Colorado Works

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Colorado Works is Colorado's version of the Federal  Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Provides cash assistance to low-income families. It is the result of welfare reform and represents a new approach to helping families escape from poverty. Colorado Works was designed to show it is possible to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency with logical supports services.

Application for any Colorado Works program begins with an assessment.  Assessments are conducted Monday – Friday from 8am-5pm.  The assessment is designed to determine a family’s needs, challenges, strengths and level of job readiness.  At the assessment family’s may choose one of the below Colorado Works programs.

Diversion I – County Diversion

Diversion I helps working households cope with situations that may prevent them from maintaining employment. Diversion I may also be used as a means of assisting the family to maintain stability

·        Eligibility Criteria:

o      Families must have a dependent child in the home.

o      Income must not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level. 

o      Once in a lifetime payment, although with “good cause” an exemption can be granted. 

o      The family must demonstrate a specific need and, with the help of Diversion, be able to sustain itself and/or move toward self-sufficiency.

·        Time Limits: Ineligible for Colorado Works financial assistance for one year.

Diversion II – State Diversion

Diversion II is an alternative to applying for ongoing Colorado Works. The ideal candidate is work ready, eager to begin job search, has few barriers to employment yet still requires financial assistance to sustain their family until employed.

·        Eligibility Criteria:

o      Must meet ColoradoWorks income, resource, and non-financial criteria.

o      Families must have a dependent child in the home.

o      Participation is based on the employability assessment and job readiness – as defined by the client.

·         Services Provided: The client is involved in job search designed to help the family find employment within 60 days. Services and payments are based on need and agreed upon during the development of an Individual Responsibility Contract.   Services include, but are not limited to: job search assistance, career counseling, financial assistance and case management. They also receive child care assistance (CCCAP), Medicaid, and Food Stamps.  Participants can access on-site partners and other community referrals.

·        Time Limits: Diversion II is a time-limited program lasting 60 days in most cases. Failure to gain employment within the 60 day period can result in a roll over to Colorado Works or if the family failed to follow the contract they can be denied Colorado Works for 90 days.

Basic Cash Assistance (BCA)

Basic cash assistance is an ongoing employment and participation based financial assistance program for low income families with children. The goal of Colorado Works is to assist adults in becoming employment ready and to assist with job entry and retention. All while receiving BCA, clients must participate in work related activities. All income received under the Basic Cash Assistance program counts toward the client’s lifetime limit.

·        Eligibility Criteria:

o      Must have a dependent child, be a US citizen or legal alien and meet income and resource guidelines.

o      Adults complete an assessment and develop a self-sufficiency plan (Individual Responsibility Contract).

o      All ColoradoWorks participants are required to participate in work-related activities.

o      Child Care eligibility is tied to activities included in IRC.

·        Services Provided: Financial assistance, Food Stamps, Medicaid and Child Care are provided. Integrated case management including eligibility determination, family assessment, case planning, referral to employment and family stability services, monitoring progress and providing of transition services.

·        Time Limits: Adults have a 60-month lifetime limit.  They must be involved in work activities every month beginning with month 24.

Form:

Note: Weekly Attendance & Progress Report may be submitted at El Paso County Department of Human Services, 17 N. Spruce, or faxed to 719-444-5320 every Monday.

Here are additional resources that are available:

Ecumenical Social Ministries: http://www.ecusocmin.org

Partners in Housing: http://www.partnersinhousing.org/

Pikes Peak Community Action Agency: http://www.ppcaa.org/

Pikes Peak Workforce Center: http://ppwf.elpasoco.com/

TESSA is a Pikes Peak United Way organization: http://www.tessacs.org

Child Support Enforcement: https://www.co-childsupport.com/elpaso/secure.htm

Faith Partners Colorado Training & Mentoring Program:

http://www.faithpartnerscs.org/