A mom and dad sitting down each with a child hugging them from behind over their shoulders. All four are smiling at the camera.

Colorado Works/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Your food and cash assistance can be stolen. Learn how to protect your benefits.

Important Update About Some Human Services Programs

Boulder County Human Services is working with the State of Colorado to review recent federal notices that may affect funding for some programs. One of these notices relates to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), known locally as Colorado Works.

The Colorado Department of Human Services is working with counties to review the situation and decide next steps. We will share updates as soon as we have more information.

At this time:

Services remain available.
Your benefits have not changed. Your eligibility and benefit amount are the same today.
You do not need to take any action right now.

Colorado Works, also known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), helps families with children who need financial support. The program provides monthly cash assistance to help pay for basic needs like food, housing, and clothing.

When you apply for Colorado Works, you are also applying for food assistance, Medicaid, and child support services.

If you are looking for work, you may also be able to get child care assistance and other support services to help you find and keep a job.

Eligibility

Colorado Works is available for families with dependent children or parents of an unborn child. The requirements include:

Being a US Citizen or legal alien, meet the resource and income guidelines and have a dependent child.
Participate in work activities and comply with Individual Responsibility Contracts.
Establishment of a child support order against the absent parent if a parent is absent from the household.
Documents of income: bank accounts, investments and vehicles.

Financial Assitance

The amount of financial help you get is based on:

Family Size
Income
Resources
Ages of the Children

Families with minor children can receive Colorado Works for 60 months (5 years) over a lifetime.

Additional information is available during your interview.

Work Related Activity

Requirement for Work-Related Activity

The program requires applicants to seek employment and be involved in a work activity from the day of the application.
The required number of work hours per week will be determined by the age of the children and if the household is a two-parent household.

Work activities may include, but are not limited to:

Approved education programs or job skills training
Volunteer work or community service
Job readiness and job search
Full and part-time employment
For minors, high school or GED program attendance and to live with parents or another approved adult.

How to Apply

There are several ways to apply for benefits. Select the one option that is best for you:

Colorado PEAK is a State online service for Coloradoans to screen themselves and apply for medical, food, and cash assistance programs. See if you are eligible for benefits and to apply!
Complete the Colorado Financial, Medical, and Food Assistance Application. Then print the application and fax, email, or mail it to our office.
Fax: 303-441-1523
Email: imaging@bouldercounty.gov
Apply in person at one of our offices:
Boulder Location
515 Coffman St.
Longmont Location
3460 Broadway

Notes:

Once your application has been reviewed you will be contacted to schedule an interview.
If your application is denied, you still have additional options that we can discuss with you.
You can access public assistance benefits forms

What to Bring When Applying

Completed Application Forms
Proof of Monthly Income
Social Security Numbers for all Household Members
Proof of Pregnancy (where applicable)
A Valid Colorado ID or Drivers License
Proof of Relationship to the Children (Birth Certificates)
Proof of Lawful Presence in the U.S. and a signed affidavit for applicants 18 years or older
Boulder County Residency

How to Release Your Information

Releasing Your Information

Use this Release of Information form (Autorización para Divulgación de Informació) if you want Boulder County Human Services to share your information with another agency, professional, or individual who may need it. This release is good for 1 year.

Cancelling a Release of Information

Use this Release of Information Cancellation form (Cancelación de Autorización para Compartir Información) to cancel a previously requested release of information.

FAQs

What are the three primary requirements of Colorado Works, aka TANF?

Must have primary responsibility for minor children in your home
Must be willing to cooperate with Child Support Enforcement
Must be willing to cooperate with Work Force Center

Can I receive Colorado Works if I am a full-time college student?

In some cases. All Colorado Works clients must participate in job readiness activities with the Work Force Center. Some schooling will be allowed as a countable activity, but there is no guarantee. If you are a student, the staff at Work Force Center can discuss this with you in greater detail.

Can I receive Colorado Works for a relative or a child I am responsible for but not related to?

In some cases you may be able to receive Colorado Works for children, other than your own biological children. You must provide verification of your relationship to the child and be able to prove you are responsible for that child

Contact Us

Human Services

Phone: 303-441-1000
TTY: 1-800-659-3656
Fax: 303-441-1523
Submit a question

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 471
Boulder, CO 80306

Boulder Location

3460 Broadway, Boulder
Fax: 720-564-2283
Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Longmont Location

515 Coffman St., Longmont
Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday

Lafayette Location

1755 S. Public Road, Lafayette
Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday/Thursday
Closed 1-2 p.m. for lunch.