Links

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Adult & Aging Services
Access Home Care Allowance, Long Term Care, Old Age Pension, and Adult Protective Services

Cash Assistance Programs
Aid to the Blind (AB), Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND), Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP),
Colorado Works / TANF, Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

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Child Support Enforcement
Discover how to start a child support enforcement case and how to make or receive payments.

Child Welfare
Report suspected child abuse or neglect.

Food Assistance Programs
Obtain eligibility, application, and additional resource information.

Foster Care/Adoption
Explore the options to foster or adopt a child in need of a loving home.

Medical Assistance Programs
Obtain eligibility, application, and additional resource information

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Human Services

Director:
Laura Lockhart

205 S. 6th Street
P.O. Box 929
Westcliffe, CO 81252
Phone: 719-783-2371
Fax: 719-783-0163

Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 4:00pm

Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline:
1-844-CO-4-KIDS

Adult and Aging Services

Adult Protective Services

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The purpose of the Adult Protective Services (APS) program is to provide protective services (and referrals to community services) to adults who cannot protect or care for themselves. These adults are known as "at-risk adults." They are considered to be at risk of mistreatment or self-neglect because:

• They are unable to protect themselves against abuse, neglect, or exploitation; and/or
• They are unable to perform or arrange for services that will help them to protect their health and safety. For example, they may be unable to obtain medical treatment, financial assistance, meals, or home health assistance; and/or
• They lack sufficient understanding or lack the capacity to make or communicate decisions that keep them safe and healthy.

How to Report

All Colorado citizens are encouraged to report suspected mistreatment or self-neglect of an at-risk adult. When making a report to APS, it is helpful to provide as much detailed information as possible about the adult, the adult's situation, and the alleged perpetrator. Whenever possible, provide the following information:

• Name, address, and phone number of the at-risk adult
• Current location, if different from the home address
• Date of birth, or estimated age
• Medical and/or disabling condition(s)
• Medical provider(s)
• Names and contact information for any known family members, friends, or neighbors
• Name and contact information for the person responsible for abuse or neglect

To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an at-risk adult, please call the Custer County Department of Human Services at (719) 783-2371. If an emergency exists, dial 911 or your police or sheriff.

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Home care allowance (HCA) provides cash assistance to elderly and disabled individuals for services paid directly to a home care provider of the client's choice. The home care provider assists the client with their activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, transfers, supportive service such as money management, and appointment management. All services under the HCA program are considered unskilled.
 

Eligibility

Income guidelines vary depending on age and severity of disability. Please contact Custer County Human Services for more information by calling (719) 783-2371.

How to Apply

Pick up an application from our office, call to have one mailed to you, or apply online. Bring the completed application for assistance and all required documents into our office. Applications cannot be processed without all required documents, which include:

• Proof of identity (driver's license, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, etc.)

• Proof of income (pay stubs, verification of Social Security income, benefits, pensions, etc.)

• Proof of resources (bank statements, individual retirement account, stocks, bonds, life insurance, burial policies, etc.)

• Social Security card

Application Process Period

HCA applications will be processed within 90 days from the date our office receives your completed application and all required documents.

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Long term care (LTC) includes nursing facility care and home and community based services where medical providers come into the home to render the necessary services to keep a disabled individual from being institutionalized in a nursing facility or hospital.
 

Eligibility

Individuals under the age of 65 requiring long term care services must meet the Social Security disability criteria either through Social Security income (SSI) eligibility or Social Security disability income (SSDI) eligibility. Colorado also has a state contractor who can determine disability if an individual has not been determined disabled by the Social Security Administration. Applicants must have income under $2,205 per month.

How to Apply

Pick up an application from our office, call to have one mailed to you, or apply online. Bring the completed application for assistance and all required documents into our office. Applications cannot be processed without all required documents, which include:

• Proof of identity (driver's license, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, etc.)

• Proof of income (pay stubs, verification of Social Security income, benefits, pensions, etc.)

• Proof of resources (bank statements, individual retirement account, stocks, bonds, life insurance, burial policies, etc.)

• Social Security card

Application Process Period

LTC applications will be processed within 90 days from the date our office receives your completed application and all required documents.

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The Old Age Pension (OAP) program provides financial and medical assistance to individuals who are 60 years of age or older and meet state mandated income and resource guidelines. The OAP program provides financial benefits up to $773 per month. Any other income such as wages, Social Security benefits (SSA), supplemental security income (SSI), veteran's assistance, etc. may reduce the amount of the OAP payment.
 

Eligibility

An applicant / recipient's income cannot exceed the grant standard of $773 per month. A spouse's income is countable in determining eligibility. An applicant / recipient's countable resources cannot exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Some types of countable resources are cash (not spent in the month you receive it), checking or savings accounts, certificates of deposits, vehicles, boats, motor homes, stocks and bonds, life insurance, burial contracts or policies, and secondary property.

How to Apply

Pick up an application from our office, call to have one mailed to you, or apply online. Bring the completed application for assistance and all required documents into our office. Applications cannot be processed without all required documents, which include:

• Proof of age (driver's license, U.S. passport, birth certificate, state ID card, etc.)

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, U.S. passport, Social Security card, etc.)

• Proof of Colorado residency (driver's license, lease, utility bill, voter registration, etc.)

• Proof of income (pay stubs, verification of Social Security or SSI, etc.)

• Proof of any resources (bank statements, statements for investment accounts, stocks, bonds, vehicle registration for all vehicles, boats, motor homes, life insurance policies, etc.)

Application Process Period

OAP applications will be processed within 45 days from the date our office receives your completed application and all required documents.

Home Care Allowance (HCA)

Long Term Care  (LTC)

Old Age Pension

Aid to the Blind (AB)

Cash Assistance Programs

The Aid to the Blind (AB) program provides cash assistance to low-income Colorado residents who are under age 60 and who have at least a six-month total disability that precludes them from working. The goal of the program is to provide interim financial assistance while waiting for approval of supplemental security income (SSI). The AB program provides financial benefits up to $189 per month. Any other income such as wages, Social Security benefits (SSA), SSI, veteran's assistance, etc. may reduce the amount of the AB payment.
 

Eligibility

Applicants must be under the age of 60. Applicants may have countable resources up to a maximum of $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a married couple. Examples of resources are; cash (not spent in the month you receive it), checking or savings accounts, certificates of deposits, vehicles, boats, motor homes, stocks and bonds, life insurance, burial contracts or policies, and secondary property, etc. Additionally, applicants must have less than a 10% visual acuity in the better eye with corrections or not more than 20/200 central vision acuity in the better eye with correction.

How to Apply

Pick up an application from our office, call to have one mailed to you, or apply online. Bring the completed application for assistance and all required documents into our office. Applications cannot be processed without all required documents, which include:

• Proof of identity (driver's license, ID card, resident card, U.S. passport, etc.)

• Social Security card

• Applicants need to also apply for SSI

Application Process Period

AB applications will be processed within 60 days from the date our office receives your completed application and all required documents.

Visit the Social Security website for information, instructions, and applications for SSI.

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The Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND) program provides cash assistance to low-income Colorado residents, age 18 to 59, who have at least a six-month total disability that precludes them from working. The goal of the program is to provide interim financial assistance while waiting for approval of supplemental security income (SSI). The AND program provides financial benefits up to $189 per month. Any other income such as wages, Social Security benefits (SSA), SSI, veteran's assistance, etc. may reduce the amount of the AND payment.
 

Eligibility

Applicants must be between 18 and 59 years old to qualify for the AND program. An AND applicant / recipient may have countable resources up to a maximum of $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a married couple. Examples of resources are; cash (not spent in the month you receive it), checking or savings accounts, certificates of deposits, vehicles, boats, motor homes, stocks and bonds, life insurance, burial contracts or policies, secondary property, etc. Additionally, you will need to provide a doctor's form verifying that your disability will last at least six months and a statement that your disability precludes you from working any job.

How to Apply

Pick up an application from our office, call to have one mailed to you, or apply online. Bring the completed application for assistance and all required documents into our office. Applications cannot be processed without all required documents, which include:

• Proof of identity (driver's license, ID card, resident card, U.S. passport, etc.)

• Social Security card for each individual applying

• Proof of disability (verification from your doctor)

• Applicants need to also apply for SSI

Application Process Period

AND applications will be processed within 60 days from the date our office receives your completed application and all required documents.

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The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) provides financial assistance to low-income families who are working, searching for employment, or in employment training. Families enrolled in the Colorado Works Program / Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and need child care services to support their efforts toward self- sufficiency are also eligible.
 

Eligibility

Eligible families fall within 225% of the federal poverty guidelines. Contact the office to see if you are eligible.

How to Apply

Pick up an application from our office, call to have one mailed to you, or print an application online. Bring the completed application and all required documents into our office. Applications cannot be processed without all required documents, which include:

• Social Security cards for all household members

• Proof of any income (pay stubs, letter from employer, etc.)

• Birth certificates for children

• Proof of residence in Custer County (lease, utility bill, etc.)

• Proof of child immunizations

Application Process Period

CCCAP applications will be processes within 14 days from the time our office receives your completed application and all required documents.

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Colorado Works, Colorado's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, provides public assistance to families in need. Under Colorado Works, applicants who are either pregnant or have at least one child, and who meet other eligibility requirements, can receive monthly basic cash assistance payments, help with emergency household expenses, and/or services such as counseling and job training. All aspects of the Colorado Works Program are designed to assist customers in becoming self-sufficient and terminating their dependence on government benefits.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Colorado Works, the applicant must meet federal, state, and county resource and income standards. Households must also have at least one dependent child under the age of 18, and have primary (more than 50%) custody of that child. If you have a child with an absent parent you will be required to apply for child support.

Check if you may be eligible by using the free, quick, and easy Program Eligibility Application Kit (PEAK) tool.

How to Apply

Pick up an application from our office, call to have one mailed to you, or apply online. Bring the completed application for assistance and all required documents into our office. Applications cannot be processed without all required documents, which include:

• Proof of identity (driver's license, ID card, resident card, U.S. passport, etc.)

• Social Security numbers for all household members

• Proof of any income (pay stubs, letter from employer, etc.)

• Proof of any non-work income (unemployment, child support payments, etc.)

• Proof of any expenses (child care, child support paid, etc.)

• Proof of pregnancy, if applicable

Application Process Period

Colorado Works applications will be processed within 45 days from the date our office receives your completed application and all required documents.

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The Low Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is designed to help low-income households with home heating costs. LEAP assists in a portion of heating costs; it is not intended to cover the entire cost of home heating. The program runs from November 1st through April 30th only.
 

Eligibility

Income guidelines vary. Please contact Custer County Human Services for more information by calling (719) 783-2371.

How to Apply

Pick up an application from our office, or call to have one mailed to you. Bring the completed application for assistance and all required documents into our office. Applications cannot be processed without all required documents, which include:

• Proof of identity (driver's license, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, etc.)

• Proof of income (pay stubs, verification of Social Security income, benefits, pensions, etc.)

• Current heating/propane bill

• Copy of your lease or mortgage statement

Application Process Period

LEAP applications will be processed within 30 days from the date our office receives your completed application and all required documents.

For information regarding year-round assistance with heating fuel bills please contact HEAT HELP at 1-866-432-8435.

Colorado Works/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)

Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND)