HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250221.tiffResolution
Approve Application for Disability Benefit Assistance Grant Opportunity for
Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance
(SSDI) and authorize Department of Human Services to submit electronically
Whereas, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
Whereas, per the Laura Hershey Disability Support Act, and pursuant to legislation of
House Bill, HB24-1360, the Colorado Disability Funding Committee (CDCF) may provide
grant funding to nonprofit entities and local governments providing social services to
provide assistance and to individuals and families who apply for public disability -based
benefits, and
Whereas, the Board has been presented with an Application for the Disability Benefit
Assistance Grant Opportunity for Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) and Social
Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and
through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department
of Human Services, to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, with further
terms and conditions being as stated in said application, and
Whereas, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said application, a copy
of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County,
Colorado, that the Application for the Disability Benefit Assistance Grant Opportunity for
Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance
(SSDI) from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County
Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Human Services, to the
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, be, and hereby is, approved.
Be it further resolved by the Board that Julie Witkowski, Department of Human Services,
be, and hereby is, authorized to electronically submit said application.
cc : l -I SD, AcT(c?/ct)
O l /29 /25
2025-0221
HR0097
Application for Disability Benefit Assistance Grant Opportunity for Supplemental Social
Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Page 2
The Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, approved the above
and foregoing Resolution, on motion duly made and seconded, by the following vote on
the 22nd day of January, A.D., 2025:
Perry L. Buck, Chair: Aye
Scott K. James, Pro-Tem: Aye
Jason S. Maxey: Aye
Lynette Peppier: Aye
Kevin D. Ross: Aye
Approved as to Form:
Bruce Barker, County Attorney
Attest:
Esther E. Gesick, Clerk to the Board
2025-0221
HR0097
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PASS -AROUND REVIEW
PASS -AROUND TITLE: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Disability Benefit
Application Assistance Grant Application
DEPARTMENT: Human Services DATE: January 14, 2025
PERSON REQUESTING: Jamie Ulrich, Director, Human Services
Brief description of the problem/issue: The Department is requesting to respond to the Colorado
Department of Labor and Employment Disability Benefit Application Assistance Grant Application
solicitation. The funds from this grant can fund assistance for Human Services customers in applying
for and obtaining Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
benefits.
The funding from this grant will replace the Disability Navigator funding we had previously received
from Colorado Department of Human Services.
No signature is required for the application.
What options exist for the Board?
Approval of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Disability Benefit Application
Assistance Grant Application.
Deny approval of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Disability Benefit
Application Assistance Grant Application.
Consequences: The DHS Family Resource Division will not be able to apply for this grant
opportunity.
Impacts: The DHS Family Resource Division will not receive grant funding to replace
the previous Disability Navigator funding.
Costs (Current Fiscal Year f Ongoing or Subsequent Fiscal Years):
Total Cost = $99,059.85
Funded through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Disability Benefit
Application Assistance Grant.
Pass -Around Memorandum; January 14, 2025 - NDT IN CMS 2025-0221
Recommendation:
• Approval of the Grant Application.
Suaoort Recommendation Schedule
Place on BOCC Agenda Work Session Other/Comments:
Perry L. Buck
Scott K. James
Jason S. Maxey
Lynette Peppier
Kevin D. Ross
dP
Pass -Around Memorandum; January 14, 2025 - NOT IN CMS
TM
COLORADO
Department of
Labor and Employment
Home (I) Press Release: Colorado Launches $2,000,000 Grant Opportunity for Disability Application Assistance
Press Release: Colorado Launches $2,000,000
Grant Opportunity for Disability Application
Assistance
The significant increase in funding will support
Colorado's disability community by improving the
application process for various benefit programs.
(DENVER) - The Colorado Disability Funding Committee (CDFC), now housed in the recently established Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO)
.(https://cdoo.co.oradotgovi) within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), is thrilled to announce $2 million in available funding through pisability.
Benefit Application Assistance Grants (https://cdoorcQ.orado.gov/grants?ytm medium=govdet-very&utm source=email). Both non-profit organizations and county human
services agencies are encouraged to apply. Funding will be awarded to organizations to provide application assistance to individuals experiencing a disability who are
seeking benefits including but rot limited to: Supplemental Security Income (551), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Medicaid.
The $2 million in funding available is a 300% increase from the $500,000 CDFC released last year. This funding cycle follows a study conducted by AAA State of Play.
(baps://www,aaastateof y.com/tre-best-and-worst-us-states-forepeople-with-disabilities/), which ranked Colorado as the best state in the nation for people with
disabilities.
"This grant opportunity reflects our Administration's unwavering commitment to empowering Coloradans with
disabilities to achieve independence and thrive," said Lt. Governcr Dianne Primavera. "We are excited to see the
meaningful impact organizations across the state will make by streamlining the application process and expanding
access to valuable programs."
"We recognize that our community needs and deserves more funding, so we've raised the bar to create more pathways
to opportunity," said CDOO Director, Danny Combs. "The leadersh p of the CDFC has created a wonderful funding
pathway for our community to have the liquidity to fund their programs and resources for the entire disability
community"
The call for applications is now Qpn (hips://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mAYAWeZzrgns5xuaJkfTxnJ0e6umOZVA nLi Waxk/viewform?edit requested=true) and will
close on January 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CDOO is hosting virtual office hours on the following dates. Interested organizations are encouraged to attend and ask questions:
• Friday, December 27 at 1 - 2 p.m. - Friday Office Hours Zoom Link (htips://us02web.zoc iAts/j/81650491687?pwd=mlarmYleCFM0mit0laywvbBJmoj u 1,).
• Thursday, January 2 at 12 - 1 p.m. - Thursday Office Hours Zoom Link WS/oom.us/j /84000598172?pwd=ibeNW4i1Y5yQQuccvVD3agLm7Q5aNx.1)
Funding for these grants is generated from the $25 fee on the historic black, red, blue and green mountain license plate backgrounds, as well as the rights to unique
personalized license plate configurations reserved by the CDFC. in 2021, The CDFC reintroduced three previously retired Colorado license plate backgrounds and allocated
the sales revenue to fund this grant. The three reintroduced license plates feature the word COLORADO in white lettering on solid blue, red, and black backgrounds based
on the 1914, 1915 and 1945 Colorado license plates.
About The Colorado Disability Funding Committee (CDFC) The Colorado Disability Funding Committee is made up of 13 Governor -appointed members, with the requirement
that at least seven members must identify as living with a disability or have first-hand experience working with someone who does. Members oversee the distribution of
grant funds which are used to invest in new and innovative initiatives working to increase the quality of life and independence of Coloradans with disabilities, like
assistance for programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicaid long-term support services.
About The Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO)
Established by HB24-1360 (https://legs41QradQ,gQv/bills/hb24-1360) in 2024, the Colorado Disability Opportunisy_Office (CDOO) (https://cdoo.colorddo.:gov/) is the point
of contact for state agencies, private sector organizations, and the public to advance the integration and inclusion of the disability community. CDOO sits at the
intersection of policy development and implementation, and HB 24-1360 ensures that CDOO leadership continues to advise the Governor and his team on disability policy,
ensure cross -agency collaboration and provide funding through the CDFC to disability organizations and businesses.
Will
Recent
Press Release: Colorado Work -Related Fatalities Decreased in 2023 (/press-releases!press-release-Colorado-work-retated-
fatalities-decreased-in-2023).
The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) program conducted by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's Office of Labor Market
Information (LMI), in cooperation with the U.S....
Press Release: Colorado Awarded SUM in State Digita. Equity Act Capacity Grant Fuidingi/press-releases/ r s -reLease-
co orado-awarded-12m-in-st4te-digital-equity-act-c4pcity_grant)
The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded Colorado S12,368,261 in a Digital Equity
Act Capacity Grant.
Press Release: Colorado Employment Situation November 2024 (/press-releases/press-release-cotorado-empigyment-
sjtuation-november-2024)
Nonfarm Payroll Jobs Decline by 3,900 in November;
Statistics
Unemployment Rate - November 2024
Colorado: 4.3%
National: 4.2%
Colorado Job Growth (Seasonally Adjusted)
October 2024 - November 2024: -3,900
November 2023 - November 2024: 52,900
2025 Minimum Wage
$14.81 / Hour
$11.79 / Hour for tipped employees
Contact Us
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
633 17th Street, Suite 201
Denver, CO 80202-3660
Phone: 303-318-8000
Division of Unemployment Insurance
251 E 12th Ave
Denver, CO 80203
Division of Unemployment Insurance Lobby Assistance
621 17th Street, Suite 100
Denver, CO 80202
DRAFT
Applicant's Information
This application is for Disability Application Assistance Grants from the Colorado
Disability Funding Committee (CDFC). Complete and submit this form and any
supplemental documents to apply for grant funding from the CDFC.
Per the Laura Hershey Disability Support Act, and subsequent pursuant legislation
including HB24-1360, the CDFC may use funding to provide grants to nonprofit entities,
and county departments of human and social services who have developed assistance
programs that aid individuals and families to apply for public disability -based benefits.
Please note:
• Funding is based on propensity to assist benefits applicants, and the stability and
reach of the agency.
• The applicant needs to complete the form ii its entirety to be eligible.
• Incomplete applications will not be conside-ed for award.
• Funding amount available: TOTAL $2M, to be used for this purpose throughout
the State of Colorado.
• Awards are based on the determination of The Colorado Disability Funding
Committee.
If you have any questions, or any accessibility concerns, please send them to
soc dfcstate.co.us.
Open Office Hours and Question & Answer periocs will be held:
Monday. 12/23 from 11a -12p Monday Office Hours Zoom Link
Friday, 12/27 from 1p -2p Friday Office Hours Zoom Link
and Thursday, 1/2 from 12p-lp Thursday Office Hours Zoom Link
Applications are due January 31, 2025 at 11:59PM MST.
witkowjx@gmail.com Switch account
Not shared
* Indicates required question
Legal Name of Organization Applying*
Weld County Department of Human Services
Doing Business As (DBA) if applicable*
DRAFT
N/A
Organization's Website*
https://www.weld.gov/Home
Physical Street Address*
315 N. 1 l th Ave
City*
Greeley
State*
CO
Zip Code*
80632
Organization Director *
Jamie Ulrich
Director Cell Phone*
970-400-6510
Director Email*
ulrichjj@weld gov
Organization's Available Contact Person (if different than the director above)
Julie Witkowski
Organization Contact Person Phone (if different than the director above)
970-400-6777
Organization Contact Person Email (if different than the director above)
witkowjx @weld.gov
Mailing Address (if different than the physical address above)
N/A
City (if different than the physical address above)
DRAFT
N /A
State (if different than the physical address above)
N /A
Zip Code (if different than the physical address above)
N /A
Is your organization in good standing according tc the Colorado Secretary of
State? https://www.coloradosos.gov/biz/6usinessEntityCriteria.do.*
Yes
N o
Types of Application Assistance that will be provided under this grant, check any that
apply*
S upplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Medicaid Long -Term Care
Medicaid Buy -in for Working Adults with Disabilities
Medicaid Eligibility Appeals
Aid to the Needy and Disabled
Social Security Reconsideration
Social Security ALJ Appeal and Decision Review
Social Security District Court Appeal
Tax Filing Assistance
Rebates for Property Tax, Rent, and Heat
Earned Income Tax Credits, State Tax Credits for persons with disabilities
Any Other Federal, State or Local Benefit, please describe in narrative
Organization's Mission Statement (please include the link to your organization's website
mission statement - 750 characters maximum)`
Engaging and partnering with the community to improve the safety, health and well-
being of individuals and families through the delivery of responsive and collaborative
services. https://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Human-Services
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Statement (please include the link to your
organization's website EDI statement 750 characters maximum)*
S ummarized: VVe provide a welcoming environment where all individuals are
respected, appreciated, included and valued. VVe are committed to learn from each
other and understand that similarities and differences are what create a strong
DRAFT
organization and community. Diversity is an inclusive term hat includes all the
differences which distinguish individuals and groups from each other. To appreciate
diversity is to recognize that the sum of the different groups and individuals is a richer
whole than the parts alone. Diversity includes, but is not limited to, race, color, age,
disability, creed, religion, cultural background and experience.
https:/llibrary.municode.com/co/weld_county/codes/charter_and_county_codeGeogra
phic Area Served*
Weld County
Employer Identification Information (EIN)*
84-6000813
What year was your organization founded?
1861
If your organization has been in existence less than 3 years, what organization will be
your fiscal sponsor?*
N/A
Description of Proposed Project (1,000 characters maximum)
The Disability Navigator Program aims to help persons with disabilities participating in
any Weld County Department of Human Services program navigate the application
and/or reconsideration process for federal disability benefits under the Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. The goals
of the Disability Navigator Program are to assist eligible participants in submitting timely
and complete applications for SSI increase the percentage of approvals, reduce
the time to SSI approval, and reduce time on Aid to the Needy Disabled -State Only
(AND -SO).
Projected start date
(please expect 6-8 weeks after grant deadline for award decisions from the Committee)
April 1, 2025
Projected end date
(please expect 6-8 weeks after grant deadline for award decisions from the Committee)
March 31, 2026
Requested Grant Amount
DRAFT
$99,059.85
Anticipated Number of People Expected to be Served with the Grant Funding?
120
Organization's most recent fiscal year's revenue
Your answer
Organization's most recent fiscal year's expenses -
Your answer
Describe current disability application assistance programs your organization currently
provides, if any, including the populations served, and the number of FTEs within your
organization providing this assistance.
t
We are currently providing the Disability Navigation service as described above. We
currently have one, full-time employee who prov des the service. Receipt of this
funding will allow us to hire an additional part time employee to assist the full-time
employee
Is the majority of your organization's governing bchdy:
(a) composed of persons with a demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of
recipients with disabilities; and
(b) Contains members who understand a range of disabilities; and
(c) Contains a majority of members who are persons with disabilities, persons with
immediate family members who are persons with disabilities, or persons who are care
givers to a family member who is a person with disabilities?
Yes
No
If your governing board does not meet the goverr ing board requirements above, what
organization will you contract with to provide the disability perspective?
N/A, our Community Advisory Board meets requirements above
DRAFT
Do you agree to produce board member lists, within five business days if requested by
the committee? t:
Yes
No
P lease include draft budget for how you plan to use the funding from this grant. *
Full Time FTE• Salary and Benefits=$153,897.22 requesting $71,022.78 (46%)
P art Time FTE Salary and Benefits=$28,037.07 requesting $28,037.07 (100%)
TOTAL $99,059.85
Is there any other pertinent information you would like to share with the Committee?*
Our full-time employee is SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) trained
and has assisted hundreds of individuals with SSI and SSDI applications over the last
seven years. During calendar year she worked with 119 individuals and of the
decisions received from Social Security, had an approval rate of 48%, which is much
higher than the national average of 35%.
Has your organization managed, or been awarded federally funded grants (within the
last five years)?'
Yes
N o
Does your organization plan on applying for federally funded grants (within the term of
this grant period)?*
Yes
N o
Did your organization have an independent financial statement audit or single source
audit in the last 24 months?'
Yes
N o
If your organization has had an audit in the last 24 months, were there any findings?
Yes
N o
DRAFT
If you selected "Yes" on the previous question, lis: the number and details of each of the
findings, including a description of how the findings were resolved.
Does your organization have documented procurement policies in alignment with the
procurement regulations of 2 CFR Part 200?*
Yes
No
Does your organization have the capacity to manage and implement federal
regulations including 2 CFR 200 and other specific federal regulations pertaining
to items such as segregation of duties, cash handling, contracting procedures,
and personnel and travel policies?`
Yes
No
Has your organization's leadership and key staff remained stable in the past yearT
Yes
No
Has your organization's financial or grant management system (technology or other)
remained unchanged in the last 12 months?'
Yes
No
If changes have been made to your organization's grant management system in the last
12 months, please explain here: #.
Your answer
Does your organization's accounting system seg -egate expenditures by funding
source?*
Per 2 CFR 200.302, the system must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports
and tracing of funds.
Yes
No
Has your organization been temporarily debarred, suspended, or has it incurred
delinquent federal debt in SAM.gov?*
DRAFT
Yes
No
Has your organization been consistent/timely with prior program reporting requirements
for funding received from other sources?t
Yes
N o
Have your organization's financial reports for any previous programming been
adequate, accurate and on time?
Yes
N o
Does your organization have a documented Conflict of Interest Policy in place?'
Yes
N o
Does your organization maintain central file locations for all grants, loans, or other
types of financial assistance?*
Yes
N o
Does your organization pay other non -contractor entities (subrecipients) to fulfill aspects
of your mission?'
Yes
N o
N ubrecipients
Did your organization require, collect and document any expenditure/financial reports
from subrecipients (current or past)?*
Yes
No
If you selected "Yes" on the previous question, how frequently did your
organization collect subrecipient information?*
Your answer
DRAFT
Does your organization have a monitoring process in place for subrecipients?*
Yes
No
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