DENVER (Nov. 29, 2019) — The State of Colorado has sent letters notifying affected people about a recent technical error that resulted in incorrect information appearing on Notice to Reapply for food and cash assistance programs. The error has been corrected and no benefits are affected as a result of this error. The privacy and security of personal identifying information is paramount to our office, and we offer our deepest apologies to those affected.
On Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, the state became aware that Notice to Reapply letters were sent containing information of individuals not connected to those cases. The information of 12,230 individuals was incorrectly placed on the 10,879 Notice to Reapply forms. The disclosed information may have included names, employers, or whether they have a vehicle, for example. The notices did not include Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses or other specific information that raises the risk for identity theft. Corrected notices were sent on Nov. 10, which included details of what occurred and instructions to shred the incorrect notice or take it to a local county human service office to be properly disposed. Unaffected individuals were not sent correction notices and no action is required.
The state is following all best practices to ensure that no harm results from this error and remains committed to protecting Coloradans’ personal information. This includes making credit monitoring available to people whose personal information was exposed. Details and directions were included in the letter that affected individuals received. Coloradans who did not receive a notice were not impacted by this error.
For media requests, contact Mark Techmeyer, director of communications, at mark.techmeyer@state.co.us.
Download an example of the letter that was mailed to affected food and cash assistance recipients.