The Chaffee County Self Sufficiency Programs provide financial and medical assistance to low-income families, adults and disabled persons, by using Federal and Colorado State Rules and Regulations and Agency Letters.

Services provided by the Self Sufficiency Team are:

Cash Assistance Programs

Aid to the Blind (State AB) This program is for persons, ages birth to 59, who are blind. This is a cash only program and does not include medical assistance.

Aid to the Needy Disabled (State AND) This program is for persons, ages 18-59, who are totally disabled, for at least 6 months. This is a cash only program and does not include medical assistance.

Colorado Supplement to SSI (Supplemental Security Income) This program is for persons who are receiving SSI but not receiving the full SSI amount.

Colorado Works/TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Through the Colorado Works Program, counties provide family stabilization assistance and other supportive services to enable eligible low-income families to find and retain employment and to provide for their children. Assistance and services provided may include child care, housing and transportation, cash payments, counseling for those experiencing domestic violence, mental health or substance abuse problems, and services aimed to reduce the incidences of out-of-wedlock births and encourage the formation and maintenance of two parent families.

Food Assistance Food Assistance is a program to assist with the cost of food.

Home Care Allowance This is a cash assistance program for individuals that need assistance in daily living.

Old Age Pension This is a cash assistance program for low-income persons, ages 60 or over, and may include medical benefits.

Medical Assistance Programs

Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) This program provides health insurance for low-income children up to age 19 and pregnant women.

Family Medical Assistance This program provides medical insurance for children up to age 19, families and pregnant women.

Emergency Medical Services (non-qualifying citizens) This program is for non-citizens who need help with an emergency medical expense. All persons are eligible to apply regardless of age.

Long Term Care (Nursing Home) This is a program for person needing help to pay for services in a medical facility for more than 30 consecutive days.   persons have to meet a medical assessment.

Long Term Care (Home and Community Based Services) This is a program for person needing help to pay for services in their home for more than 30 consecutive days.  These persons have to meet a medical assessment.

Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, QI-1) These programs may help persons receiving Part A (Prescriptions are not a covered benefit.)

Medicare Part D–Low Income Subsidy (LIS) This program may help person receiving Medicare Part D with their premiums, co-pays and deductibles.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Medicaid This program provides medical benefits for anyone receiving SSI. (No application needed for this program)

Old Age Pension-State Medical Program This program may help person receiving Old Age Pension Financial Assistance.

An application for assistance must be completed and an interview be conducted.  Applications can be picked up at either DHS office.  Or you can check and see if you might be eligible by following the directions on the PEAK (Program Eligibility Application Kit) website at coloradopeak.force.com.

To apply for the following programs, a separate application is needed.

Colorado Child Care Assistance (CCAP)

The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low income families who are working, searching for employment or inn training.  Families that are enrolled in the Colorado Works Program and need child care services to support their efforts toward self=sufficiency are also eligible.  The CCCAP is administered through individual county departments.  Applications are available at the county office or you may click on the link to our webpage:  CCCAP

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

LEAP may assist with part of your winter heating cost.  You may apply from November 1st through April 30th.  Applications are available at the county office (on November 1st) or call 1-866-HEAT HELP (1-866-432-8435), or you may visit our web site at www.colorado.gov/LEAP after November 1st until April 30th.

Low Income Telephone Assistance Program (LITAP)

LITAP may assist with part of your telephone costs.  Contact-1-866-432-8435 or you may visit our web site at www.colorado.gov/LEAP November 1st until April 30th.  LITAP will need your to answer these three questions:
1. What is the name of your telephone company?
2. Whose name is on the telephone bill?
3. What is you telephone number?

For additional information about the programs listed, visit the following web sites: cdhs.state.co.us or Colorado.gov/hcpf.