Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, TANF is monthly cash assistance you may receive while you prepare to, look for and/or maintain employment. Because TANF has strict income guidelines, work requirements, and time limits there is no guarantee that you will be eligible for TANF. If not, you may still be eligible for other programs.

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The following items are required:

• Your driver’s license or other Colorado ID

• Proof of Denver County Residency

• Pay stubs or an employer letter that verifies income earned by anyone in your household within the last 30 days. If you’re no longer working, the letter must state the last day you worked.

• Social Security cards for you and each of your children (or proof of application)

• If you’re pregnant, a note from your doctor stating the due date
• Immunization records for each child

The following items are necessary, but your application cannot be delayed while you gather these documents:

• Verification of unearned income, such as Social Security, SSI, VA benefits, child support, military allotments, Unemployment benefits or Workers Compensation

• Birth certificates for each child

• Lease or landlord letter

• Rent receipts

• Utility and phone bills

• Checking and/or savings account statements

• Copies of savings bonds, trust funds, certificates of deposits, stocks, etc.

• Car registration(s) and loan papers

• If you’re a single parent, the absent parent’s social security number, address, and employment information.

• If you’re a naturalized citizen or resident alien, your certificate of naturalization, alien registration card, immigration papers or passport.

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The most commonly requested programs/services are food stamps, Medicaid, child support assistance, and low-income child care.

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Yes. In applying for TANF, you may also apply for food stamps, Medicaid, and child support services. Child care assistance may also be available if you need to prepare for or look for a job. Let your intake worker know which programs would be the most helpful to your family.

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Yes. You can apply just for food stamps, Medicaid, low-income child care, child support assistance (there is a $20.00 one-time filing fee) or any combination of these services. In addition, if you choose not to apply for TANF, you may be eligible for a State or County Diversion payment.

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A State Diversion payment is a one time payment you can request instead of on-going cash assistance. If you apply for a State Diversion payment, you are still eligible to apply for food stamps, Medicaid, low-income child care and child support services.

With State Diversion, you can receive up to (depending on your need) the amount you would have received from TANF for three months.

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• You must apply for and be eligible for TANF.

• You must verify that you are working or will be working within 30 days.

• You must verify why you need the money. For example, if you need the money for car repairs, you must provide a written estimate; if you need the money to pay your rent, you must provide a letter from your landlord.

• You must sign an Individual Responsibility Contract (an IRC) in which you document why you are not applying for TANF cash assistance and agree not to re-apply for TANF for a specified length of time, usually the amount of time covered by your diversion payment. However, if you have a financial emergency and need to re-apply during that time period, you are encouraged to do so.

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A County Diversion payment is a one time payment that you can request if you do not qualify for TANF cash assistance. If you apply for a County Diversion payment, you may also apply for food stamps, Medicaid, low-income child care and child support services.

If you have income and/or resources that make you ineligible for TANF, you may qualify for a County Diversion grant. The County Diversion program is to assist with Section 8 Housing deposits up to $1,000.00.

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• You must not be eligible for TANF.

• You must verify why you need the money for Section 8 Housing deposits.

• You must sign an Individual Responsibility Contract (an IRC) in which you agree not to re-apply for TANF for a specified length of time, usually three months.

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You are allowed to apply for the Diversion program twice a year and two times in a lifetime.

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Yes, but you and your spouse must both apply together.

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The first floor lobby of the Richard T. Castro Human Services Center, 1200 N. Federal Boulevard.

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If you are applying for TANF or Diversion, please arrive by 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday. If you come later in the day, you may be seen, or you may be scheduled to come back the next morning. If you’re applying for food stamps, Medicaid or low-income child care, you may come in between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday. You may be seen when you come in, or you may be given an appointment.

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Your intake worker will assess your skills and experience and help you decide which of several training, community service, job readiness or job search activities would be the most appropriate.

If you are approved for TANF, you may remain eligible by participating in a work-related activity for 30 hours each week (22 if you have a child under six). The work activity must be included on your IRC and you must turn in time sheets. If you need supportive services such as child care or transportation, let your worker know.

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When you apply for TANF, you will be asked to sign an Individual Responsibility Contract, or IRC. This is a legal contract that will outline what you agree to do while you are receiving TANF. It will also outline the supportive services you may receive while you are participating.

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TANF recipients must be participating in a work-related activity within two years (24 months) from the time they are approved for TANF. In addition, families are eligible to receive TANF for no more than five years (60 months) in a lifetime.

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TANF orientations are offered every morning, except on Wednesdays, on a walk-in basis. Please arrive by 7:30 a.m.; if you come later in the day, you may have to come back the next morning.

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Plan to be here several hours. You will fill out forms, hear a presentation about DDHS services, meet with a family assessment worker, an employment or worker development counselor, and a child support worker. Since you may be here through the lunch hour, bring lunch or money to buy lunch.

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Since the application process will take some time, please make child care arrangements. If you would like to use Good Beginnings, our free, on-site child care center, you may reserve a space by calling 720-944-2812.

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