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
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We encourage you to read through the information on this page before applying for Colorado Works.
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.
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:
- On the Colorado PEAK website
- On the MyCOBenefits mobile app
- Paper applications:
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).
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.
Resources for clients
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.
- Central Western Slope, Northwest and Rocky Mountain Resort Region
- Northwest Metropolitan and Northern Region
- Weld County and Golden Plains Region
- Urban Metropolitan Region
- Suburban Metropolitan Region (also available in Spanish)
- Pikes Peak, Upper Arkansas and Pueblo Region
- San Luis Valley, Raton Basin and Southwest Region
- Central Plains and Southeast Region
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.
Resources and other information
- Goals of Colorado Works
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- 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
- Colorado State Plan
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View Colorado's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Plan from prior years:
- Colorado State Plan: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), 2018
- Colorado State Plan: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), 2015
- Colorado State Plan: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), 2012
- Colorado State Plan: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), 2009
For more information about the TANF State Plan, email the Division of Economic and Workforce Support at cdhs_dews@state.co.us.
- 2020-23 WIOA State Plan
- The Colorado 2020-23 WIOA State Plan went into effect on July 1, 2020. View the WIOA State Plan.
- Work Verification Plan
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View the Work Verification Plan from prior years:
- Outreach materials
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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.
- Central Plains & Southeast
- Central Western Slope, Northwest, & Rocky Mountain Resort
- Northwest Metropolitan & Northern Region
- Pikes Peak, Upper Arkansas, & Pueblo
- San Luis Valley, Raton Basin, & Southwest
- Suburban Metropolitan (English)
- Suburban Metropolitan (Spanish)
- Urban Metropolitan
- Weld County & Golden Plains
Client testimonials
Nicole
Chelsea