Emergency Assistance for Seniors in Colorado

Last updated: August 2025

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Quick help box

If you are in danger or need urgent help, start here.

Reality check: In Colorado, help often runs through county offices or local nonprofits. Lines can be busy during winter (heating help) and during disasters. If one office can’t take you, ask for a referral and write down names, dates, and case numbers.

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What to do first in an emergency (Colorado)

1. Safety first
   • Call 911 if anyone is at risk.
   • For mental health or substance use crises, dial 988 or use Colorado Crisis Services for walk-in locations and mobile response.
2. Get reliable updates
   • State emergency updates: Ready Colorado (DHSEM) and Colorado Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management.
   • FEMA disaster assistance (if a federal disaster is declared): FEMA Individual Assistance.
3. Find immediate shelter, food, and essentials
   • Search by ZIP code at 211 Colorado.
   • Denver metro seasonal shelter status is often listed via 211; smaller counties post on county websites or sheriff’s social feeds. Ask 211 for the nearest warming/cooling center.
4. Replace medications and equipment
   • Medicaid/Medicare: call your plan or use the number on your card for emergency refills.
   • Medicare coverage questions: Colorado SHIP.
5. Document losses
   • Take photos of damage and keep receipts. If FEMA aid opens, you’ll need records.
   • If you receive SNAP and lost food in a power outage, ask your county about replacement benefits (SNAP replacement rules apply; see CDHS Food Assistance).

Warnings and tips:

• Don’t delay reporting abuse or fraud; Colorado law protects good-faith reporters. See CDHS APS.
• After disasters, scams rise. Verify contractors and charities through StopFraudColorado (CO Attorney General).

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Colorado emergency help by need (at a glance)

Sources: Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS): SNAP, LEAP; Health First Colorado (HCPF): Medicaid; DORA/DOI: SHIP; Colorado Energy Office: WAP; Disability Law Colorado: Ombudsman; 211 Colorado: Search.

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Food and nutrition assistance

• SNAP (Food Assistance)
  • What it is: Monthly benefits to buy groceries. Funds are added to an EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores and many farmers markets.
  • Who it helps: Households with low income; seniors can deduct certain medical costs to qualify. Income and resource rules apply.
  • How to apply: Colorado PEAK or contact your county human services office. Details at CDHS Food Assistance.
  • Reality check: Processing can take a few weeks. If you are out of food, ask your county about “expedited SNAP” and use local food pantries while you wait. See CDHS SNAP.
• Senior food boxes (CSFP)
  • What it is: The USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides a monthly box of shelf-stable foods for adults 60+.
  • Where to get it: Distributed in Colorado by food bank partners like Food Bank of the Rockies (Everyday Eats) and Care and Share (southern Colorado). Program rules are set by USDA; see USDA CSFP.
• Meals at home and congregate sites
  • Meals on Wheels delivers hot or cold meals and a wellness check. Find your local program: Meals on Wheels – Find meals.
  • Many Area Agencies on Aging fund dining centers and home-delivered meals. Use the AAA directory: CDHS – Area Agencies on Aging.
• Food banks and resource hotlines
  • Find a pantry today: Food Bank of the Rockies – Find Food, Care and Share – Find Food.
  • Help navigating food benefits: Hunger Free Colorado offers a statewide Food Resource Hotline and SNAP assistance.

Tips:

• Keep your EBT card safe. For EBT help and card replacement, see Colorado EBT information (CDHS).
• If you lost food due to a power outage, ask your county about SNAP replacement rules (time limits apply). Reference: CDHS SNAP.

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Housing, rent, energy, and weatherization

• Eviction and foreclosure help
  • Contact Colorado Housing Connects for free housing counseling, eviction/foreclosure prevention, and landlord-tenant guidance.
  • Legal help: Colorado Legal Services has housing resources and may provide representation if eligible.
• Winter heating help (LEAP)
  • What it is: The Low-income Energy Assistance Program helps pay part of winter heating costs during the heating season.
  • When: Applications are typically accepted November through April; check dates each year.
  • How to apply: CDHS LEAP.
  • If LEAP is closed: Contact Energy Outreach Colorado and ask about year-round utility help.
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
  • What it is: Free home energy upgrades like insulation, air sealing, furnace repair/replacement, and health/safety checks.
  • Who it helps: Income-eligible households (renters and homeowners). Landlord approval is needed for rentals.
  • Where to apply: Colorado Energy Office – WAP.
• Property tax relief and rebates
  • Senior Property Tax Exemption (Homestead Exemption): For homeowners 65+ who have lived in their primary residence for at least 10 years. Administered by county assessors. See state overview: Colorado Division of Property Taxation and contact your county assessor.
  • Property Tax/Rent/Heat (PTC) Rebate: State income-tax rebate for low-income seniors and people with disabilities who pay property tax, rent, or heating bills. Learn more and apply via the Colorado Department of Revenue: PTC Rebate.
• Water bill help
  • Some utilities have customer assistance programs. For Denver: Denver Water – Help paying your bill.
  • Ask 211 about local water bill assistance or check Energy Outreach Colorado, which partners with some utilities.
• Emergency shelter
  • Statewide, use 211 Colorado for shelter referrals.
  • Veterans may also check VA Homeless Programs – Colorado and local VA Medical Center social work teams.

Reality check: Statewide emergency rental assistance (pandemic-era) has ended. Many counties still run prevention funds but dollars are limited. Apply early, gather proof of income, a lease, and any court papers. Keep copies.

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Health care, Medicare, Medicaid, and caregivers

• Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
  • What it is: Colorado’s Medicaid program covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, some dental, and long-term services for eligible people.
  • How to apply: PEAK. General info: Health First Colorado.
  • Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): If you’re on Medicaid and need rides to medical appointments, see HCPF – NEMT.
• Medicare help (free, unbiased)
  • State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Answers questions on Parts A–D, Medigap, Advantage plans, and Medicare Savings Programs. Contact: Colorado SHIP (Division of Insurance).
  • Medicare fraud prevention: See national resources via Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) and Colorado consumer protection at DORA – Consumer Services.
• Long-term care options and oversight
  • PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly): For adults 55+ who need nursing-home-level care but want to live at home. Info at Health First Colorado – PACE.
  • Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: Help with in-home care for eligible adults. See HCPF – HCBS Waivers.
  • Concerns in nursing homes or assisted living: Contact the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at Disability Law Colorado.
• Dental and vision
  • Colorado Dental Health Care Program for Low-Income Seniors: Dental care through local grantees for eligible seniors. See HCPF – Senior Dental Program.
  • Medicaid covers adult dental with limits; confirm current benefits at Health First Colorado – Dental Benefits.
• Low-cost clinics
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers (community health centers) offer sliding-scale care statewide. Find a clinic via the Colorado Community Health Network.

Caregiver tip: Ask your Area Agency on Aging about caregiver grants, respite vouchers, and support groups. Directory: CDHS – Area Agencies on Aging.

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Money help, benefits, and consumer protection

• Old Age Pension (OAP)
  • What it is: Monthly cash assistance for very low-income adults 60+ who meet Colorado residency and other rules. Some may qualify for state medical help if not eligible for Medicaid.
  • How to apply: Start at CDHS OAP and apply with your county or via PEAK.
• Social Security and SSI
  • Federal benefits managed by SSA. Replace lost benefit checks or report address changes: SSA – Contact Us. Find local offices: SSA Office Locator.
• Tax help
  • Property Tax/Rent/Heat Rebate (PTC): Colorado DOR – PTC Rebate.
  • Senior Property Tax Exemption: Contact your county assessor (state overview at DPT).
  • Free tax prep for seniors: AARP Tax-Aide sites each spring: AARP Tax-Aide Locator.
• Consumer protection and scams
  • Report scams, price gouging, and financial exploitation: StopFraudColorado – Attorney General.
  • Investment and insurance help: DORA – Consumer Services.
• Phone and internet discounts
  • Lifeline helps with phone or internet bills for low-income households. Learn more at USAC Lifeline.
  • Note: The Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting new enrollments due to lack of funding. See status: FCC ACP.

Reality check: Cash programs (like OAP) have strict income and resource rules, and documents are required. If you’re short on documents, apply anyway and ask your worker what else they need. Keep copies.

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Transportation

Tip: If you use a walker or wheelchair, mention this when booking. Ask about “door-through-door” help if you need someone to walk you in.

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Safety, elder abuse, and legal help

• Adult Protective Services (APS): Report suspected mistreatment, neglect, or exploitation of an at-risk adult through your county APS. Info and county contacts: CDHS APS.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Independent help with problems in nursing homes and assisted living. Disability Law Colorado – Ombudsman.
• Legal aid: Colorado Legal Services offers free or low-cost help on housing, benefits, consumer issues, and elder law (eligibility rules apply).
• Consumer fraud: Report scams and get prevention tips from the Colorado Attorney General at StopFraudColorado.gov.

If you feel pressured to sign a contract at your door or by phone, say you need time to review it and ask for written details. Verify with 211 or your AAA.

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Documents and benefits: replace and recover after a disaster

• Medicaid/Medicare cards: Contact your plan or log in to your online account (Medicare: Medicare.gov).
• Social Security: Replace documents and change address at SSA – My Social Security.
• Colorado ID/Driver License: See replacement options and fees at Colorado DMV.
• EBT card (SNAP): See Colorado EBT (CDHS) for steps and card support.

Keep digital photos of key documents in a secure place. Ask a trusted family member or case manager to keep copies if that’s easier.

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Key Colorado programs (what they do and how to apply)

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Inclusive resources

LGBTQ+ older adults

• SAGE of the Rockies at The Center on Colfax: Social connection, benefits help, support groups, and referrals for LGBTQ+ elders. Learn more: The Center on Colfax – Older Adults.
• Anti-discrimination help: The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. File a complaint or learn your rights at the Colorado Civil Rights Division.

Veteran seniors

• County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs): Free help filing VA claims, Aid & Attendance applications, and connecting to state benefits. Find your CVSO via the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs: Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs or contact your county.
• VA health care in Colorado: VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System.
• Property tax exemption for disabled veterans: See county assessor and state overview at Division of Property Taxation.

Tribal and Native resources

• Colorado’s two federally recognized tribes are the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. State contact and information: Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs.
• Tribal health services: Indian Health Service facility finder at IHS – Find Health Care. Tribal sites: Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
• Urban Indian support: Denver Indian Health and Family Services and Denver Indian Family Resource Center.

Rural seniors and limited-access areas

• Travel and connectivity: Check Bustang Outrider for intercity routes; ask your AAA about volunteer drivers and voucher rides.
• Telehealth: Medicaid and many Medicare Advantage plans cover telehealth; confirm with your plan. General Medicaid telemedicine info: HCPF Telemedicine.
• Groceries: Many food banks run mobile pantries. Search by ZIP at Food Bank of the Rockies – Find Food or Care and Share – Find Food.
• Internet/phone discounts: Check USAC Lifeline.

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Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Colorado

Your local AAA is a top starting point for meals, caregiver support, transportation, case management, and benefits counseling.

Note: Colorado has multiple AAAs. If you don’t see yours here, use the statewide directory at CDHS – AAAs.

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Resources by region

Use these as starting points; always check 211 for the latest nearby help.

• Denver Metro and Boulder
  • AAA: DRCOG AAA, Boulder County AAA
  • Food: Food Bank of the Rockies – Find Food
  • Housing: Colorado Housing Connects
  • Legal: Colorado Legal Services – Denver
• Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak
  • AAA: Pikes Peak AAA
  • Food: Care and Share – Find Food
  • Veterans: VA Colorado Springs clinics – via VA Eastern Colorado
  • Housing: Colorado Housing Connects
• Northern Colorado (Fort Collins, Greeley)
  • AAA: Larimer AAA, Weld AAA
  • Food: Food Bank – Find Food (Weld is served by Weld Food Bank; verify via 211)
  • Health: CCHN clinic finder
• Western Slope and Mountain Communities
  • AAA: Mesa AAA, Alpine AAA, Region 10 AAA
  • Transit: Bustang/Outrider
  • Weatherization: CEO – WAP
• Southern Colorado and San Luis Valley
  • AAAs: SECO AAA, SLV AAA
  • Food: Care and Share – Find Food
  • Energy: LEAP, Energy Outreach Colorado

If you live outside city limits, talk to your county AAA and 211 to combine options (AAA rides, Bustang Outrider, food pantries, and mobile clinics).

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Transportation and mobility details (Denver and statewide)

Check accessibility needs when booking. Plan extra time for mountain weather and seasonal delays.

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Health and safety hotlines

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988. Colorado-specific crisis support: Colorado Crisis Services.
• 211 Colorado (referrals for food, housing, utilities, and more): 211Colorado.org.
• Colorado Adult Protective Services (report abuse/neglect): CDHS APS.
• Poison Control: Poison Help – 1-800-222-1222.
• Fraud and scams: StopFraudColorado.gov.

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Practical reality checks

• Timing: Winter LEAP applications surge; apply early each season. Keep utility account numbers handy.
• Documents: Benefit applications are faster if you have proof of ID, income, address, and medical costs. Ask your worker about acceptable alternatives if something is missing.
• Waitlists: Meals, dental, and weatherization can have waitlists. Get on the list and ask about interim help (pantries, dental schools/clinics, space heaters, safety checks).
• Scams: Never pay fees to “speed up” SNAP, Medicaid, or OAP. Applications are free through your county or PEAK.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I apply for SNAP in Colorado, and how long does it take?
   Apply online at PEAK or through your county human services office. Processing can take up to several weeks, but you may qualify for expedited SNAP if you have very low income or little cash on hand. See rules at CDHS SNAP.
2. LEAP is closed for the season. Is there any help now?
   Yes. Contact Energy Outreach Colorado for year-round utility assistance and ask your utility about payment plans and medical holds. During summer heat, ask 211 about cooling centers.
3. I’m 65+ on Medicare. Can I still get Medicaid?
   Possibly. Many Coloradans on Medicare also qualify for Medicaid (Health First Colorado) or a Medicare Savings Program if income and resources are limited. Get free help from Colorado SHIP and check eligibility at PEAK.
4. What is the Old Age Pension (OAP)?
   OAP is a Colorado cash assistance program for very low-income residents age 60+. It may include limited medical coverage for those who are not eligible for Medicaid. Learn more at CDHS OAP.
5. My SNAP/EBT card was lost or stolen. What should I do?
   Report it right away and request a new card. Follow steps at Colorado EBT (CDHS). CDHS will explain how to secure your account and replace benefits when eligible.
6. Where can I get dental care if I can’t afford it?
   If you’re an eligible low-income senior, check the Senior Dental Program (HCPF). If you’re on Medicaid, review Health First Colorado – Dental Benefits. Also ask your AAA about local dental clinic days.
7. How do I get help with property taxes or rent in Colorado?
   Two state options may help: the Senior Property Tax Exemption (through your county assessor) and the PTC Rebate (through the Department of Revenue). 211 can also check for local rent funds.
8. I live in a rural area. How can I get to medical appointments?
   If you have Medicaid, check HCPF – NEMT. Otherwise, ask your AAA about volunteer drivers or vouchers and look at Bustang Outrider for regional routes.
9. Who do I call if I suspect elder abuse or financial exploitation?
   Contact county Adult Protective Services. Start at CDHS APS. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For scams, see StopFraudColorado.gov.
10. Can I get meals delivered to my home?
    Yes. Many areas offer Meals on Wheels. Enter your ZIP code at Meals on Wheels – Find meals. Your AAA may also arrange home-delivered meals or frozen meal packs.
11. Are there special programs for veterans?
    Yes. Contact your County Veterans Service Officer through the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs for VA claims and Aid & Attendance help. Health care is through the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System. Disabled veterans may also qualify for a property tax exemption; ask your county assessor.
12. How do I prepare for wildfires or floods?
    Make a go-bag with medications, copies of IDs, and a list of doctors and pharmacies. Follow guidance from state and federal sources: Colorado DHSEM and Ready.gov. Sign up for local alerts through your county’s emergency management page.
13. I am LGBTQ+. Are there senior-specific supports?
    Yes. SAGE of the Rockies provides programs and referrals for LGBTQ+ elders: The Center on Colfax – Older Adults. Discrimination complaints go to the Colorado Civil Rights Division.
14. Who can help me choose a Medicare plan?
    Use Colorado’s SHIP for free, unbiased counseling: Colorado SHIP (DORA).
15. I need legal help but can’t pay a lawyer.
    Contact Colorado Legal Services. Your AAA may also know local pro bono clinics.

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Additional trusted resources (statewide)

• Benefits and applications: Colorado PEAK (SNAP, Medicaid, OAP, more) – Colorado Department of Human Services
• Seniors and aging: CDHS – Aging & Adult Services
• Medicaid program info: Health First Colorado – Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
• Medicare counseling: Colorado SHIP (DORA)
• Utility help: CDHS LEAP, Energy Outreach Colorado, Colorado Energy Office – WAP
• Food help: CDHS SNAP, Food Bank of the Rockies – Find Food, Care and Share – Find Food, Meals on Wheels – Find meals
• Legal: Colorado Legal Services
• Safety and scams: CDHS APS, Disability Law Colorado – Ombudsman, StopFraudColorado
• Property tax and rebates: Colorado DOR – PTC Rebate, Division of Property Taxation

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About this guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.

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Disclaimer

This guide is for general information only. Programs can change, funding can run out, and eligibility rules can be updated. Always confirm details with the official agency or program website linked in this guide. If you are facing an emergency, call 911.