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Colorado Works

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Colorado Works is Colorado's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. When you join Colorado Works, you can get help with a monthly cash payment, schooling, training, jobs and much more.

Apply for Colorado Works today

We encourage you to read through the information on this page before applying for Colorado Works.

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How Colorado Works can help

In addition to a monthly cash payment, schooling, training and jobs, Colorado Works can help you set your goals and build community connections.

Learn more

Check out this handy Colorado Works booklet to learn more about how the program can help you meet your goals. The booklet is also available in Spanish, French, German, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese.

Dad wearing tie with son and mother in kitchen

Who can apply

Colorado Works is available to families with children in the home. In some cases, children not living with their parents can participate in Colorado Works. You can also apply for the program if:

  • You are pregnant or taking care of a child under 18 years old.
  • You live in Colorado.
  • You are a citizen of the United States, a legal alien, a refugee, or a permanent resident.
  • Your family income is less than $75,000 a year.

How to apply

You can apply for Colorado Works in several ways:

Contact your county human or social services office if you need help applying for Colorado Works.

Watch this video to learn how easy it is to apply for Colorado Works on the MyCOBenefits app (also available in Spanish).

Couple working on paying bills at desk

How benefits are delivered

Colorado Works clients receive cash assistance through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program. You can receive your benefits on an EBT card or through direct deposit into your bank account.

Learn more about EBT

Resources for clients

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Your Colorado Works Journey

As part of your Colorado Works Journey, you will work closely with a case manager to set your goals. During your journey, you will build your own plan and be involved with creating your own goals.

Learn more

Check out the Your Journey snapshot to learn more about your path with Colorado Works. The snapshot is also available in Spanish, French, German, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese.

Resources in your region

We have created a series of fliers to help you learn more about the resources available in your region, including available employers, training, colleges, workforce centers and certification programs. Choose your region from the list below or click on the map to search by address.

  1. Central Western Slope, Northwest and Rocky Mountain Resort Region
  2. Northwest Metropolitan and Northern Region
  3. Weld County and Golden Plains Region
  4. Urban Metropolitan Region
  5. Suburban Metropolitan Region (also available in Spanish)
  6. Pikes Peak, Upper Arkansas and Pueblo Region
  7. San Luis Valley, Raton Basin and Southwest Region
  8. Central Plains and Southeast Region
Map of Colorado with different Colorado Works regions highlighted. Text says "Click here to search for your address."
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Colorado Works Leavers Survey

The Colorado Works Leavers Survey helps CDHS assess the effectiveness of the program and make improvements. The survey is sent to a sample of Colorado Works clients who have recently left the program.

Learn more about the Colorado Works Leavers Survey

Resources and other information

Goals of Colorado Works
  • Guarantee that county departments and program partners have the what they need to successfully implement financial assistance programs that are both accurate and timely
  • Provide job opportunities for low-income Coloradans
  • Support low-income Coloradans in both preparation for and retention of job opportunities
  • Identify and promote strategies to increase household income and economic stability
  • Serve as a financial safety net for older adults, people with disabilities, children and parents who are participating in work-related activities
  • Promote family and individual safety and stability, healthy relationships and well-being
State Plans

View Colorado's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Plan from prior years:

For more information about the TANF State Plan, email the Division of Economic and Workforce Support at cdhs_dews_policy_inbox@state.co.us.

Work Verification Plan

View the Work Verification Plan from prior years:

Outreach materials

The marketing materials below provide a comprehensive overview of the services and support the Colorado Works program has to offer throughout Colorado. View the complete toolkit.

Booklet

The booklet is the main resource, providing high-level program information. It is available in digital and print-ready formats.

Animated video

The animated video is an overview of the application process for Colorado Works benefits through the MyCOBenefits application.

English

Spanish

Infographic

The Your Journey infographic walks through what a client typically experiences in the Colorado Works program.

Regional resource fliers

Eight resource tools were created and aligned with regions established by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The fliers are are tailored to education and employment opportunities at the local level.

Client testimonials

Nicole

Chelsea

More information