COLORADO

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 participants become self-sufficient.

In addition to the basic cash assistance, Colorado Works provide other assistance in the form of child care, transportation, counseling, job training and other services.

Benefits may be provided for single and two parent families, pregnant women, and relatives caring for minor children — up to $592 per month for a family of three.

How do I get cash assistance in Colorado?

If you are a resident of Colorado in need of assistance, please contact your local DHSS county office  or apply online through Colorado PEAK  or MyCOBenefits mobile app.

The MyCOBenefits mobile app is a free, secure tool for Colorado residents to manage food (SNAP), cash, and medical assistance benefits directly from their smartphones.

Colorado Department of Human Services
Public Assistance / PEAK Customer Service
(800) 536-5298

Colorado Food Assistance Program

Colorado’s Food Assistance Program helps low-income individuals and families afford the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet. The program is offered in at least one location in all Colorado counties.

Funds are loaded onto a Colorado Quest EBT card, which works like a debit card at most grocery stores and some farmers’ markets.

Unless exempt, all able-bodied recipients of food assistance must register for work, accept an offer of suitable work or take part in the Employment First program.

What is the income limit for Colorado SNAP?

Most families in Colorado with gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or about $4,442 per month for a family of three, may qualify for food assistance.

How do I apply for SNAP in Colorado?

You can apply for SNAP through Colorado PEAK . After your application is submitted, an eligibility worker will begin processing your case and schedule an interview if needed.

For help applying or questions about SNAP, call
Hunger Free Colorado
(855) 855-4626

Health First Colorado

Health First Colorado, otherwise known as Colorado Medicaid, provides free or low-cost public health insurance to eligible Colorado residents.

Eligibility is based on factors such as family size, income, age, and disability status, covering groups including:

• Children and pregnant women
• Parents and caretaker relatives
• Adults without dependent children (ages 19–64) who meet income requirements
• Older adults and people living with disabilities

It covers doctor visits, emergency care, preventive care, and other procedures and treatments, including free transportation to non-emergency medical visits.

What is the income limit for Medicaid in Colorado?

As Colorado is expanding Medicaid coverage, Medicaid is now available to eligible adults age 19—64, regardless of immigration status, with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Pregnant women are covered up to 200% of poverty level.

Is Health First Colorado free?

Coverage is generally free or low-cost for those who qualify. Copayments may apply for certain services, but children under 19 and pregnant members do not have co-pays.

How do I apply for Colorado Medicaid?

There is no specific open enrollment period. You can apply for Health First Colorado coverage at any time of the year through Colorado PEAK .

Colorado is also operating a marketplace, known as Connect for Health Colorado , for individuals and families who don’t qualify for Medicaid to buy private insurance with potential discounts.

Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
Health First Colorado Member Contact Center
(800) 221-3943

Cover All Coloradans

Cover All Coloradans  is a state-funded expansion that provides comprehensive health coverage to children and pregnant women who were previously excluded from Medicaid due to their immigration status.

This is a “lookalike” program, meaning members receive the exact same benefits as standard Health First Colorado or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) members.

For most adults, the limit is set at 138% of the federal poverty level. Children and pregnant women qualify under the higher limit, regardless of their immigration status.

Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
Health First Colorado Member Contact Center
(800) 221-3943

Colorado Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)

Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) is a low-cost health insurance program for uninsured Colorado children ages 18 and under whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.

Depending on your monthly income, you may have to pay an enrollment fee and copays ranging from $1 to $30 when you receive services and prescriptions.

Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) covers:

• Primary Care
• Emergency Care and Urgent Care
• Hospital Services
• Dental Care
• Prescriptions
• Immunizations
• Maternity Care (prenatal, delivery and postpartum care)
• Mental/Behavioral Health Care (excludes Pediatric Behavioral Therapy, PBT)
• Vision Services

Pregnant women may apply for CHP+ Maternity Care Program. All pregnancy care is free, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and visits after you deliver.

What is the income limit for CHP+ in Colorado?

In Colorado, children with family income up to 265% of poverty are eligible for CHP+. For a family of three, that’s about $5,885 per month.

How do I apply for CHP+ in Colorado?

You can apply for CHP+ at any time during the year through Colorado PEAK . There is no specific open enrollment period for Medicaid/CHP+.

Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
CHP+ Customer Service
(800) 359-1991

Colorado Head Start/Early Head Start

Colorado Head Start provides free, comprehensive early childhood services, including education, health, nutrition, and family support, to eligible low-income children and families.

Many programs also offer Early Head Start, which serves pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers from birth to age 3.

Eligibility is primarily based on family income at or below the federal poverty guidelines. Families are also automatically eligible if they are experiencing homelessness, have children in foster care, or receive public assistance.

What is the income limit for Head Start in Colorado?

A family is eligible for the Head Start program if its household income is at or below the federal poverty level. That’s about $2,221 per month for a family of three.

How do I apply for Head Start in Colorado?

To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, call (866) 763-6481 or use the Head Start Locator to find the program serving your community. ¹

Colorado SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a federal food benefit that helps families with school-aged children buy groceries in the summer months when schools are closed.

Most families will automatically get Summer EBT benefits if they already receive other benefits like SNAP, Colorado Works or Medicaid with a qualifying family income.

Families will get a one-time $120 benefit per qualifying child that can be used to buy groceries at any authorized retailer that accepts EBT.

SUN Bucks can be used to purchase the same foods approved for SNAP, including

• Breads and cereals
• Fruits and vegetables
• Meats, fish and poultry
• Dairy products
• Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat
• Soft drinks, candy, cookies, snack crackers and ice cream
• Seafood, steak and bakery cakes

If you’re not sure if you need to apply or will get SUN Bucks automatically, use this eligibility checker  to find out.

Colorado Department of Human Services
Summer EBT Support Center
(800) 536-5298

Colorado Free School Lunch Program

Colorado’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally-subsidized meal program that provides nutritious, low-cost or free lunches to eligible students each day.

Before the pandemic, Colorado students were eligible for free or reduced breakfasts and lunches if their household income is 130% (free) or 185% (reduced) of the federal poverty guidelines.

During the pandemic, federal waivers allowed every Colorado student to receive free school meals, regardless of family income.

Are school lunches still free in Colorado?

Yes, all public school students in Colorado will continue to receive free meals for the 2025–2026 school year, regardless of eligibility or income status. ²

Colorado is the third state to permanently offer free meals to all students, following California and Maine. All students enrolled in participating public school districts receive breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of their family’s income or eligibility status.

Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)

Your county may have a waiting list or may have frozen new CCCAP enrollments. See the list of counties  currently on a waiting list or enrollment freeze.

Colorado CCAP is available for children under age 13 or up to age 18 for children with special needs whose parent is employed or enrolled in Colorado Works.

Once accepted into the program, parents are expected to contribute a portion of their child care costs based on the size of the family, the amount of their income, and the number of children in care.

In Colorado, CCAP income limits and eligibility requirements do vary by county , with each county setting its own thresholds and benefit levels, but all counties must at least provide assistance to families with income at or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI).

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Colorado?

Each county sets its own income limits for child care assistance. For example, Boulder County sets eligibility at 85% of State Median Income (SMI), which is about $8,256 for a family of three, while Jefferson County uses an income limit of 225% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

How do I apply for child care assistance in Colorado?

Each of Colorado’s 64 counties manages its own local CCCAP program. If you are a resident of Colorado in need of child care, you may appy in person at your County’s Social Services/Human Services office or apply online through Colorado PEAK .

Colorado Department of Early Childhood
Office of Early Childhood
(800) 799-5876

For local referrals to licensed child care providers

Colorado Shines 
Child Care Referral Line
(877) 338-2273

Colorado Housing Choice Voucher Program

Colorado’s Housing Choice Voucher Program, or Section 8, provides rental assistance to income-eligible Coloradans by subsidizing a portion of their monthly rent and utilities through vouchers.

The application is a lottery-based process where random drawings are held once a year. If your number is selected, you will be notified through the mail within 120 days after the date of the drawing.

Once issued with a housing voucher, it becomes your responsibility to find a suitable housing unit of your choice, in the community of your choice, where the owner agrees to rent under the program.

How do I apply for Section 8 housing in Colorado?

To apply for housing voucher, visit your local Public Housing Agency  (PHA). Some PHAs have long waiting lists, so you may want to apply at more than one PHA.

Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Division of Housing
(303) 864-7810

Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance

The next monthly pre-application window is slated to open at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, and close at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Please check back for updates.

Emergency rental assistance is available for families who have fallen behind on rent, meet income limits and other eligibility criteria, and are at risk of eviction or displacement.

Eligible households may receive a lump-sum benefit payment equal to seven months of rent or up to a maximum of $10,000, whichever is lesser.

Random selection will be open to all Coloradans through a pre-application process  until funding is exhausted, with priority given to those facing eviction.

Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Division of Housing
CARE Center
(303) 838-1200

Colorado Special Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

Colorado WIC helps families buy healthy foods to supplement their diet. Benefits also include nutrition education, free health screenings, and referrals.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

• Live in Colorado.
• Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
• Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty limit.
• Be determined by a health professional to be “at nutritional risk”.

What is the income limit for WIC in Colorado?

WIC serves women, infants, and children in Colorado whose income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. That’s about $4,109 per month for a family of three.

How much does WIC pay per month in Colorado?

Children ages 1—4 will now receive $26 per month, while pregnant and postpartum women receive $47 per month, and breastfeeding women receive $52 per month.

How do I apply for WIC in Colorado?

Applications are handled through local WIC clinics. Use the Colorado WIC Clinic Locator  to find a nearby office and schedule an appointment.

For eligibility information and appointments, call

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
(303) 692-2470

Colorado Low Income Energy Assistance (LEAP)

Colorado Low Income Energy Assistance (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible low-income Colorado families pay a portion of their winter home heating costs.

Households with incomes up to 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) level may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 per program year, depending on factors such as household income, fuel type, and available funding.

An additional crisis benefit of up to $4,800 may be available for those experiencing a year-round energy crisis, subject to eligibility and funding availability.

What is the income limit for LEAP in Colorado?

The income limits for the 2025-2026 LEAP season are based on household size and are as follows

How do I apply for LEAP in Colorado?

To apply for LEAP, visit the Colorado Department of Human Services website at cdhs.colorado.gov/LEAP . The program runs from November 1 to April 30 each year.

Colorado Department of Human Services
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
(866) 432-8435

Colorado Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

Colorado LIHWAP provides financial relief to low-income families for water and wastewater bills to avoid shutoffs or disconnections — up to $2,000 depending on their need.

To be eligible for LIHWAP, a household must have an income that does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level. Priority is given to households with the elderly, disabled or a young child under age 6.

How do I get help paying my water bill in Colorado?

Colorado uses LEAP as categorically eligibility for LIHWAP applicants. Applicants are only required to complete the LIHWAP Addendum  within the LEAP application along with a copy of their recent water bill.

Colorado Unemployment Insurance

Colorado Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a “temporary wage replacement” program that pays benefits to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

To qualify for unemployment benefits in Colorado, you must have earned at least $2,500 in the first four calendar quarters out of the last five before your claim start date.

How much unemployment benefits can I get in Colorado?

According to Colorado law, this weekly benefit amount currently may not exceed $844 per week, or be less than $25. Benefits are typically available for up to 26 weeks, but this may be extended during times of high unemployment.

How do I sign up for unemployment in Colorado?

To get an estimate of how much your UI Benefits will be before you file a new claim, use this estimator . When you are ready to file a claim, go to MyUI+  or call (303) 318-9000 for assistance.

Colorado Benefit Recovery Fund

If you are an undocumented worker in Colorado who recently lost your job, the Benefit Recovery Fund offers cash unemployment assistance regardless of immigration status.

This program is the first of its kind in the nation. Eligible applicants may receive up to $844 per week for thirteen weeks, based on income.

For more information and to apply, visit the Benefit Recovery Fund’s official site at brf.aidkit.org/apply  or call (720) 902-7643.

Colorado College Opportunity Fund (COF)

College Opportunity Fund (COF) provides a stipend to eligible undergraduate students attending a Colorado participating public institution or private school.

The stipend covers a portion of the student’s total resident tuition for up to 145 credit hours. Students who exceed this limit may request a waiver for additional funding.

The current tuition stipend is $116 per credit hour at participating public colleges or $58 per credit hour at participating private colleges.

How do I apply for the College Opportunity Fund?

All eligible students must complete a one-time COF application  and authorize the use of funds each semester to receive the stipend toward their tuition bill.

Colorado Department of Higher Education
College Opportunity Fund
(720) 264-8553

Colorado Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Colorado is among 31 states offering a local version of the tax credit, but it went hiatus in 1999. It was only in 2013 that Colorado brought back its earned income credit following a 15-year absence.

Colorado’s EITC offers a credit based on 50% of the federal credit amount ³ and is fully refundable, which means any Colorado family without income tax liability can receive the entire EITC amount as a refund.

How much is the Colorado EITC?

Can I get a refund if I owe no tax in Colorado?

If your Colorado EITC is $4,023 and you owe $2,000 in state income tax, the credit cancels your tax bill and you receive the remaining $2,023 as a refund as illustrated in the table below:

Colorado residents may contact Colorado United Way 2-1 Help Centers by dialing 2-1, to find out if they are eligible for the EITC and to be connected to free tax preparation services.

Colorado Child Tax Credit (COCTC)

Colorado residents with qualifying children may be eligible for two separate state-level benefits: the Colorado Child Tax Credit (COCTC) and the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC). Both are fully refundable, meaning you can receive them as a refund even if you owe no state income tax.

Colorado offers a Child Tax Credit (CTC) of up to $1,200 per child for families with incomes of $77,000 or less for single filers or $87,000 if filing jointly.

How much is the child tax credit in Colorado?

The exact credit amount per child is tiered based on your adjusted gross income (AGI), shown below.

To claim these credits, you must file a Colorado state income tax return and complete Form DR 0104CN . Nonresident filers are not eligible for these credits.

Colorado Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC)

Colorado Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC) is a new, refundable state tax credit for lower to middle-income resident families with eligible children aged 16 and under.

The FATC and the Colorado Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) are two distinct, refundable tax credits, with the EITC tied to earned income and the FATC focuses on families with dependent children.

How much money can I get?

The credit amount is based on household income and the age of the child, with higher amounts available to lower-income families and younger children. ⁴

Income restrictions apply in determining eligibility for the credit. An individual may claim credit only if their federal adjusted gross income (AGI) does not exceed the income threshold, shown below.

Unlike Colorado’s Child Tax Credit (COCTC), the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC) is not guaranteed each year and depends on available TABOR surplus revenue.