HomeMy WebLinkAbout20113276.tiff STATE OF COLORADO
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Colorado Department of Human Services
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people who help people
OFFICE OF ECONOMIC SECURITY John W.Hickenlooper
Julie Kerksick,Director Governor
COLORADO WORKS DIVISION Reggie Bicha
1575 Sherman Street
Executive Director
Denver,Colorado 80203-1241
Phone 303-866-5983
FAX 303-866-5488
www.cdhs.state.co.us
Levetta E.Love,
Director
December 9, 2011
•
Ms. Judy Griego, Director
Weld County Department of Social Services
P0 Box A
Greeley, CO 80631
Dear Ms. Griego,
The statutory changes enacted through Senate Bill 10-068 modernized eligibility processes for
Colorado Works applicants, recipients, and county staff. We are pleased to announce the feedback
we have received through the year has been positive and excessive or unnecessary business
practices were reduced and intricate calculations were simplified as hoped. This is encouraging, as
we continue looking for more ways of reducing barriers to worker and participant success and
establishing open communication with counties.
Soon after the passage of Senate Bill 10-068, Colorado Works program rules were revised to
integrate changes to those eligibility requirements established in the bill. CBMS modifications and
alternative system plans provided as guidance for county workers were carried out in a
collaborative manner with county and state staff working together. The majority of the system
changes were fully implemented this past June and one final slight adjustment is planned soon.
The final implementation step is to confirm the unique Colorado Works policies you have in place
are consistent with this legislation and regulation. At this time,we are asking that you validate
your county policies to ensure they align with these statutory changes and rule revisions, and
revise and resubmit them as needed. This letter serves only as a reminder to continue updating
your policies as necessary. No formal response is necessary. As always,we are available to assist
you in this in any way you need.
Our Mission is to Design and Deliver Quality Human Services that Improve the Safety and Independence of the People of Colorado
Ccrr C C G/ ,
ID- l ol - I I /;2 - / ern 2011-3276
December 9, 2011
Page 2
The major changes which may impact your policies were:
• The elimination of child immunizations as an eligibility requirement and replacing it with
instructions for distributing immunization information
• Changing the term "caretaker relative" to "specified caretaker," defining that term, and
including a definition of"guardian"
• Changing the eligibility for pregnant women from the 6th month of eligibility to allowing
pregnant parents access to benefits upon verification of pregnancy; and
• Eliminating rules related to consideration of resources when determining initial and
ongoing eligibility.
Please amend any and all policies that do not comply with Senate Bill 10-068 and the associated
regulation changes promulgated by the State Board of Human Services. As a good rule,we
continue to ask that you also consider other areas in your county policies that may need revising
based on additional needs, newly developed best practices, or evolving conditions.
We expect only minor adjustments are necessary for those policies affected by these changes. We
thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
vetta E. Love
Director
Cc: Chair, Board of County Commissioners
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