Colorado Works/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Colorado Works is for families with children who need financial support. To qualify, you must:

• Have at least one child under 18 living in your home, or be pregnant
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Live in Colorado
• Have a family income under $75,000 a year
• Meet resource limits (like bank accounts and vehicles)

Relatives Caring for Children

Grandparents or other relatives may qualify for Child Only TANF. This provides cash help for the children in their care. The caregiver does not receive money for themselves. If the caregiver or child receives SSI (Supplemental Security Income), that person will not be counted when we calculate the TANF payment amount.

The amount of cash help you receive depends on:

• How many people live in your household
• Your income
• Your resources

You can receive Colorado Works for up to 60 months (five years) total. We will share more details during your interview.

Apply Online

Colorado PEAK is a free state website where you can apply for medical, food, and cash assistance programs. It’s how we recommend people apply. See if you qualify and apply through Colorado PEAK.

We also offer a Digital Application for Public Assistance (Solicitud digital de asistencia publica).

Apply by Paper

Download the Colorado Financial, Medical, and Food Assistance Application. Drop it off in person, or print it and send it to us by:

• Fax: 303-441-1523
• Email: imaging@bouldercounty.gov

Apply in Person

Visit one of our offices:

Boulder
515 Coffman St.
Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

Longmont
3460 Broadway, Longmont
Hours: 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday

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

What to bring:

• Your completed application (if you download it ahead of time)
• Proof of monthly income
• Social Security numbers for everyone in your household
• A valid state ID or driver’s license
• Birth certificates for your children
• Proof of pregnancy, if it applies
• Proof of lawful presence in the U.S. and a signed affidavit (for applicants 18 or older)
• Proof that you live in Boulder County

What Happens After You Apply

We will review your application and contact you to schedule an interview. If your application is not approved, we will talk with you about other options that may help.

Colorado Works helps you take steps toward finding a job and building financial stability. When you join the program, you will work with a support specialist who will help you set goals and track your progress.

You are expected to take part in work activities starting from the day you apply. The number of hours you need each week depends on the age of your children and whether there are two parents in your household.

Work activities can include:

• Looking for a job
• Job skills training or approved education programs
• Volunteer work or community service
• Part-time or full-time work
• For minors: attending high school or a GED program and living with a parent or approved adult

Your support specialist will help you create a plan based on your family’s needs and goals. They can also connect you with job training, child care, housing help, and other support services.

Question: What are the main requirements of Colorado Works?

Answer: You must have children living in your home, cooperate with child support, and take part in work activities.

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

Answer: In some cases, yes. All Colorado Works participants must take part in work activities. Some schooling may count toward your required hours, but it is not guaranteed. Your support specialist can talk with you about your options.

Question: Can I get Colorado Works for a child I am caring for who is not my biological child?

Answer: In some cases, yes. You will need to show proof of your relationship to the child and that you are responsible for their care.

Question: How long can I receive Colorado Works?

Answer: You can receive benefits for up to 60 months (five years) total over your lifetime.

Question: Does child support affect my benefits?

Answer: Colorado passes 100% of child support collected on behalf of TANF families back to the family. At first, this money does not count against your TANF benefits. However, if you receive $500 or more in child support for six months in a row, that money may start to affect your TANF amount. If you have safety concerns about working with child support, you can ask for a Good Cause Waiver.

Case Management Questions

If you are already in the program and have questions about your plan, appointments, or services, contact the Colorado Works case management team at coworkscasemanagement@bouldercounty.gov.