Douglas County Colorado public assistance and government aid programs.
Financial aid from Douglas County Department of Social Services is extensive, but limited. The government agency can help the low income and working poor with a variety of expenses, including food and rental costs, while at the same time addressing employment and other needs.
There are different programs available to qualified residents, as noted below. Some are funded by Douglas County, and others by the federal government or state of Colorado. Regardless of the source of the public aid, the goal is always the same, and that is to help the working poor and people that are struggling.
Food assistance applications are always available at DCSS. The county will base eligibility for any aid on income from pensions, child support, unemployment benefits, Social Security, SSI, Social Security Disability, or even rental income. These are all reviewed as part of the SNAP application process, and another option is WIC, or the federal funded Women, Infants, and Children. This provides free groceries, baby formula and nutrition counseling for women with children up to age five or those that are pregnant.
Douglas County Social Services offers financial assistance or cash grants for eligible residents in need of basic necessities during times of crisis. Some of the publicly funded financial services include emergency one time rent help for tenants with an eviction notice. There is also free motel vouchers or funds to pay heating or energy bills. Other public aid is for funeral costs or medications.
Heating bill help is from the Colorado Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. This national program provides financial assistance with the high costs of heating a home and it runs from November 1 through April 30 each year. Any grants paid out will cover a portion of the families heating or natural gas bill, while the client pays the rest.
Medicaid is a form of medical bill assistance and is for children under age 19, pregnant women, families with children, and the very low income. Those from Douglas County who have received approval for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible for Medicaid, while all other applicants must meet government income requirements in order to enroll into this public health insurance plan.
Financial aid is for seniors in Douglas County. Income-eligible adults aged 60 and over may be eligible for cash assistance through DCSS. Benefit amounts are determined according to income and other resources that may be available to the household. If found to be eligible for this type of additional public assistance from the county, then the applicants are automatically eligible for Medicaid and other support as well.
Many public services are for the disabled too, both state and federal resources. DCSS offers three separate programs for financial assistance, and they include the following.
Aid to the Blind as well as Aid to the Needy Disabled are similar. There is financial support to disabled residents between the ages of 18 and 59, who are unable to work due to their disabilities or that are blind or deaf.
The main federal programs that social services can help people apply for is SSI Supplement, and this is for beneficiaries who are not receiving the maximum amount per month. If qualified, the state program may provide a benefit increase and additional money to the applicant.
The Home Care Allowance Program provides financial assistance for the cost of paying the bills of an in-home caretaker for those who are disabled and that are also over the age of 18. Based on the result of an in-home assessment, a staff member from Douglas County Social Services determines the type of care needed, which can include assistance with dressing, doing laundry, bathing, cleaning, and preparing meals.
Child care vouchers and subsidies are part of the CCAP - Child Care Assistance Program. It is for low income parents who are employed, in job training or seeking work, in Post-Secondary education or training programs, or enrolled into TANF. Public aid and help for day care costs is only for those that are working or training towards stability and independence.
Colorado Works/TANF is a statewide program also available in the county from Social Services. It offers financial assistance and cash grants to families who are raising children, or to families in which children are raised by relatives other than their parents. There will be funds for paying utility bills, food, shelter costs (such as rent), and for medical expenses.
Save on prescription drugs from the Rx Discount Card. This is a service that is operated through a partnership between the National Association of Counties (NACo) as well as the county government. The card entitles the bearer to an average discount of 30 percent on prescription medications, and it is free to use and sign up for.
How to apply for DHS grants, loans, and programs
Those are just a sampling of the programs offered. They also help with job training, provide referrals, and more. The Douglas County Social Services is located at 100 Third St., Castle Rock, Colorado 80104, call 303-660-7400.
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