TANF Application Instructions


In order to apply for Colorado Works, you will be required to submit a completed application to county office. Here is how you can apply for the program:

Apply Online: To apply online for Colorado Works, you can go to PEAK website and complete an online application there. PEAK provides easy way to apply for benefits in Colorado. You can also apply for number of other benefits through the website.

You will also be able to track your application status and check out the benefits that you qualify through the website. Just login and you will be taken to the page where you will have all these tools available.

Apply in Person: You can also apply in person for the Colorado Works program. All you have to do is to visit your local county office, fill out the application and hand it over to an agent at the office. You will also be required to submit different documents along with your application for proving your identity, income and residence.

You can locate your nearest county office using this office locator tool.

Apply through Mail: You can also apply through mail for the Colorado Works (TANF) program. Contact your county services office here for more information about mailing in an application.

Colorado TANF Office

Department of Human Services
Division of Colorado Works
1575 Sherman Street, 3rd Floor
Denver, Colorado 80203-1714


Eligibility Requirements

In order to be enrolled in Colorado Works program, one has to meet certain eligibility requirements. Without meeting these requirements, individuals will not be able to receive any benefits.

Applicants must also be legal citizens or meet the required immigration guidelines. Children born to mothers enrolled in the AIM program are also accommodated in this program. Minors and their siblings without parents qualify on their own; however, guardians and foster parents of such children are exempted from the income guidelines.

  • Must be a U.S citizen, permanent resident, or a qualified alien
  • Must be a resident of state of Colorado
  • Meet the income guidelines set for the program
  • Meet the resources limit set by the program. The resources that would count include bank accounts, bonds, real estate, stocks and insurance compensation.
  • Haven't received aid for full 60 months in the lifetime through Colorado Works program.

The aid is available to the following people:

  • Pregnant women
  • Single and two-parent families responsible for children under 19 years of age
  • Caretaker relatives responsible for dependent children

You will have to make sure that you are providing proof of following along with your application so that your eligibility can be judged:

  • Proof of your identity
  • Proof of your income
  • Proof of your residence
  • Colorado ID and Social Security Number
  • Signed affidavit for applicants above 18 years of age

Work-Related Requirements

Applicants will also have to agree to participate in the work-related services offered through the program. These activities may include technical and vocational education, preparation for GED, employment training, job interview skills, and part-time work. The program also trains beneficiaries to prepare for work through comprehensive job training courses. Since the program wants to provide an opportunity to families to become financially independent, it requires all the adults in the household to agree to work-related requirements. However, those exempted by the federal government from work due to age or disability can receive the benefits without having to work.

If an adult is receiving SSI, he or she will not have to participate in the work activity, despite the fact that such adult is living in a household receiving Colorado Works benefits.

Similarly, caretaker relatives responsible for minor children but not receiving aid for themselves through the Colorado Works program will not have to participate in the work-related activities.

PEAK Eligibility Tool

You can also check your eligibility online using PEAK eligibility tool. The tool will help you determine your eligibility for Colorado Works and various other programs after you provide necessary information. It will take just a few minutes. Before you apply for the program, it is recommended that you use the tool to see whether you qualify for the program or not.