Basic Colorado Resources
There are a number of resources available and the list is growing daily.Options include:
Free COVID-19 Testing in Denver:
https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/covid-19/recovery-guidance/testing.html
Stimulus funding: In the days and weeks, each U.S. taxpayer who earns less than $75,000 per year will receive a $1200 check from the federal government along with an additional $500 for each dependent child. (For example a family with two parents and three children would receive $1200+$1200+$500+$500+$500=$3900) More information is available at this link.
10/15/2020 is the cutoff date for the Economic Impact Payment (EIP). EIP Outreach resources are available at https://www.eitcoutreach.org/tax-filing/coronavirus/
- United Way's 2-1-1 has an EIP Hotline (844-322-3639)
- The IRS can be reached regarding EIP's at 800-919-9835 or https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here or www.irs.gov/getmypayment
- GetYourRefund.org is a mobile-friendly website to help people get their stimulus payment
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site locations can also assist and locations are listed at https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/
Unemployment Insurance: The recently passed CARES Act expands unemployment insurance dramatically. If you have been laid-off, furloughed, or face a work reduction as a contractor or gig economy employee, you may be eligible for benefits (in addition to receiving the stimulus funding above). You can submit an application here: Start a Claim
Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance: In Denver County, residents may apply for TRUA benefits to support rental and utility payments. More information can be found by dialing 3-1-1 or visiting: Rent and Utility Help - Department of Housing Stability
Other rental support: The State of Colorado is providing some rental support to tenants facing hardship as a result of COVID-19. Residents across the state can search for emergency rental assistance providers here: State of Colorado Eviction Prevention Programs. You may also call 2-1-1 or visit http://211.org/
Energy Assistance: The deadline to apply for energy assistance in 2020 has been extended from April 30 to September 30. If you have not applied for funds, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. Funding is currently available but may run out at any time. If you previously applied and were denied we encourage you to reapply. Funding opportunities have changed and you may now be eligible for these funds. Website: www.colorado.gov/PEAK or Call: 866-HEAT-HELP (866-432-8435)
Food Assistance: There are many options available to you to apply for Food Assistance (SNAP) benefits. Try to provide as much information as you can on the application to make the process faster.
- By Phone: Outreach partners can help you apply by phone. Call Hunger Free Colorado Hotline at 1-855-855-4626 or Mile High United Way at 2-1-1
- Online: Visit the Colorado PEAK website at https://colorado.gov/PEAK from a computer or tablet to complete an application online.
- Mobile App: Download the MyCOBenefits app to apply from a smartphone. If you are approved, you will be able to see benefit amounts.
Paper. Paper applications are still available at your county office, even if it is closed.Once you complete your paper application, you can drop it off at the county office or send it in by mail, fax, or email. - For other food assistance: You can also find food banks and pantries during the COVID-19 Outbreak. Visit https://denverfoodrescue.org/ for more information. Continued food help listed below
Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan: The SBA is offering economic injury disaster loans to small businesses, including sole-proprietors and contractors (ride-share drivers, etc.), whose income is impacted by the Coronavirus crisis. The application is on-line and the SBA is trying to streamline the processing of applications. For more information or to apply, visit this site.
Internet
FREE Internet Essentials Package from Comcast for low-income families
60 Days of Free Internet Service - Effective March 16, 2020
Apply Online: www.internetessentials.com/covid19 or call 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376)
Returning to School During Covid-19
Mental Health
Mental Health Center of Denver: mhcd.org
Insurance/Medicaid
Connect for Health Colorado: https://connectforhealthco.com/
Denver Human Services
https://www.denvergov.org/humanresources
All services are happening online or via phone
First Time DHS applicants: If you need to apply for benefits but don't have access to Internet and/or a device you can call the special document delivery hotline, 720-944-1520, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, and the document delivery team will leave an application at their door. Once the application is completed, residents just place it in the provided, sealed envelope and call the same hotline to schedule pick up.
This service is available to Denver residents in need of paper applications for assistance with food (TANF/SNAP/Medicaid), child care (CCAP), utilities (LEAP), EBT cards, and child support services.
Note that this service is provided only for new clients. Those with existing DHS cases should call 720-944-4DHS (4347) or contact their eligibility technician directly. For those with internet access, visit www.denvergov.org/humanservices.
Advance Care Planning
Advance Care Planning allows us to make our wishes known to our healthcare team about the way we receive medical care. Documents such as a Medical Durable Power of Attorney (MDPOA) and Living Will are available to complete and put into your medical record.
To learn more about Advance Care Planning you can visit http://theconversationprojectinboulder.org/covid-19-resources/
If you would like to complete any Advance Care Planning documents or have a discussion about your wishes, please contact your primary care clinic to schedule an appointment with your social worker or medical provider. We are here to support you!
Additional Ways to To Give or Receive Donations
For residents in North East Denver: https://www.lovenortheastdenver.com/
For Denver Metro Area: https://remark.eco/adopt-a-family-covid/colorado/denver/