Welcome to BenefitKarma, Coloradans!

If you’re new here, we want to connect you with information that will empower you and your loved ones on the benefits journey. We know government benefits, insurance, and healthcare can feel overwhelming — with legal jargon, paperwork, and deadlines — but BenefitKarma simplifies it all in easy-to-understand language. 

Our platform offers helpful tools, calculators, and educational resources so you can take control of your benefits journey at your own pace. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for BenefitKarma — it’s FREE, and you’ll get exclusive content and benefits updates straight to your inbox. 

[Explore Your Benefits – Coming Soon] 
We’re building a new way to help you discover benefits and resources personalized for you. Stay tuned! 

Wondering what’s available to you in Colorado? Here’s a list that’ll give you a head start.

Health & Disability

1. Health First Colorado / CHP+ (Medicaid & Children’s Health Plan Plus)
   Health First offers free or low-cost coverage for children, pregnant individuals, those with disabilities, and low-income families. In 2025, Cover All Coloradans will extend coverage to all kids and pregnant individuals regardless of immigration status—so even more families can access care. Coverage includes doctor visits, mental health support, maternity care, dental, and more. Learn more about how Medicaid works. 

2. Waiver Programs & Home‑ and Community‑Based Services
   Colorado’s waiver programs let many people with disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes or community settings. These supports can include personal care, adaptive devices, therapy, and transportation services. These programs aren’t just about assistance—they’re about helping you maintain your independence and quality of life.

3. Continuous Eligibility (Starting 2026)
   Starting in 2026, children under age three and adults released from state prisons will be guaranteed 12 months of uninterrupted Medicaid coverage. This means fewer coverage gaps, more consistent care, and less worry about losing benefits due to life transitions. It’s a game-changer for families and individuals rebuilding after tough times.

4. SSI & SSDI (Disability Income Programs)
   SSI and SSDI offer monthly payments to individuals who cannot work due to a long-term disability. SSI brings automatic Health First enrollment, while SSDI eventually qualifies you for Medicare. These benefits provide financial relief and peace of mind so you can focus on health, not just bills. We walk you through eligibility, application steps, and what to expect at each stage. Understand SSDI disability and how it works.

5. Asset Rules for Medicaid
   Colorado does not apply asset limits for most adults qualifying under MAGI-based Medicaid—so even with some savings, you may still qualify. That makes a big difference for people who might otherwise lose coverage over bank balances or emergency savings. Stay informed and check out the big Medicaid changes coming under HR-1.

Nutritional & Food Assistance

1. SNAP (Food Assistance)
   SNAP gives eligible households monthly support on an EBT card to purchase groceries—like fresh produce, dairy, and pantry staples. The amount you receive depends on household size and income, similar to other states. This benefit can make a real difference in stretching your food budget month to month. We make applying easy to understand, step by step. Learn more about how SNAP works. 

2. WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
   WIC provides nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and education to pregnant people, infants, and young children. If you’re enrolled in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you often qualify automatically. WIC can help you access formula, cereal, milk, fruits, and more—without stress. Our guide helps you get the most from this supportive program: check your WIC eligibility.

3. School Meals (Breakfast & Lunch Programs)
   Colorado schools offer breakfast and lunch at no cost or reduced price to children whose families meet income guidelines. These meals follow strict nutrition standards and ensure that every student starts the day ready to learn. Many local districts now offer breakfast to all students, regardless of income. Explore all the government food programs you and your family may be eligible for.

4. Emergency Food Assistance (TEFAP & Food Banks)
   TEFAP delivers free groceries through food banks and community centers—everything from produce and frozen meats to canned staples. There’s usually no long-term registration needed, making it ideal for moments of immediate need. This program is a vital safety net for families until other benefits activate. Learn more on TEFAP.

Income & Employment

1. Colorado Works (TANF)
   Colorado Works offers monthly cash assistance for low-income families with children. It also connects you to job training, childcare referrals, and transportation help. The goal is not just to keep you afloat—but to help you gain stability and independence. Get started now by understanding how TEFAP works.

2. Unemployment Insurance
   If you’ve lost work through no fault of your own, Colorado’s unemployment benefits provide temporary income while you look for a new job. Payments are based on your past earnings, and you’ll need to meet certain work and job-search requirements. This benefit offers peace of mind during transitional times.

3. Disability Income (SSI & SSDI)
   SSI provides monthly support for people facing financial hardship due to disability. SSDI offers benefits based on your work history if you’re unable to work. Recipients often qualify for additional programs like SNAP or housing assistance, helping them access broader support during tough times. If you’re approved for SSDI, you might also be eligible for back pay — a lump sum of missed benefits from the time your disability began. Learn more in our guide: SSDI Back Pay: How It Works & When You Get It.

Family & Education

1. Child Care Assistance
   Colorado offers support for licensed childcare through subsidies for working parents or parents in training. Help is determined by income, household size, and availability of licensed providers. This program gives peace of mind—knowing your child is safe while you pursue work or education. If you're caring for or are a foster youth navigating childcare and schooling, there are additional supports available just for you. Learn more in our guide: Education Benefits for Foster Youth.

2. Opportunity Scholarships & College Grants
   Programs like Opportunity Scholarships and CARES grants support students pursuing college or vocational training—especially for first-generation college-goers. These funds can reduce tuition burdens and bridge gaps in financial aid. Education shouldn’t feel out of reach, and these initiatives help make it achievable. You may also be able to lower your overall costs through education-related tax credits, like the Lifetime Learning Credit, which many students overlook but can make a real difference.

3. 529 & ABLE Savings Accounts
   The CollegeInvest 529 Plan enables tax-advantaged college savings—and ABLE Colorado offers a way for people with disabilities to save money without putting their benefits at risk. These plans help families and individuals plan for the future with less financial stress. If you or a loved one is eligible, setting up an ABLE account can offer both flexibility and peace of mind. We break down how these accounts work and how to get started so you can make the most of your savings options.
   
   

Housing & Essentials

1. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
   Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers help lower-income households afford safe, decent housing by significantly reducing rent costs. Typically, participants pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the program covering the rest. Because demand is high and waitlists can be long, applying early is important to increase your chances. To better understand how affordable housing programs work together, we also explain the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and how it supports community development.

2. LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)
   LIHEAP provides support with heating or cooling bills for eligible households—especially during Colorado’s extreme weather months. Assistance can be a one-time payment or spread out over multiple months. This help can ease utility stress when energy costs spike. We make eligibility criteria easy to understand and simplify the application process. See if you qualify for LIHEAP.

3. Weatherization Assistance (WAP)
   WAP installs energy-saving upgrades like insulation, air sealing, or HVAC improvements to help households lower utility bills and improve year-round comfort. These services are free for qualifying households and can reduce energy costs significantly. Superior comfort and savings—without added bills. Discover how the weatherization programs works and find utility assistance options.

4. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
   ESG offers emergency financial assistance when you're facing homelessness or housing instability—helping with rent, utilities, or temporary housing. In many cases, case management is included to support long-term stability. ESG agencies are distributed throughout Colorado, making services easier to access. We’ll walk you through what to expect and how to reach providers. Get help through ESG programs.

Military & Veterans

1. Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs
   Veterans in Colorado can access housing support, disability counseling, long-term care assistance, and financial help through the state’s VA division. These services are designed to improve quality of life after service. We're here to help you connect with what you’re entitled to and simplify application steps. Explore veteran housing assistance programs to find stable housing after service.  

2. Aid & Attendance / Housebound Benefits
   These federal programs provide non-taxable monthly stipends to veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily personal care or are home- or facility‑bound. The funds can help cover assisted living or nursing care costs. Check your eligibility for Aid & Attendance benefits.

3. Veterans Property Tax Exemption (Amendment G – effective 2025)
   As of 2025, Colorado expanded property tax exemptions to veterans with individual unemployability status—covering 50% of assessed value up to $200,000. This adds significant relief beyond the existing disabled-veteran exemption. It's one simple change that can fundamentally ease financial strain for many veterans. For those needing additional support, programs like the SAH Grant can help cover the cost of specially adapted housing.

4. Colorado Veterans Trust Fund
   This fund supports veterans and their families facing emergencies—offering short-term financial aid for housing, health, transportation basics, and more. Assistance is distributed at the county level and designed to deliver fast relief when it’s needed most. We help you determine eligibility and how to apply so help gets to you when it matters. Learn what other military and veteran benefits might be available to you in our simple guide.