-1193.