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.

Colorado Works is an employment program in which all adult recipients, with some exceptions, are required to participate in work activities from the day of the application.

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.

TANF income limits by household size, Coloradans
Household Size	Income Limit
1	$253
2	$331
3	$421
4	$510
5	$605
6	$697
7	$770
8	$844

The amounts shown represent income eligibility thresholds by household size. Families with income at or below these limits may be eligible for TANF benefits.

How much cash assistance will I get in Colorado?

In Colorado, TANF benefits vary by household size, income, and available resources. A family of three with no income may receive up to $620 per month in cash assistance.

TANF payments by household size, Coloradans
Household Size	Payment
1	$374
2	$488
3	$620
4	$754
5	$894
6	$1,031
7	$1,138
8	$1,248

The amounts shown represent the maximum monthly cash benefits available to families with no countable income. Actual payments may vary based on a family’s income and other eligibility factors.

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 get cash assistance, you can apply for Colorado Works in one of the following ways:

Online through Colorado PEAK for faster processing
Through the MyCOBenefits mobile app (iOS or Android )
In person at your local county DHSS office

For additional information about Colorado Works, please call

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

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in Colorado?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Colorado, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

A valid photo ID
Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact Colorado PEAK (CDHS) at (800) 536-5298 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.