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

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upon as they are reported, irrespective of the certification period. All other reported changes take effect at the beginning of the next Certification Period.

Time limits. Adult members of the assistance unit are limited to 60-months of TANF assistance during their lifetime. Up to 20% of the caseload may receive an extension of federal TANF assistance beyond the 60-month lifetime limit if their cases meet hardship or domestic violence criteria. No extensions will be formally granted until the adult has received TANF benefits for 60-months. All extensions will be granted by the county department of human/social services based on hardship or domestic violence reasons defined in Colorado Works rules and county policies. Domestic violence extensions and hardship extensions may be granted when domestic violence or hardship problems prevent the adult(s) from participating in work activities or securing employment. Hardship reasons for extensions beyond the 60-month time limitation include the following:

(1) Disability of the caretaker, his/her spouse, the dependent child(ren), or immediate relative for which the caretaker is the primary caregiver;

(2) involvement in the judicial system because a member of the assistance unit has an existing case;

(3) family instability, including the proven inability to maintain stable employment or inability of the caretaker to care for child(ren) in his or her own home or in the home of a relative;

(4) inadequate or unavailable child care, housing, transportation, or employment opportunities;

(5) families experiencing current or past domestic violence issues; and,

(6) other hardship reasons specified in the county’s policies.

Minor parents. A minor parent is a parent who is under age 18. All unmarried minor parents are considered child(ren) for purposes of time limits and budgeting. Unmarried minor parents must live with a parent or adult relative or guardian, or in a setting deemed appropriate by the county, with exceptions for good cause. Minor parents who have not completed high school or its equivalent must attend high school, work on a GED, or be in an alternative education training program approved by the State in order to be eligible for assistance unless receiving benefits paid with segregated State/local funds. Colorado does not require non-custodial, non-supporting minor parents to fulfill community work obligations or attend appropriate parenting classes after school.