Federal Changes to Benefits Programs (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, CCAP)

Changes to SNAP and Medicaid Eligibility

(Updated April 21, 2026)

Federal legislation has changed SNAP and Medicaid eligibility for some Denver Human Services customers:

• Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), ages 64 and under, may need to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. Some exceptions apply.
• Parents whose youngest child is 14 years old or older may also need to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. Some exceptions apply.

However, changes to Medicaid eligibility will be implemented no earlier than December 31, 2026

Additionally, noncitizen immigrants should be aware of the following:

• Noncitizen immigrants who are NOT Legal Permanent Residents (noncitizens without green cards) remain ineligible for SNAP.
• Refugees, asylees, and humanitarian parolees (with the exception of Cuban and Haitian entrants) lose eligibility for SNAP after April 2026 and will no longer be eligible for Medicaid starting October 1, 2026.
• All noncitizen immigrants will remain eligible for Emergency Medicaid.

Colorado Lawsuit Regarding TANF, CCAP Freeze

(Updated April 21, 2026) 

In January, Colorado received official notification from the Trump administration that it will restrict the state's funding pending a formal compliance review for the following programs:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), also known as Colorado Works, which provides basic cash assistance to low-income families and individuals
• The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), which funds the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
• Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), which funds a broad range of services, including child welfare 

There are no impacts to our services today. In a lawsuit filed by Colorado and four other states, a federal court has granted a Preliminary Injunction blocking the federal government from freezing these programs' funds while the case is ongoing. We know this may still cause concern. Here is what you need to know:

TANF/Colorado Works (Basic Cash Assistance)

• There is no change to your eligibility or your benefits today
• You do not need to take action, but you should be aware of the situation and try to budget benefits carefully in case there is a future disruption to Basic Cash Assistance (BCA) 

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

CCAP currently remains operational. The State of Colorado is actively working with partners to navigate this evolving situation while continuing to support families, providers and counties. The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) has provided the following guidance:

What Families Should Know

• Families should continue working with their county human services office
• Maintain your eligibility and reporting requirements
• Any future program changes will be communicated as quickly and clearly as possible through official channels.
• You should be aware of the situation and explore potential alternative child care options in case there is a future disruption to CCAP. 

What Providers Should Know

• Continue normal attendance tracking and billing processes
• Follow existing CCAP and licensing requirements
• Payments and operations remain subject to available funding
• Providers should direct questions to program administrators