Help for Single Mothers in Colorado
Last Updated on May 23, 2024 by Kathy
Single motherhood can be a rewarding but challenging experience, and mothers in Colorado meet challenges in providing for their families. Fortunately, there are resources available to help support single mothers in Colorado.
Colorado offers several programs that help those in need, including single mothers. The state has a number of programs that helps meet the needs of its residents. These include federally funded programs, as well as local government-created ones. The programs aim to help with basic needs such as food, rent and foreclosure assistance, health care, and prescriptions.
Colorado Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance is a temporary wage replacement program that pays Coloradans benefits for up to 26 weeks if they have lost their jobs through no fault on their part.
The benefits are automatically paid to the Colorado Automated Payment Card (CAP), which you receive when you apply for benefits. Use this estimator to get a rough estimate of your UI benefits before filing a new claim. To submit a claim, Visit Smartlife for help or call 303-318-9000.
Earned Income Tax Credit
Earned income tax credit of Colorado is a fully refundable credit that offers a credit of 10% of the federal credit. This means Colorado families without income taxes can get the full amount of Earned Tax Credit as a refund. Colorado residents can contact the Colorado United Way Help Centers 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 to determine if they qualify for the EITC and be connected with free tax preparation services.
You can use the EITC assistant to determine if you are eligible for tax years 2018 2017, 2016, and 2015. You can use the EITC Assistant to find out if you qualify for EITC, whether your child qualifies, and if you’re eligible. It also estimates how much EITC you might get.
Food Assistance Program
Food Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income families or individuals in Colorado purchase the food they need to maintain a healthy diet. The program is available in at least one place in each Colorado county so that eligible families can access a nutritious diet. To qualify for SNAP you must meet these eligibility requirements:
- Living in Colorado.
- Be a US Citizen or a permanent lawful resident.
- Please show proof of your identity.
- You must meet certain income criteria.
- You have less than $2250 in your resources.
As a condition for eligibility, Colorado SNAP participants are required to either register for work or accept an offer of suitable employment, or participate in Employment First unless they are exempt.
Colorado Works Program
Colorado Works is Colorado’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF). Participants receive assistance in becoming self-sufficient through the program by strengthening their families’ economic and social stability. Colorado Works is available in all 64 counties, and it’s delivered by the local Department of human services or social services. This program has several goals, including:
- Create job opportunities for Coloradans with low income
- Support Coloradans with low income in preparing for and retaining employment opportunities
- Promote strategies that increase household incomes and economic stability
- As a safety net, it provides financial protection for people who are older, disabled, parents, and children, as well as those who are working.
- Promoting family and individual stability and safety, healthy relationships, and overall well-being
Health Programs
Medicaid
Market Place administers Medicaid in Colorado. Connect for Health Colorado is the name of this program in Colorado. Its mission is to improve access, affordability, and choice when purchasing health insurance for Colorado individuals and small businesses.
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)
Colorado’s Child Health Plan Plus is the other program. CHP+ provides low-cost insurance to Colorado’s pregnant women and children who are uninsured. CHP+ targets children and pregnant mothers who earn too much for Health First Colorado, Colorado’s Medicaid Program but can’t afford private health insurance.
Under the Presumptive-Eligibility program, pregnant women and children under 19 may also be eligible for temporary coverage – Health First Colorado (or Child Health Plan Plus) – under the program. You can apply at any clinic, health center, or community resource center that is approved by the Presumptive Eligibility (PE) program. These plans offer the following health services and benefits:
- Ambulatory Patient Services (outpatient services you receive without being admitted into a hospital).
- Emergency Services
- Hospitalization (such as surgery and overnight stay)
- Pregnancy and maternity care, as well as newborn care (both prior to and after delivery)
- Services for mental health and substance abuse disorders, including counseling and psychotherapy
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and habilitative devices and services (services to help people with disabilities or chronic conditions recover mental and physical abilities)
- Laboratory Services
- Get free wellness and prevention services
- Children’s services including dental and vision care are covered by essential health benefits. Adult dental and vision coverage is not included.
College Opportunity Fund (COF)
The Colorado Legislature created the College Opportunity Fund (COF) to provide a stipend for eligible undergraduate students. The stipend covers a portion of your in-state tuition at a college that participates.
To receive this benefit, eligible undergraduate students must first apply to a college that offers the program. They then need to be accepted and enrolled in classes. The stipend is available to both new and returning students.
Students who qualify may use their stipend to pay for undergraduate courses that are eligible. The stipend will be paid on a credit-hour basis, depending on the college where the student is registered. The amount per credit hour is determined annually by the General Assembly. Visit their website for more information on the COF, including eligibility.
Bottom Line About Help For Single Mothers In Colorado
There is a big variety to choose from when it comes to asking for assistance. The federal government and nonprofits work hard to support the community they are in, the best that they can. To learn more about other assistance offered to help single mothers in the state of Colorado, visit these articles:
