Department of Human Resources
Application For Public Assistance
Fawnda Newton
Child Welfare and Adult Protective Services Caseworker
(719) 783-2371
fawnda.newton@state.co.us

Links
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)
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

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
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.
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:
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Proof of identity (driver's license, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, etc.)
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Proof of income (pay stubs, verification of Social Security income, benefits, pensions, etc.)
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Proof of resources (bank statements, individual retirement account, stocks, bonds, life insurance, burial policies, etc.)
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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.
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:
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Proof of identity (driver's license, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, etc.)
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Proof of income (pay stubs, verification of Social Security income, benefits, pensions, etc.)
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Proof of resources (bank statements, individual retirement account, stocks, bonds, life insurance, burial policies, etc.)
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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.
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:
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Proof of age (driver's license, U.S. passport, birth certificate, state ID card, etc.)
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Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, U.S. passport, Social Security card, etc.)
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Proof of Colorado residency (driver's license, lease, utility bill, voter registration, etc.)
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Proof of income (pay stubs, verification of Social Security or SSI, etc.)
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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
Cash Assistance Programs
Aid to the Blind (AB)
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:
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Proof of identity (driver's license, ID card, resident card, U.S. passport, etc.)
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Social Security card
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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.
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:
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Proof of identity (driver's license, ID card, resident card, U.S. passport, etc.)
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Social Security card for each individual applying
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Proof of disability (verification from your doctor)
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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.
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:
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Social Security cards for all household members
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Proof of any income (pay stubs, letter from employer, etc.)
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Birth certificates for children
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Proof of residence in Custer County (lease, utility bill, etc.)
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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.
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:
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Proof of identity (driver's license, ID card, resident card, U.S. passport, etc.)
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Social Security numbers for all household members
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Proof of any income (pay stubs, letter from employer, etc.)
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Proof of any non-work income (unemployment, child support payments, etc.)
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Proof of any expenses (child care, child support paid, etc.)
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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.
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:
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Proof of identity (driver's license, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, etc.)
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Proof of income (pay stubs, verification of Social Security income, benefits, pensions, etc.)
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Current heating/propane bill
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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)
Child Support Enforcement
Child Support Enforcement
The mission of the Colorado Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program is to assure that all children receive financial and medical support from both parents. This is accomplished by locating each parent, establishing paternity and support obligations, and enforcing those obligations.
Visit the Colorado Division of CSE website for information on how to start a case, how support payments are calculated, making and receiving payments, and other helpful information.
Start a CSE Case
Obtain and complete an application. Applications can be:
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Mailed to you
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Picked up in person at:
205 S. 6th Street
Westcliffe, CO 81252
Requirements
There will be a one-time $20 application fee. If you receive Colorado Works / TANF, you will be automatically referred to the CSE office and will not be required to pay an application fee.
Return the application and all required documents to our office either in person or by mail. Applications may be delayed if you do not provide the necessary documents, which include:
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Copies of state issued birth certificates for all children
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Copies of social security cards for all children
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Copy of your ID (driver's license, state ID, military ID, etc)
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A photograph of the other parent, if available (this will be returned to you)
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Verification of your income (pay stubs, tax return, etc)
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Copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)
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Copies of any court orders signed by a judge or magistrate (petition, divorce decree, separation agreement, paternity orders, certified copy of child and/or spousal support order, order of allocation of parental rights, order terminating parental rights, etc.
Kala Kitchen Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline:
Child Support Enforcement 1-844-CO-4-KIDS
(719) 783-2371 (1-844-264-5437)
Child Welfare
Child Welfare Services constitutes a specialized set of services that are intended to strengthen the ability of a family to protect and care for their own children, minimize harm to children and youth, and to ensure timely permanency planning. Services are aimed at stabilizing the family's capacity to care for their children. When safety is not possible within the family, services are focused on the child's need for a stable, permanent home as quickly as possible.
Suspecting Child Abuse or Neglect
Everyone plays a role in the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
To report suspected child abuse or neglect please call the Custer County Department of Social Services: 719-783-2371
Or
The Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-CO-4-KIDS
If it is an emergency or you are witnessing a child in a life-threatening situation, call 911 immediately.
All Colorado residents are encouraged to report suspected child abuse or neglect. When making a report to Child Protective Services (CPS), it is helpful to provide as much detailed information as possible about the children, parents, and situation. Whenever possible, provide the following information:
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Names and dates of birth of the child(ren) in the household
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Home Address
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School the child(ren) attends
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Name and contact information for the parents and/or caregivers
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Place of employment (if applicable) for the parents/caregivers
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Current location, if different from the home address
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Reason for suspected abuse or neglect
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Names and contact information for other family members, friends, etc. (if known)
Stacey Schoch Fawnda Newton
Child Welfare and Adult Protection Services Supervisor Child Welfare and Adult Protective Services Caseworker
(719) 783-2371 (719) 783-2371
Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline:
1-844-CO-4-KIDS
(1-844-264-5437)
Food Assistance Program
The Food Assistance Program provides monthly benefits to low-income households to assist with the cost of food.
Eligibility
You may be eligible for food assistance if you:
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Are unemployed, work part-time, or work for low wages
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Receive other public assistance payments
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Are elderly or disabled and live on a small monthly income
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Are homeless
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 documentation into our office. Applications cannot be processed without all required documents, which include:
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Proof of Identity (driver's license, ID card, resident card, U.S. passport, etc.)
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Social Security cards for all household members
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Proof of any income (pay stubs, letter from employer, etc.)
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Proof of any non-work income (unemployment, social security, child support payments, etc.)
*Check if you may be eligible by using the Program Eligibility Application Kit (PEAK) tool
Application Process Period
Food assistance applications will be processed within 30 days from the date our office receives your completed application and all required documents.
Households that meet expedited criteria can receive food benefits within 7 days from the date of application.
Income Guidelines
Check if you are eligible by completing the pre-screening tool on the PEAK website or contact the office to see if you are eligible
Visit the Colorado Department of Human Services website for more information about the Food Assistance Program.
Foster Care and Adoption
The Custer County Department of Human Services is looking for really special people to be foster and adoptive parents. You could be one of them! You don't have to be a perfect parent to become a foster and/or adoptive parent for Colorado's children.
You can change a life forever.
Prospective foster families
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Are patient, committed, and caring
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Are teachers, mentors, and learners
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Love a challenge and have a sense of humor
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Are flexible
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Ask for help and support when it's needed
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Enjoy seeing children grow, and thrive, and achieve
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Communicate well
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Provide consistency and structure
Qualifications
Foster parent applicants must be at least 21 years old. Applicants can be single, married, divorced, or widowed. Applicants can own or rent a home, but should have adequate financial resources to maintain that home. Applicants must be able to provide for a child's physical, mental, and emotional development.
Process
Contact the foster care coordinator in Custer County to set up an appointment. The coordinator will help you learn more and guide you through the process when you are ready. There are several straight forward steps to becoming a foster parent:
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Contact the Custer County Department of Human Services foster care coordinator
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Complete and submit an application and all required documents
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Attend the state-mandated foster parent training class
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Participate in a comprehensive foster family assessment, performed by the Custer County foster care coordinator
More Information
To learn more about becoming a foster parent, please contact the Foster Care Coordinator Stacey Schoch at (719) 783-2371.
A child becomes available for adoption when a court has terminated the rights of a child's birth parents, or those rights have been relinquished. Local adoptive parents are trained foster parents for the children of Custer County who have completed the foster care / adoption certification process in order to adopt. It is important to note that once a child is adopted, they are a part of your family permanently and legally.
Process
The process of becoming an adoptive parent is similar to the process of becoming a foster parent. Contact the foster care coordinator in the Custer County Department of Human Services to set up a meeting. The coordinator will help you learn more and guide you through the process of certification when you are ready. There are several straight forward steps to becoming a foster-to-adopt parent:
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Contact the foster care coordinator in Custer County
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Complete and submit an application and all required documents
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Attend the state-mandated foster parent training class
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Participate in a comprehensive foster family assessment, performed by the Custer County foster care coordinator
More Information
To learn more about becoming a foster parent, please contact the Foster Care Coordinator Stacey Schoch at (719) 783-2371.
Foster Care
Adoption
Medical Assistance Programs
The Adult Medicaid Program provides medical insurance to persons over the age of 65 and persons 64 years old and under with a disability. If you are under the age of 64 and do not have dependent children, you must be determined blind or disabled by Social Security Administration standards to qualify for Medicaid.
Eligibility
64 Years Old & Under
If you are eligible for supplemental security income (SSI) benefits, then you will automatically receive Medicaid. If you have SSI benefits and have not been enrolled in Medicaid, please contact the Custer County Department of Human Services. If you do not have SSI benefits, you will need to apply for these benefits (through the Social Security Administration), in addition to applying for Medicaid.
65 Years Old & Older
If you are age 65 or older and eligible for SSI and/or Old Age Pension (OAP) state supplemental payments, you will be eligible for Medicaid.
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:
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Proof of identity (driver's license, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, etc.)
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Proof of income (pay stubs, verification of SSI benefits, pensions, etc.)
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Proof of expenses (child support paid, rent / mortgage, medical costs, etc.)
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Proof of resources (bank statements, individual retirement account, stocks, bonds, life insurance and burial policies, etc.)
Additionally, individuals 64 years old and younger, who have a disability, need to complete the Medicaid Disability Application.
Application Process Period
Applications will be processed within 45-90 days from the date our office receives your completed application and all required documents.
Medicaid
Colorado Medicaid is public health insurance for Colorado families, children, and pregnant women. Families and pregnant women who apply will also be considered for Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). The program you qualify for depends on family size, income, and the age of the applicant.
CHP+
CHP+ is a low-cost health insurance program for uninsured Colorado children and pregnant women whose families earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private insurance. When you apply, you are applying for both Family Medicaid and CHP+. The program you qualify for depends on family size, income, and the age of the applicant.
Eligibility
Check if you may be eligible by using the 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. If you are only applying for medical coverage, complete this application.
If you are applying for medical coverage and a cash assistance program (i.e. food assistance or Colorado Works / Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)) complete this application for assistance.
Bring the completed application and all required documents into our office. Applications cannot be processed without all required documents, which include:
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Proof of identity (driver's license, ID card, resident card, U.S. passport)
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Proof of citizenship (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization)
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Social Security cards for all household members
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Proof of pregnancy, if applicable
Application Process Period
Medicaid applications will be processed within 45 days from the date our office receives your completed application and all required documents.
The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) assists with health care costs for eligible Medicare Part A patients. The program can assist with monthly Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the MSP, applicants may have a monthly income up to $1,010 - $1,208 for an individual or $1,355 - $1,622 for a couple. Your assets will need to be below $8,780 for an individual and $13,930 for a couple.
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 for assistance and all required documents into our office. Applications cannot be processed without all required documents, which include:
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Proof of identity (driver's license, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, etc.)
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Proof of income (pay stubs, verification of Social Security income, benefits, pensions, etc.)
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Proof of resources (bank statements, individual retirement account, stocks, bonds, life insurance and burial policies)
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Social Security card
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Medicare Card
Application Process Period
MSP applications will be processed within 90 days from the date our office receives your completed application and all required documents.
Family Medicaid & Child Health Plan Plus
Medicare Savings Program
Adult Medicaid
Collaborating with our partners, our mission is to design and deliver high quality health and human services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado.
Mission Statement
Laura Lockhart
Director
(719) 783-2371
laura.lockhart@state.co.us
Ronda Post
Income Maintenance/Legal Technician
(719) 783-2371
ronda.post@state.co.us
Stacey Schoch
Child Welfare and Adult Protection Services Supervisor
(719) 783-2371
stacey.schoch@state.co.us
Laura Piquette
Case Aide
(719) 783-2371
Vaccant
Income Maintenance/Legal Technician
(719) 783-2371