Federal Changes to Benefits Programs (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, CCAP)

Potential Freeze to TANF and CCAP

(Updated Feb 6, 2026)

Colorado has received official notification from the Trump administration that it will restrict the state's funding pending a formal compliance review for the following programs:

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), also known as Colorado Works, which provides basic cash assistance to low-income families and individuals
  • The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), which funds the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
  • Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), which funds a broad range of services, including child welfare

There are no impacts to our services today. In a lawsuit filed by Colorado and four other states, a federal court has granted a Preliminary Injunction blocking the federal government from freezing these programs' funds while the case is ongoing. We know this may still cause concern. Here is what you need to know:

TANF/Colorado Works (Basic Cash Assistance)

  • There is no change to your eligibility or your benefits today
  • You do not need to take action, but you should be aware of the situation and try to budget January 2026 benefits carefully in case there is a future disruption to Basic Cash Assistance (BCA)

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

CCAP currently remains operational. The State of Colorado is actively working with partners to navigate this evolving situation while continuing to support families, providers and counties. The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) has provided the following guidance:

What Families Should Know

  • Families should continue working with their county human services office
  • Maintain your eligibility and reporting requirements
  • Any future program changes will be communicated as quickly and clearly as possible through official channels.
  • You should be aware of the situation and explore potential alternative child care options in case there is a future disruption to CCAP.

What Providers Should Know

  • Continue normal attendance tracking and billing processes
  • Follow existing CCAP and licensing requirements
  • Payments and operations remain subject to available funding
  • Providers should direct questions to program administrators

How to Stay Informed

Visit These Webpages for Updates

Denver Human Services

 Colorado Department of Human Services

 Colorado Department of Early Childhood

Check Colorado PEAK

The fastest way to see if there is any change to your specific case is through the Colorado PEAK website or mobile app.

Watch your mail and phone

The state may reach out with more information through an official letter/ text message.

Avoid rumors

There is a lot of misinformation during federal changes. Always look for updates directly from the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) or Denver Human Services.

Changes to SNAP and Medicaid Eligibility

(Updated Dec. 3, 2025)

Recent federal legislation has changed SNAP and Medicaid eligibility for some Denver Human Services customers. Learn more about these changes by interacting with the boxes below:

SNAP

For SNAP, beginning Nov. 1, 2025:

  • Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) ages 64 and under may need to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. Some exceptions apply.
  • Parents whose youngest child is 14 years old or older may also need to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. Some exceptions apply.

Medicaid

For Medicaid, the same groups identified in the SNAP section (also listed below) will be required to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible:

  • Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) ages 64 and under
  • Parents whose youngest child is 14 years old or older

However, changes to Medicaid eligibility will be implemented no earlier than December 31, 2026

Information for Noncitizen Immigrants

Additionally, noncitizen immigrants should be aware of the following:

  • Noncitizen immigrants who are NOT Legal Permanent Residents (noncitizens without green cards) will remain ineligible for SNAP.
  • Some immigrants with humanitarian relief such as asylum or refugee status will no longer be eligible for Medicaid starting October 1, 2026.
  • All noncitizen immigrants will remain eligible for Emergency Medicaid.
    

More information can be found at the websites of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing for Medicaid and the Colorado Department of Human Services for SNAP.

Spread the Word - Downloadable Flyers

We encourage you to spread the word and share this information with the community and your network. Download printable flyers using the links below:

Apply for Benefits

Apply Online (Colorado PEAK)

Apply in Person

☎️ (720) 944-4DHS (4347)

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