Grants for Seniors in Denver (2026 Guide)

Last updated: April 30, 2026

Denver seniors can get help with rent, food, utility bills, health costs, taxes, rides, dental care, and in-home support. The best place to start depends on the problem in front of you. Use this guide to find the right office, what to ask for, and what may slow things down.

Bottom line

Start with Colorado PEAK for state benefits like food, medical, cash, and some energy help. If you live in Denver and need a person to guide you, call Denver Human Services at 720-944-4DHS (4347) or the DRCOG Area Agency on Aging at 303-480-6700.

Contents

• Emergency help
• Fast starting points
• Denver facts
• Cash and food help
• Housing and utilities
• Health and in-home care
• Transportation and legal help
• Phone scripts
• Spanish summary
• FAQs

Emergency help in Denver

Call 911 if someone is in danger, needs urgent medical care, or may hurt themselves or others. For food, shelter, utility help, and other fast local referrals, call 2-1-1 or use 2-1-1 Colorado during your search. If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an at-risk adult in Denver, call 720-944-3000.

If you may lose housing, do not wait for a court date. Denver’s Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance program can help some households with rent, utility, or relocation needs. Read the TRUA guidelines before you apply, because funding, rules, and documents can change.

Fast starting points

Key Denver facts to know

Denver is large and costly, so many older adults need more than one program. The Census QuickFacts page lists Denver’s 2024 population estimate at 729,019, with 12.5% age 65 or older and a 2020-2024 median gross rent of $1,831. Those numbers explain why rent, utility, and food help often have waits.

Denver also has a strong aging network. The DRCOG aging office serves Denver and nearby counties, and it can connect older adults and people with disabilities to benefits help, meal options, caregiver support, transportation help, and Medicare counseling.

How to start without wasting time

• Write down your top need: rent, food, heat, health care, dental care, or rides.
• Use one main portal: PEAK handles many state benefits in one place.
• Call after applying: If you do not get a notice, call the agency and ask what is missing.
• Keep copies: Take photos of papers before you upload or mail them.
• Open every letter: A missed notice can stop benefits or end an appeal window.

Cash, food, and tax help

Old Age Pension

Colorado’s Old Age Pension, often called OAP, is state cash help for low-income Colorado residents age 60 or older. The CDHS adult programs page lists the total OAP grant standard as $1,032, effective January 1, 2026. Other income can lower the payment, and countable resources are limited to $2,000 for one person or $3,000 for a married couple.

Where to apply: Apply through PEAK or Denver Human Services. OAP is not the same as Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. If you may qualify for Social Security or SSI, the county may ask you to apply for those benefits too.

SNAP food help

SNAP can add grocery money to an Electronic Benefit Transfer card. Seniors may get useful deductions for out-of-pocket medical costs, so gather receipts for prescriptions, Medicare premiums, dental bills, glasses, medical rides, and other allowed costs. The Colorado SNAP page explains application choices, documents, and SNAP outreach help.

Reality check: Do not guess your benefit amount. It depends on income, rent, utilities, household size, and allowed deductions. If your first benefit looks too low, ask whether your medical expenses were counted.

Property Tax, Rent, and Heat Rebate

The state Property Tax, Rent, and Heat Rebate can help some older Coloradans who paid property tax, rent, or heating costs. The PTC rebate page says the 2025 rebate filed in 2026 can be up to $1,178, with a possible TABOR refund amount added for some filers. For the 2025 claim year, income had to be under $19,094 for single filers or $25,788 for married filing jointly.

Who may qualify: You generally must have lived in Colorado all year, be age 65 or older by December 31, 2025, or be a surviving spouse age 58 or older, and have paid eligible rent, property tax, or heat costs.

For a broader state benefits page, see our Colorado senior guide. For step-by-step portal help, our Colorado PEAK guide can help you decide when to apply online and when to call the county.

Housing and utility help

Denver rent and utility assistance

TRUA is Denver’s main local rent and utility help for eligible households in a housing crisis. The city says the program can include rental assistance, utility help for Denver Water or Xcel Energy, and relocation help when eviction cannot be prevented. The same city guidelines say help is generally limited to one instance within 24 months, with total assistance capped at $20,000.

Who may qualify: Your household must be in the City and County of Denver, have a financial hardship, meet the income limit, and show the home is your main residence. You will likely need a lease, proof of income, utility bills, notices, and proof of identity.

Reality check: Utility help through TRUA is not always stand-alone. If you only need a payment plan, call the utility first. If you need help with rent and utilities together, ask Denver rent help what is open before you submit papers.

Affordable housing and vouchers

Denver Housing Authority runs voucher and subsidized housing programs, but the wait is not quick. The DHA vouchers page says the Housing Choice Voucher process uses a yearly lottery, and applicants are encouraged to apply each year because old lottery numbers expire. For subsidized housing, the DHA housing page says applicants can submit interest cards and may wait months before being asked for a packet.

Reality check: A housing list is not emergency shelter. Keep applying for SNAP, OAP, LEAP, and PTC while you wait. Also check our Colorado housing help guide for wider options outside Denver.

Energy and water bills

LEAP helps with part of winter heating costs and may help with repair or replacement of a main heating system. CDHS says the 2025-26 LEAP season accepted applications through April 30, 2026, and eligibility used income up to 60% of state median income. Use the LEAP page to check the next season or any current heat-system help.

Xcel customers can also review bill support, weatherization, and income-qualified options on the Xcel assistance page. Energy Outreach Colorado may help with energy bills, furnace repair, energy upgrades, and other programs, so check Energy Outreach before a shutoff gets close.

For more bill ideas, see our utility bill help guide. Homeowners who need repairs should also review home repair grants for safer-home options.

Health, dental, and in-home care

Health First Colorado

Health First Colorado is Colorado’s Medicaid program. The state says PEAK is the fastest way to apply, and phone applications are available at 1-800-221-3943. Use the Medicaid apply page to apply, call, mail, or find in-person help.

Reality check: If you have Medicare, Medicaid may still matter. It may help with premiums, cost sharing, long-term care, and some services Medicare does not cover. Keep your address current because renewal letters and notices are time-sensitive.

Medicare Savings Programs

Medicare Savings Programs can pay some or all of Medicare premiums and may help with deductibles or coinsurance. The Medicare Savings Program page lists 2026 monthly income limits of $1,325 for one person for QMB, $1,585 for SLMB, and $1,781 for QI-1, with higher limits for couples. It also lists resource limits of $11,160 for one person and $17,470 for a married couple for QMB, SLMB, and QI-1.

Our Colorado MSP guide gives more detail on QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI. If you already have bills, ask whether QMB billing protections apply.

In-home care and the EBD waiver

The Elderly, Blind, and Disabled waiver can help eligible people stay in the community instead of moving to a nursing facility. The EBD waiver page says people age 65 or older must have a significant functional impairment and need long-term support at a nursing-facility level of care.

Reality check: Waiver services can take time because financial eligibility, functional review, case management, and provider availability all matter. Ask DRCOG for options counseling if you are not sure whether waiver care, Home Care Allowance, or another path fits your situation.

Dental care

The Colorado Dental Health Care Program for Low-Income Seniors can help some people age 60 or older who are economically disadvantaged and not eligible for dental services through Medicaid or OAP medical coverage. The Senior Dental Program page lists covered services such as exams, X-rays, emergency treatment, dentures, extractions, fillings, and periodontal treatment.

Reality check: Dental grant money can run through grantee providers, so availability may vary by clinic. Our Colorado dental grants guide can help you compare state dental help and low-cost clinics.

Transportation, legal help, and safety

Transportation

RTD discount fares apply to seniors age 65 or older, people with disabilities, Medicare recipients, and LiVE riders, with proof required. Check RTD fares before buying passes or planning airport trips.

If you have Health First Colorado and cannot get to a covered medical visit, ask about non-emergency medical transportation. If you cannot use regular buses or trains because of a disability, ask RTD about Access-a-Ride. Our senior ride help guide also covers common ride options.

Legal help and scams

For benefit denials, eviction problems, debt collection, or other civil issues, call Colorado Legal Services at 303-837-1313 or use Colorado Legal Services to ask about eligibility. For scams and fraud, use Colorado fraud reports or call the Attorney General’s consumer line if you need help deciding where to report.

Watch for scams: Real public benefits do not charge an upfront fee to apply. Do not give your bank number, Medicare number, Social Security number, or EBT card details to a caller who contacted you first. Hang up and call the official program yourself.

Documents to gather

Phone scripts that can help

Rent crisis script

“Hello, my name is _____. I am a Denver resident age _____. I am behind on rent or have an eviction notice. Can you tell me if TRUA or another rent program is open today, what documents I need, and where I should send them?”

Food and cash script

“Hello, I want to apply for SNAP and Old Age Pension. I am age _____ and live in Denver. Can you help me check whether my application is complete, whether I need an interview, and whether my medical expenses were counted?”

Medicare cost script

“Hello, I have Medicare and my income is limited. Can you screen me for QMB, SLMB, QI-1, Medicaid, and Extra Help? Please tell me what proof I need and how long review usually takes.”

Utility shutoff script

“Hello, I am a senior customer and I received a shutoff or past-due notice. Can you place a hold, set a payment plan, and tell me which assistance partners can help before service is stopped?”

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting too long: Rent, shutoff, and appeal deadlines move fast.
• Only applying once: Housing lists, TRUA, SNAP, OAP, and health help are separate paths.
• Skipping medical receipts: Seniors on SNAP may lose deductions if costs are missing.
• Ignoring mail: Notices can ask for proof or give appeal dates.
• Paying for help: You should not pay a person who promises approval for public benefits.

If denied, delayed, or overwhelmed

Read the notice first. Look for the reason, the date, the deadline, and how to appeal. Then call the program and ask what is missing. If the problem involves eviction, Medicaid, SNAP, OAP, or a benefits appeal, contact Colorado Legal Services quickly because appeal windows can be short.

When you call, ask for the worker’s name, the date, and the next step. If you upload documents through PEAK, take a screenshot or write down the confirmation. If you mail papers, keep copies.

Backup options

• Call DRCOG at 303-480-6700 for aging and disability referrals.
• Call Denver Human Services at 720-944-4DHS (4347) for benefits help.
• Use Food Bank of the Rockies if SNAP is pending.
• Ask a senior center about meals, forms, and local help. Our Colorado senior centers guide may help.
• Check tax and rebate help before spring deadlines. Our Colorado tax guide covers related senior tax help.
• If a family member helps with daily care, our Colorado caregiver pay guide explains possible routes.

Local resource list

For county-level aging contacts around the state, use our Colorado aging agencies guide. For urgent support beyond Denver, use our Colorado emergency help guide.

Resumen en español

Si usted es una persona mayor en Denver y necesita ayuda, empiece por Colorado PEAK para comida, Medicaid, dinero en efectivo, OAP y ayuda de calefacción cuando esté abierta. Si necesita hablar con alguien, llame a Denver Human Services al 720-944-4DHS (4347) o a DRCOG al 303-480-6700. Si está en peligro, llame al 911. Si puede perder su vivienda, pregunte por ayuda de renta de Denver lo antes posible.

Frequently asked questions

What is the first benefit Denver seniors should apply for?

For many seniors, the best first step is Colorado PEAK because it can handle SNAP, Health First Colorado, Old Age Pension, and other benefits in one place. If you cannot use a computer, call Denver Human Services.

Can Denver seniors get rent help?

Some Denver renters can get TRUA help if the program is open, they meet income and hardship rules, and they provide the required documents. It is not guaranteed, so apply early and ask about backup options.

How much is Old Age Pension in Colorado?

The 2026 OAP grant standard is $1,032, but your actual payment may be lower because wages, Social Security, SSI, VA benefits, and other income can reduce it.

Can Medicare costs be lowered?

Yes. Medicare Savings Programs may pay the Part B premium and, for some people, other Medicare costs. Apply through PEAK or ask Health First Colorado for help.

Where can I get food today in Denver?

Use the Food Bank of the Rockies food finder or call 2-1-1. If you are waiting for SNAP, ask the pantry about hours, ID rules, delivery options, and senior boxes.

Who helps with in-home care?

Start with DRCOG Aging and Disability Resource Center. They can explain options like the EBD waiver, case management, caregiver support, and community services.

What should I do if my benefits are denied?

Read the notice, note the appeal deadline, ask what proof is missing, and call Colorado Legal Services if the issue involves public benefits, housing, or a serious deadline.

Last updated: April 30, 2026 May 1, 2026

Next review: August 1, 2026