What to Expect when applying for assistance
Coming to Human Services can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience. We take care of hundreds of people every month who need help. We would like to explain some things about what you can expect when you come here - whether you are applying for some type of benefit (such as food stamps, child care assistance, or Medicaid) or whether you already have an open case.
The Lobby
- Reception: When you arrive, please see any receptionist.
- Cashier: The cashier will issue your EBT card to obtain your benefits if/after you are approved.
- Appointments: If you have any kind of appointment, bring your appointment letter so the receptionist can connect you with the right unit. If you don't have an appointment and wish to apply for benefits, the receptionist will give you an application to fill out.
- Be Prepared to Wait: Bring food, drink and something to entertain your children. No food or drinks are allowed in the interview area. As the lunch hour approaches, if we know you will not be seen until after lunch, we will tell you so that you can leave for an hour without missing your appointment.
- Leaving the Building: You should try to avoid leaving the building before your number is called. If you go out of the building before your number is called, we suggest you tell someone else waiting in the lobby. If your number is called while you are gone for five minutes, that person can then tell receptionist where you are.
- Order in Which Names Are Called: People come here for a variety of reasons to see workers who perform different functions. If people arrive after you but are taken care of before you, it is because they are here to see a different type of worker than you need to see.
Getting Documents and Important Information to Us
- At Human Services, we are required by law to obtain documentation of every eligibility factor. This means we have to ask you to prove or verify many circumstances in your life such as your living arrangements, income, Social Security numbers, birth details, divorce decrees, citizenship, etc. We will need copies of all documentation except social security cards, although you will have to provide a number if you are applying for assistance. There is a copier available to you in the lobby.
- You will be asked to provide copies (no originals) of:
- Picture ID
- Social Security Numbers
- Life Insurance face value and cash surrender value
- Proof of Earned Income
- one month's pay stubs
- employer letter
- Proof of Unearned Income
- Child Support
- Loans
- Social Security
- Pension
- Gifts of cash
- Workman's Compensation
- Proof of:
- Rent/House payment
- Property Taxes
- Utility and Phone expenses
- Child Support Payments
- Child care expenses
- Bank Accounts, IRA's and CD's.
- Sometimes you may submit papers to us that cause us to have more questions that need to be answered. Then we may need you to give us more documentation to answer those questions.
- If you come in to drop off your documentation, the procedure is for you to leave the papers with the Receptionist. If you need a receipt, you may request one. Otherwise you can use the mail drop-off slot provided so you don't have to wait in line.
- Your worker may indicate that you can send documentation to us by mail. Do not send original documents by mail.
- We are required by law to obtain a lot of information about you and your household before you can be determined eligible for any benefits. The questions we must ask are often personal questions about sensitive matters. We are required to keep this information confidential.
- Always get the name of your Eligibility interviewer. Write it down or obtain a business card from the interviewer. This person is responsible for your case until it is accepted or denied. If your case is accepted, you will be notified by mail.
- People are often surprised at how little income and resources they are allowed to have to qualify for benefits. The amounts of benefits are also lower than some people expect. The person who is interviewing you does not set these standards. They are set by the State of Colorado.
- The job of the workers (Technicians) is to determine eligibility for benefits. If you need to see a case worker about other family problems, your Technician can tell you where to call.
