Cash Assistance (Colorado Works/TANF)

The main cash assistance program is called Colorado Works, part of the federal Temporary Aid to Needy Families program. Through Colorado Works, income-qualified families receive monthly cash assistance payments, help with emergency household expenses, and get support in preparing for and finding work.

Other types of cash assistance include:

• Aid to the Needy Disabled
• Aid to the Blind
• Low-Income Energy Assistance
• Old Age Pension

When you apply for cash assistance, we will determine your eligibility for the available programs at the same time.

You can apply in person by visiting one of our offices or community outreach locations. For a list of where we are in the community, call 720-944-4DHS (4347). You can also apply online through Colorado PEAK, which is a statewide application service for medical, food, cash, and early childhood assistance programs.

If you receive cash assistance from Colorado Works, you’ll be required to look for a job or be involved in a work activity. Work activities can include some approved education or job skills training programs, volunteer work or community service, job readiness and job search activities, and full and part-time employment. Your case manager can help you identify qualifying activities and will work with you to help you reach your goals, such as finding full-time work or advancing your education.

Yes! When you apply for Colorado Works, your case worker will talk with you about your goals and how we can help you reach them.

In some cases, yes. Your case manager can help you determine what work activity you may need to complete, as some of your schooling may count toward your work hours.