Colorado Works
Colorado Works is Colorado’s TANF program that serves low-income families with children by providing income assistance and supportive services to help eligible families secure employment and attain self-sufficiency.
Benefits may be provided for single and two parent families, pregnant women, and relatives caring for minor children, including members of Indian tribes who live in Colorado.
As a condition of eligibility, all adult participants are required to seek employment and be involved in a work activity from the day they apply for benefits. Single parents with a child under age one are not exempt, unless specified by county policy.
FAQ #
Who is eligible for TANF in Colorado? #
To be eligible for Colorado Works, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
- Be a Colorado resident.
- Be pregnant or have at least one dependent child under the age of 18.
- Be unemployed or under employed for very low wages.
- Meet the income guidelines based on who is counted as part of your family.
What is the income limit for TANF in Colorado? #
There’s a limit to how much income a family can have and still qualify for Colorado Works. The limit is called a Need Standard and it is based on who is counted as part of your family.
For example, a family with one parent and two child under 18 is eligible if their countable income is less than $421 a month.
- Family Size Income Limit
- 1 $253
- 2 $331
- 3 $421
- 4 $510
- 5 $605
- 6 $697
- 7 $770
- 8 $844
How much cash assistance will I get in Colorado? #
How much cash assistance you get in Colorado largely depends upon your family’s income and size. For example, a single mother of two with no income may receive up to $559 per month in cash benefits.
How do I get cash assistance in Colorado? #
Colorado Works operates in all 64 counties in Colorado, and is administered locally through each county’s Department of Human or Social Services.
To apply for Colorado Works, submit your application to the local DHSS county office or apply online through Colorado PEAK for expedited processing.
What is Colorado PEAK? #
Colorado Program Eligibility and Application Kit (PEAK) is an online service for Coloradoans to screen and apply for medical, food, and cash assistance programs, including Colorado Works.
As long as you have internet access on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can connect to PEAK 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! PEAK is available in both English and Spanish.
For additional information about Colorado Works, please call
Colorado Department of Human Services
(970) 241-8480