Denver Human Services (DHS)
Important Updates on TANF and CCAP (Updated Jan. 12, 2026)
Colorado has received official notification from the Trump administration that it will restrict the state's funding pending a formal compliance review for the following programs:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), also known as Colorado Works, which provides basic cash assistance to low-income families and individuals
- The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), which funds the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
- Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), which funds a broad range of services, including child welfare
There are no impacts to our services today. Additionally, on Jan. 9, a federal court issued a temporary restraining order blocking the federal funding freeze while the process moves forward. We know this may still cause concern, so here is what you need to know:
TANF/Colorado Works (aka Basic Cash Assistance)
- There is no change to your eligibility or your benefits today
- You do not need to take action, but you should be aware of the situation and try to budget January benefits carefully in case there is a future disruption to Basic Cash Assistance (BCA)
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
CCAP currently remains operational. The State is actively working with partners to navigate this evolving situation while continuing to support families, providers and counties. The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) has provided the following guidance:
What Families Should Know
- Families should continue working with their county human services office
- Maintain your eligibility and reporting requirements
- Any future program changes will be communicated as quickly and clearly as possible through official channels.
What Providers Should Know
- Continue normal attendance tracking and billing processes
- Follow existing CCAP and licensing requirements
- Payments and operations remain subject to available funding
- Providers should direct questions to program administrators
How to Stay Informed
- Check the websites of Denver Human Services; the Colorado Department of Human Services; and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
- Check Colorado PEAK: The fastest way to see if there is any change to your specific case is through the Colorado PEAK website or mobile app.
- Watch your mail and phone: The state may reach out with more information through an official letter/ text message.
- Avoid rumors: There is a lot of misinformation during federal changes. Always look for updates directly from the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) or Denver Human Services.
Changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility (Updated Dec. 3, 2025)
Recent federal legislation will change SNAP and Medicaid eligibility for some Denver Human Services customers
For SNAP, beginning Nov. 1, 2025:
- Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) ages 64 and under may need to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. Some exceptions apply.
- Parents whose youngest child is 14 years old or older may also need to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. Some exceptions apply.
For Medicaid, the same groups will be required to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. However, changes to Medicaid eligibility will be implemented no earlier than December 31, 2026.
Additionally, noncitizen immigrants should be aware of the following:
- Noncitizen immigrants who are NOT Legal Permanent Residents (noncitizens without green cards) will remain ineligible for SNAP.
- Some immigrants with humanitarian relief such as asylum or refugee status will no longer be eligible for Medicaid starting October 1, 2026.
- All noncitizen immigrants will remain eligible for Emergency Medicaid.
More information can be found at the websites of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing for Medicaid and the Colorado Department of Human Services for SNAP.
Spread the Word - Downloadable Flyers
We encourage you to spread the word and share this information with the community and your network. Download printable flyers (English / Spanish / Vietnamese) using the links below:
Hope Starts Here
#HumanTogether. At Denver Human Services, we use this phrase because it celebrates the strength and interconnectedness of our staff and community. We invite you to watch a video featuring our teammates sharing why they serve at Denver Human Services:
Locations and Hours
Locations
Our Neighborhood Resource Site at the Westwood Community Center has permanently closed. Please note: The Westwood Community Center and its other tenants will continue to provide their services at this location.
Our Neighborhood Resource Site at Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS) has permanently closed. RMHS will continue to provide their services at this location.
Visit our locations and contact page for a list of all Denver Human Services locations, as well as the services offered. This includes Neighborhood-based locations that are conveniently located at the St. Francis Center (Downtown Denver) and Rocky Mountain Human Services (Southeast Denver).
- Richard T. Castro Human Services Center (1200 N. Federal Blvd., Second Floor Entrance, Denver, CO 80204)
- Welcome Center (2929 W. 10th Ave., Denver, CO 80204)
- Denver Human Services East (3815 Steele St. Denver, CO 80205)
- Arie P. Taylor Municipal Center (4685 Peoria St. Denver, CO 80239)
Hours
We are open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed on city holidays.
Early Closure Notice (third Wednesday of every month): Denver Human Services locations close early (at 2 p.m.) on the third Wednesday of every month. Food, cash and medical assistance, as well as EBT services, will not be available in person or from our call center during that time.
Do I Qualify for Benefits?
MyFriendBen helps you understand the government benefits, programs and tax credits you’re eligible for. Benefits include programs uniquely available to Denver residents. On average, in 6 minutes, you will know the cash value of those programs and the time it takes to apply so you can quickly make a decision that’s right for you.
Visit our MyFriendBen information page to learn more, or click the MyFriendBen button below to get started.
Find out what benefits you're eligible for
Apply for Benefits
Apply for services at Denver Human Services locations, by phone, or online. In most instances, we can help you without you needing to come to our building. Call 720-944-4DHS (4347) for more information. Se habla español.
Apply for Benefits on Colorado PEAK
Report Abuse or Neglect
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, or the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an at-risk adult in Denver, call the Denver County Child Welfare and Adult Protective Services hotline at 720-944-3000.
To report abuse or neglect of a child outside Denver County, contact the statewide hotline at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437).
Denver Human Services is an equal opportunity provider.
Language and Disability Access
It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please email DHSADASupport@denvergov.org with three business days’ notice.
File a Child Welfare Complaint
Report Abuse or Neglect
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, or the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an at-risk adult in Denver, do not use this form. Instead, call the Denver County Child Welfare and Adult Protective Services hotline at 720-944-3000. To report abuse or neglect of a child outside Denver County, contact the statewide hotline at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437).
Before filing a formal complaint about Child Welfare, please contact the supervisor and/or administrator over your case first to try and address your concerns. Direct communication is the easiest way to make sure your concern is heard, and it will allow us to address your concerns in a timely manner.
If you have contacted the supervisor and/or administrator and believe that your concerns are still unresolved, you can file a Child Welfare Complaint using the form below. If the form does not appear or you would prefer to work on it in a new window, you can fill out the Child Welfare Complaint form on our OpenForms page.
Click here to view form.
Child Welfare Policy
Per 12 CCR 2509 7.601.81, County departments shall maintain and utilize a written protocol regarding quality assurance and investigatory processes to monitor for falsification of child welfare records in the comprehensive child welfare information system known as Trails. View the DHS Falsification of Trails Records Policy(PDF, 212KB)