Public Assistance applications are available here.
PEAK
Colorado PEAK is the place to apply for and manage benefits online. Use PEAK to apply for or manage your medical, SNAP, cash or other State of Colorado benefits.
Medicaid (Health First Colorado)
Medicaid provides a free or low-cost healthcare insurance. Visit Health First Colorado to learn more about Health First Colorado.
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)
CHP+ is a low-cost health insurance program for uninsured Colorado children ages 18 and under whose family earnings do not qualify them for Medicaid but they cannot afford private insurance. Visit Colorado Child Health Plan Plus to learn more about CHP+.
If you already receive any of these services, you may check the status of your benefits by creating an online account through Colorado Peak.
The federal government shutdown means Colorado cannot send SNAP benefits right now.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP is available for income-eligible individuals and families. Income eligible individuals and families must apply and be determined eligible. Food assistance can be used to buy food only. Alcoholic beverages, pet food, tobacco, paper products, or other nonfood items cannot be purchased with food assistance benefits. If determined eligible, the benefit amount will be placed in an electronic account which can be accessed by individuals through the Colorado Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. EBT cards are accepted by most grocery stores. Visit https://cdhs.colorado.gov/snap to learn more about the SNAP program.
Other Food Assistance
The Food Pantry Network for a list of Food Banks/Pantries in Archuleta County for further food assistance.
Colorado Works (CW) / Colorado’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The CW/TANF program provides cash assistance to families in need. It is designed to help families become self-sufficient by strengthening their economic and social stability. Through this program, individuals who are pregnant or have dependent children, and who meet other eligibility requirements can receive monthly basic cash assistance (BCA) payments, help with emergency household expenses and services, such as counseling, and training.
For more information, visit the Colorado Works Website.
TANF Diversion
This program provides a one time work related financial need, limited to an adult family member with dependent children.
Aid to Needy Disabled (AND)
The AND Program provides a small cash assistance benefit to low-income Colorado residents ages 18-59 who have at least a six-month total disability that precludes them from working and who are not receiving Social Security Insurance benefits. Monthly cash benefits are provided until such time as a person is eligible for disability. Persons who are U.S. citizens or legal residents may be eligible.
Aid to the Blind (AB)
Monthly cash benefits are provided for adults who are legally blind and who do not receive Social Security Insurance benefits until such time as a person is eligible for disability through the Social Security Administration. U.S. citizens and legal residents may be eligible.
Old Age Pension (OAP)
Provides assistance and health care benefits for eligible low-income adults aged 60 or older.
Private citizens are encouraged to report financial and time fraud, as well as waste or misuse of resources.
If fraud is suspected at the county level, such as in the delivery or misuse of funds for SNAP (food stamps) or TANF (welfare benefits), please contact your local county fraud investigator.
For all other fraud concerns, contact the CDHS Fraud Hotline at 877.934.6361 or fill out the form. Note: The fraud hotline and online form now include the option to report fraud in Spanish.
Be ready with the following information:
- The name of the individual or organization
- The address of the individual or organization
- The individuals living in the household
- The date of the alleged misconduct
- A detailed description explaining why you suspect fraud or abuse
- Your contact information
The fraud referral will either be investigated by the CDHS Audit Division or referred to the appropriate contact for further investigation. For more information, visit CDHS.Colorado.gov