$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Colorado Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Colorado
SSDI in Colorado - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Colorado - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition. It is federal, so the rules are the same in Colorado as everywhere else.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, and many are won on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA Annual Statistical Report, 2024
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in Colorado?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. Many Coloradans also qualify for Health First Colorado, the state Medicaid program, while they wait.
How long does SSDI take in Colorado?
Colorado processes initial claims through its Disability Determination Services. An initial decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity, which is $1,690 in 2026. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Colorado - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Colorado - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. Colorado adds a small state supplement for some recipients through its Adult Financial programs.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
COLORADO STATE ADD-ON
Up to $994
Colorado's Adult Financial programs set a grant standard that tops up income for some aged, blind, and disabled recipients
Colorado DHS, 2026
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
- Colorado residents who get less than the full SSI amount, for the state supplement
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get Health First Colorado with SSI?
Yes. SSI approval in Colorado enrolls you in Health First Colorado, the state Medicaid program, automatically. No separate application is needed.
Does Colorado add to my SSI payment?
Yes, for some people. Colorado's Aid to the Needy Disabled-Colorado Supplement (AND-CS) sets a grant standard of $994 a month for disabled recipients under age 60 who do not get the full federal amount, and the Old Age Pension sets a $1,032 standard for people 60 and older, both effective January 2026.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Colorado
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Colorado
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and Colorado adds its own benefits, including a property tax break for disabled veterans.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS or by Colorado
IRS / VA
COLORADO PROPERTY TAX BREAK
50% off $200,000
Colorado exempts half the first $200,000 of home value for qualifying disabled veterans
Colorado DOLA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
- Surviving spouses and dependents, for certain related benefits
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does Colorado offer any extra benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Colorado exempts 50 percent of the first $200,000 of your home's value from property tax if you have a 100% permanent and total service-connected rating. Apply through your county assessor, and the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs can help.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Colorado
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Colorado
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- People who have received SSDI for 24 months
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in Colorado?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. In Colorado, Medicaid is called Health First Colorado and is based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Is there free Medicare counseling in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), run through the Division of Insurance, gives free and unbiased Medicare help. Turnout can also work with you one-on-one at no cost.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Colorado
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Colorado
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed
HOW COMMON IT IS
About 15%
Public school students receive special education under federal law
U.S. Dept. of Education
EVALUATION TIMELINE
60 days
Colorado schools must finish an initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of your written consent
Colorado Dept. of Education
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in Colorado public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
- Families who suspect a delay and request an evaluation in writing
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in Colorado?
Colorado schools must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of getting your written consent. School breaks, including summer, do not pause this clock.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Colorado residents.
Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Colorado residents.
Health First Colorado is Colorado's name for Medicaid, run by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. Colorado expanded Medicaid, so most adults under 65 can qualify based on income alone, usually at no cost. If you earn a little too much, your kids may still qualify for Child Health Plan Plus, called CHP+.
ADULT INCOME LIMIT
138% FPL
Adults ages 19 to 64 qualify with income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level
Colorado HCPF, 2026
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most Health First Colorado members pay nothing per month for full health coverage
Colorado HCPF, 2026
KIDS AND PREGNANCY
Up to 260% FPL
Children and pregnant people qualify at higher incomes through Medicaid or CHP+
Connect for Health Colorado, 2026
Who qualifies
- Adults ages 19 to 64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level
- Children with family income up to 147% of the poverty level, or higher through CHP+
- Pregnant people with income up to 200% of the poverty level
- Seniors and people with disabilities under separate income and asset rules
How to apply
Apply any time of year through Colorado PEAK online, by phone at 1-800-221-3943, or at your county human services office. Have proof of income, identity, and Colorado residency ready. Most decisions arrive within 45 days, longer if a disability determination is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado's Medicaid program is called Health First Colorado. It's the same federal program, run by the state Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, with the same core benefits.
What if I earn too much for Health First Colorado?
Your children may still qualify for Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), which covers kids and pregnant people at higher incomes. You can also shop for subsidized private coverage at Connect for Health Colorado.
Is there an asset test for Health First Colorado?
No, not for most adults and families. Asset limits apply only to seniors and people applying for long-term care programs.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Colorado
Monthly grocery benefits on a Colorado Quest EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Colorado
Monthly grocery benefits on a Colorado Quest EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP helps qualifying Colorado households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto a Colorado Quest EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores and many farmers markets. Colorado uses a rule called broad-based categorical eligibility, which raises the income limit so more working families qualify. The program is run by the Colorado Department of Human Services through county offices.
GROSS INCOME LIMIT
200% FPL
Colorado raises the gross income limit to 200 percent of the poverty level under its BBCE rules
Colorado CDHS, 2026
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in the 48 states and D.C. in FY2026
USDA FNS, FY2026
HOW FAST APPROVAL HAPPENS
7 days
Expedited benefits for households with very low income or urgent need; standard processing up to 30 days
USDA FNS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level under Colorado BBCE
- Most households with no asset test under Colorado rules
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Colorado
- Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability follow simpler income rules
How to apply
Apply online through Colorado PEAK, by phone at 1-800-536-5298, or in person at your county human services office. An interview is required, but it can be done by phone. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need.
Frequently asked questions
What is SNAP called in Colorado?
Colorado calls it SNAP or the Food Assistance Program, and benefits come on a Colorado Quest EBT card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores.
I have some savings. Can I still qualify for SNAP in Colorado?
Most likely yes. Because Colorado uses broad-based categorical eligibility, most households have no asset test, so your savings and car usually do not count.
Can I get benefits faster in an emergency?
Yes. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Colorado
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Colorado
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant people, new parents, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. In Colorado, WIC is run by the Department of Public Health and Environment, and benefits load onto a Colorado eWIC card. Being on Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF usually qualifies you automatically.
INCOME LIMIT
185% FPL
Families qualify with income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level
USDA FNS, 2026
ON MEDICAID OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on Health First Colorado, SNAP, or TANF automatically meets WIC's income test
USDA
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum people, infants, and children up to age 5
Colorado CDPHE
Who qualifies
- Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding people, and caregivers of children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving SNAP, Health First Colorado, or TANF are automatically income-eligible
- Colorado residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Call 1-800-688-7777 or your local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of household income or proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF enrollment. If approved, you receive your Colorado eWIC card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by Colorado's food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limits are higher than people expect, and being on Medicaid or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LEAP (Energy Assistance) in Colorado
Assistance that helps cover your winter home heating bills and prevents shutoffs.
LEAP (Energy Assistance) in Colorado
Assistance that helps cover your winter home heating bills and prevents shutoffs.
LEAP is Colorado's name for the federal LIHEAP energy assistance program. It helps qualifying households pay a portion of their winter heating bills, usually by paying the heating provider directly. LEAP can also help with emergency furnace repair or replacement. The program runs each winter and is administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services.
INCOME LIMIT
60% of SMI
Households at or below 60 percent of the state median income can qualify
Colorado CDHS, 2026
HEATING SEASON
Nov 1 to Apr 30
Applications are accepted each winter from November 1 through April 30
Colorado CDHS, 2026
HEATING BENEFIT
Up to $1,000
The heating benefit can reach up to $1,000 depending on fuel type, income, and other factors; it is paid to your utility
Colorado CDHS, 2025
Who qualifies
- Colorado households with income at or below 60% of the state median income
- Renters and homeowners who pay heating costs directly or as part of their rent
- Households with at least one U.S. citizen or lawful resident in the home
- Households on SNAP, TANF, or SSI, who are generally income-eligible
How to apply
Apply online through Colorado PEAK from November 1 through April 30, or call the HEAT HELP line at 1-866-432-8435 to apply by phone or request a paper application. Bring proof of income, a recent heating bill, and photo ID. Most applications take 10 to 25 days to process, and the benefit is credited to your heating account.
Frequently asked questions
What is LIHEAP called in Colorado?
Colorado calls it LEAP, the Low-income Energy Assistance Program. It is the state version of the federal LIHEAP program, run by the Department of Human Services.
When can I apply for LEAP?
LEAP takes applications each heating season from November 1 through April 30. Applying early in the season is best, since it can take a few weeks to process.
Can LEAP fix my broken furnace?
Yes. If you qualify for LEAP, you also qualify for the Crisis Intervention Program, which pays to repair or replace a broken primary heating system like a furnace or wood stove. It runs year-round, not just in the winter season.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Connect for Health Colorado (ACA Marketplace)
Private health plans with financial help through Colorado's own marketplace.
Connect for Health Colorado (ACA Marketplace)
Private health plans with financial help through Colorado's own marketplace.
Connect for Health Colorado is the state's own health insurance marketplace, not HealthCare.gov. It is where Coloradans who do not have Medicaid or job-based coverage can buy private plans and get financial help to lower the cost. Colorado also offers extra state savings and standardized Colorado Option plans designed to cost less.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
286,501
Coloradans who enrolled through the state marketplace for plan year 2026
Connect for Health Colorado, 2026
WHO GETS FINANCIAL HELP
69%
Of marketplace enrollees qualified for financial help that lowers their monthly cost in 2026
Connect for Health Colorado, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 to Jan 15
Open enrollment for the year. Special enrollment is available year-round for qualifying life events
Connect for Health Colorado, 2026
Who qualifies
- Colorado residents without affordable employer coverage available
- People not eligible for Health First Colorado, CHP+, or Medicare
- Households earning at or above 100% of the federal poverty level, for financial help
- Undocumented residents, through the OmniSalud program
How to apply
Apply online at Connect for Health Colorado or call 1-855-752-6749 during open enrollment, which runs November 1 through January 15. Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your financial help and compare plans. Free help from certified assisters is available in many languages.
Frequently asked questions
Does Colorado use HealthCare.gov?
No. Colorado runs its own marketplace called Connect for Health Colorado, so you enroll there instead of HealthCare.gov.
What is the Colorado Option?
The Colorado Option is a set of standardized plans sold on the marketplace that aim to lower costs and cover more services before your deductible.
Can undocumented residents get coverage?
Yes. Colorado's OmniSalud program lets undocumented residents shop for private plans, and a limited number can get financial help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Colorado Works (TANF)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
Colorado Works (TANF)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
Colorado Works is Colorado's version of TANF. It provides monthly cash to families with children who have very limited income, plus job training and support. The cash is loaded onto an EBT card and can be used for basic needs like rent, utilities, and transportation. The program is run by counties through the Department of Human Services, with a federal 60-month lifetime limit.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
About $600
The maximum cash grant for a family of three with no countable income. Among the lowest in the country, and set to rise each July by law. (This is the benefit paid, which is lower than the income eligibility limit.)
Colorado CDHS Colorado Works, 2026
LIFETIME LIMIT
60 months
The federal lifetime cap on cash assistance for adults. Colorado does not add a shorter state limit
Colorado CDHS, 2026
CHILD SUPPORT PASSED TO YOU
100%
Colorado passes all child support collected back to Colorado Works families
Colorado CDHS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Colorado families with at least one child under 18 in the home
- Pregnant people
- Relatives caring for a child, who may qualify for child-only assistance
- Colorado residents who are citizens or qualified immigrants and meet income rules
How to apply
Apply online through Colorado PEAK, at your county human services office, or by phone at 1-800-536-5298. Applying also screens you for food and health benefits. Have proof of income, identity, and your children's information ready. If approved, benefits are loaded onto an EBT card.
Frequently asked questions
What is TANF called in Colorado?
Colorado's TANF program is called Colorado Works. It gives cash help and job support to families with children, run by counties through the Department of Human Services.
How much cash can a family get?
It depends on your family size and income. Colorado sets a maximum grant by household size in its need-standard chart, and your county calculates your exact payment after income is counted. Ask your county human services office for the current amount for your family size.
Can I receive Colorado Works and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. Colorado Works recipients are generally categorically eligible for SNAP. Applying at Colorado PEAK screens you for both at once.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in Colorado (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Colorado (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. Unlike many states, Colorado adds its own EITC on top of the federal credit, and it even lets people who file with an ITIN claim the state credit.
FEDERAL WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 federal maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
COLORADO STATE MATCH
50%
Colorado adds 50 percent of your federal credit for the 2025 tax year filed in 2026
Colorado Dept. of Revenue, 2026
OWE NO TAX?
Still get cash back
Both the federal and Colorado credits are refundable, so you receive them even if you owe nothing
IRS / Colorado Dept. of Revenue
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Colorado residents who claim or could claim the federal credit
- ITIN filers, who can claim the Colorado credit even without the federal one
How to apply
You claim the EITC by filing a federal tax return and a Colorado return, even if you don't normally have to file. Free filing help is available through Get Ahead Colorado and IRS-certified VITA volunteers. Keep your income and dependent records ready.
Frequently asked questions
Does Colorado have its own EITC?
Yes. Colorado adds a state credit on top of the federal one, worth 50 percent of your federal credit for the 2025 tax year filed in 2026.
Can I claim it if I file with an ITIN?
Yes. Colorado allows ITIN filers to claim the state EITC even if they cannot claim the federal credit, which is a notable Colorado rule.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or Health First Colorado, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Colorado
Federal and Colorado tax credits for families with children.
Child Tax Credit in Colorado
Federal and Colorado tax credits for families with children.
The Child Tax Credit helps families with the cost of raising children. On top of the federal credit worth up to $2,200 per child, Colorado has its own Child Tax Credit for young children and a Family Affordability Tax Credit for older kids. Colorado's credits are refundable and open to families who file with an ITIN.
FEDERAL MAX PER CHILD
$2,200
The federal credit for each qualifying child under 17 in 2026
IRS, 2026
COLORADO CHILD TAX CREDIT
10% to 60%
Colorado's credit for children under 6 is worth 10 to 60 percent of the federal credit, by income
Colorado Dept. of Revenue, 2026
FEDERAL REFUNDABLE PART
$1,700
The refundable portion of the federal credit you can get back in 2026
IRS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number, for the federal credit
- Colorado families with a child under age 6, for the Colorado Child Tax Credit
- Colorado families with a child under 17, for the Family Affordability Tax Credit
- ITIN filers, who can claim Colorado's credits without a Social Security number
How to apply
You claim these credits when you file a federal tax return and a Colorado return, even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through the federal Schedule 8812 and Colorado's forms. Get Ahead Colorado and VITA sites offer free help.
Frequently asked questions
Does Colorado have its own Child Tax Credit?
Yes. Colorado has a Child Tax Credit for children under 6 and a separate Family Affordability Tax Credit for children under 17, both refundable, on top of the federal credit.
How much is the Colorado Child Tax Credit?
For children under 6, it ranges from about 10 to 60 percent of the federal credit depending on your income, with the largest amount going to the lowest earners.
Can I claim it with an ITIN?
Yes. Colorado allows families who file with an ITIN to claim the state credits, even without a Social Security number for the child.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
CCCAP (Child Care Assistance) in Colorado
Subsidized child care for working Colorado families.
CCCAP (Child Care Assistance) in Colorado
Subsidized child care for working Colorado families.
CCCAP is the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program, which helps families with low income pay for child care while parents work, look for work, or go to school. It is run by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood through county offices, and counties set their own entry income limits within state rules. The program pays providers directly, with families paying a sliding-scale share based on income.
PARENT SHARE
Sliding scale
Families pay a co-pay based on income and family size; lower-income families pay little to nothing
Colorado CDEC, 2026
INCOME LIMIT TO ENTER
185% FPL
Counties must serve families with income at or below 185 percent of the poverty level; some set higher limits
Colorado CDEC, 2026
STAY UNTIL
85% of SMI
Families can keep help until their income passes 85 percent of the state median income
Colorado CDEC, 2026
Who qualifies
- Colorado families with a child from birth through age 12, or through 18 with special needs
- Parents who are working, looking for work, or in school or job training
- Families with income at or below their county's entry limit, at least 185% of the poverty level
- Families enrolled in Colorado Works who need child care
How to apply
Apply online through Colorado PEAK or contact your county human services office, since counties run CCCAP locally. You will need proof of income, proof of your work or school activity, and your children's information. Some counties keep a waitlist or freeze enrollment, so apply as early as you can.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs CCCAP in Colorado?
CCCAP is overseen by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, which took over the program in 2022 and 2023, and it is run day to day by county human services offices.
What income can I have and still qualify?
Counties set their own entry limit, but they must serve families at or below 185 percent of the poverty level. You can keep help until your income passes 85 percent of the state median income.
What happens if there's a waitlist?
Because funding is limited, some counties freeze new enrollment or keep a waitlist. Priority groups, such as families transitioning off Colorado Works, can often still enroll, so it helps to apply early.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
