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Colorado State Plan Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Effective July 1, 2018

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once eligibility has been established, 67% of income will be disregarded during the certification period (up to six months). The generous disregard after eligibility has been determined is intended to support a transition to employment for families receiving assistance, allowing access to not only basic cash, but also case management and supportive services that are critical during early attachment to work.

Services are provided to child(ren) in out of home placements or in juvenile justice facilities in accordance with the provisions of the approved Emergency Assistance State Plan in effect on September 30, 1995. Non-monetary services may also be provided to a non-custodial parent according to program rules, as outlined in county policy.

Specified caretakers are required to notify the agency within normal program reporting requirements if a child has left the home and is expected to be gone for more than 45 calendar days. Specified caretakers who fail to meet this requirement will be ineligible for assistance for ninety calendar days. Good Cause exceptions for temporary absence include: (1) Child(ren) receiving medical care or education that requires him or her to live away from the home; or, (2) Child(ren) visiting a noncustodial parent, as specified in a parenting plan entered by the court or by both parties not to exceed six (6) months unless otherwise specified and must be signed by both parties; or, (3) Child(ren) residing in voluntary foster care placement for a period not expected to exceed three (3) months. Should the foster care plan change within three months and the placement become court-ordered, the child is no longer considered to be living in the home as of the time the foster care plan is changed.

Applications and redeterminations of eligibility. Applications for Colorado Works benefits must be processed within 45 calendar days. For persons receiving ongoing basic cash assistance, a redetermination of eligibility must be completed every six months. Redeterminations for Colorado Works benefits must be completed by the last day of the month if submitted prior to the 15th of the redetermination month and must be completed by the 10th of the month following the redetermination month if received after the 16th of the redetermination month.

Method and frequency of basic cash assistance. Assistance units are certified as eligible and receive benefits through a six-month certification period, notwithstanding changes to household composition or income that would render the unit ineligible entirely. The Certification Period aligns with the State’s Food Assistance simplified reporting rules; families are required to report changes as they occur, including changes to household composition, income (source or amount, earned or unearned), or residence. Changes that do not render the unit ineligible will not negatively affect benefits during the certification period. Changes that would increase the assistance amount will be applied and acted