How to Apply for TANF in Colorado

Colorado's TANF program is called Colorado Works, and like California it's county-administered even though the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) sets the statewide rules. Most applicants apply through the Colorado PEAK website or the MyCOBenefits mobile app, both of which also screen for SNAP and Medicaid at the same time. If you get stuck, every county runs its own human or social services office that can walk you through the paper application in person.

Updated August 2026

1. 1

   Apply online, by app, or on paper

   Submit an application through Colorado PEAK (co.gov/peak), the MyCOBenefits app (iOS or Android), or a downloadable paper application in English or Spanish.

2. 2

   Confirm you meet the basic criteria

   You must be pregnant or caring for a child under 18, live in Colorado, be a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant, and have family income under $75,000 a year to be considered.

3. 3

   Contact your county human services office if you need help

   County departments handle applications locally, so reach out to your county office directly for application assistance or questions about your case.

4. 4

   Work with a case manager

   Once approved, you will work with a Colorado Works case manager to set goals and build your own plan as part of your "Colorado Works Journey."

5. 5

   Receive benefits via EBT or direct deposit

   Cash assistance is delivered through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, either loaded onto an EBT card or deposited directly into your bank account.

Verified against the official Colorado TANF agency site. View source