While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.
Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.
In Colorado, the TANF program is known as Colorado Works in Colorado (CW). To learn more about CW and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the Colorado CW website here.
Colorado Works in Colorado (CW) provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The CW program also provides eligible families with work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment.
For more information on the services, the CW program provides to participating families, review the Colorado Works Program PDF found here.
CW and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services. While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, CW benefits are financial benefits that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.
To learn more about CW, click here.
Both CW and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. However, CW benefits can be transferred directly into a participant’s bank account or withdrawn from an approved ATM. Food Assistance benefits cannot.
Most CW participants also qualify for Food Assistance due to the low-income requirement of both programs. For more information about Food Assistance, click here.
To apply for Food Assistance and/or CW, visit the Colorado Peak benefit portal here.
If you have questions about CW or Food Assistance, call the Department of Human Services at (303) 866-5700.
The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources.
Eligible families can receive a maximum of $508 per month. Families can receive these benefits for up to 60 months throughout their lifetime.
Learn more information about CW benefit amounts in Colorado here.
To qualify for CW in Colorado, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about income requirements and work and training requirements here.
Caretakers of children who cannot be taken care of by their immediate family may also qualify for benefits under the Caretaker Relative Grant or Child-Only CW Grant. This grant takes into consideration the situation of emergency caregivers and will only count the resources and the income of the child (if any) and not those of the caretaker.
To learn more about who can receive CW benefits, click here.
Before you apply for Colorado Works in Colorado, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the CW eligibility requirements here.
Find a list of what you need to apply here.
To apply for CW online, create an account on the Colorado Peak benefit portal here and fill out the virtual application form.
To apply for CW in person, click here to find the nearest Colorado county human services department location.
To apply for CW by mail or fax, fill out the Application for Public Assistance here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the nearest Colorado county human services department location. Find contact information here.
If you have any further questions about the application process, call the Colorado Department of Human Services at (303) 866-5700 or send an email to cdhs_coworks_issues@state.co.us.
If you need an application in Spanish, click here.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
If you applied for CW online, by phone, by mail or by fax, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Human Services within 30 days with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits.
If you're approved, you should receive an EBT card in the mail. Your CW benefits will be deposited on the first, second or third day of the month depending on the last digit of your Social Security Number.
Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.
Note that if you receive an EBT card, you will only be allowed to purchase items at stores that display the Quest Logo, and you can only withdraw cash from ATMs that display the Quest Logo.
Learn more information about how to use your EBT card and how benefits will be distributed here.
If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call (303) 866-5700.
If you do not agree with the CW benefit decision given to you by the Colorado Department of Human Services, you can appeal your decision.
To file an appeal, contact a local Department of Human Services office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
For more information on the appeal process, read the Colorado Appeals page here.
For help with obtaining Colorado Works in Colorado, or for any further questions about your application, call the Colorado Department of Human Services at (303) 866-5700. You can also send your inquiries via email to cdhs_coworks_issues@state.co.us.
You can also visit or call a local county human services department for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
For general questions, financial assistance questions or other services run by the Colorado Department of Human Services Call Center at (800) 536-5298Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free CW Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.