Adult Protective Services

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The purpose of the Adult Protective Services (APS) program is to provide protective services (and referrals to community services) to adults who cannot protect or care for themselves. These adults are known as "at-risk adults." They are considered to be at risk of mistreatment or self-neglect because:

• They are unable to protect themselves against abuse, neglect, or exploitation; and/or

• They are unable to perform or arrange for services that will help them to protect their health and safety. For example, they may be unable to obtain medical treatment, financial assistance, meals, or home health assistance; and/or

• They lack sufficient understanding or lack the capacity to make or communicate decisions that keep them safe and healthy.

 

How to Report

All Colorado citizens are encouraged to report suspected mistreatment or self-neglect of an at-risk adult. When making a report to APS, it is helpful to provide as much detailed information as possible about the adult, the adult's situation, and the alleged perpetrator. Whenever possible, provide the following information:

• Name, address, and phone number of the at-risk adult

• Current location, if different from the home address

• Date of birth, or estimated age

• Medical and/or disabling condition(s)

• Medical provider(s)

• Names and contact information for any known family members, friends, or neighbors

• Name and contact information for the person responsible for abuse or neglect

 

To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an at-risk adult, please call the Custer County Department of Human Services at (719) 783-2371. If an emergency exists, dial 911 or your police or sheriff.

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Home Care Allowance (HCA)​

Home care allowance (HCA) provides cash assistance to elderly and disabled individuals for services paid directly to a home care provider of the client's choice. The home care provider assists the client with their activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, transfers, supportive service such as money management, and appointment management. All services under the HCA program are considered unskilled.
 

Eligibility

Income guidelines vary depending on age and severity of disability. Please contact Custer County Human Services for more information by calling (719) 783-2371.

How to Apply

Pick up an application from our office, call to have one mailed to you, or apply online. Bring the completed application for assistance and all required documents into our office. Applications cannot be processed without all required documents, which include:

• Proof of identity (driver's license, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, etc.)

• Proof of income (pay stubs, verification of Social Security income, benefits, pensions, etc.)

• Proof of resources (bank statements, individual retirement account, stocks, bonds, life insurance, burial policies, etc.)

• Social Security card

 

Application Process Period

HCA applications will be processed within 90 days from the date our office receives your completed application and all required documents.

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 Long Term Care (LTC)

Long term care (LTC) includes nursing facility care and home and community based services where medical providers come into the home to render the necessary services to keep a disabled individual from being institutionalized in a nursing facility or hospital.
 

Eligibility

Individuals under the age of 65 requiring long term care services must meet the Social Security disability criteria either through Social Security income (SSI) eligibility or Social Security disability income (SSDI) eligibility. Colorado also has a state contractor who can determine disability if an individual has not been determined disabled by the Social Security Administration. Applicants must have income under $2,205 per month.

How to Apply

Pick up an application from our office, call to have one mailed to you, or apply online. Bring the completed application for assistance and all required documents into our office. Applications cannot be processed without all required documents, which include:

• Proof of identity (driver's license, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, etc.)

• Proof of income (pay stubs, verification of Social Security income, benefits, pensions, etc.)

• Proof of resources (bank statements, individual retirement account, stocks, bonds, life insurance, burial policies, etc.)

• Social Security card

 

Application Process Period

LTC applications will be processed within 90 days from the date our office receives your completed application and all required documents.

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​Old Age Pension

The Old Age Pension (OAP) program provides financial and medical assistance to individuals who are 60 years of age or older and meet state mandated income and resource guidelines. The OAP program provides financial benefits up to $773 per month. Any other income such as wages, Social Security benefits (SSA), supplemental security income (SSI), veteran's assistance, etc. may reduce the amount of the OAP payment.
 

Eligibility

An applicant / recipient's income cannot exceed the grant standard of $773 per month. A spouse's income is countable in determining eligibility. An applicant / recipient's countable resources cannot exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Some types of countable resources are cash (not spent in the month you receive it), checking or savings accounts, certificates of deposits, vehicles, boats, motor homes, stocks and bonds, life insurance, burial contracts or policies, and secondary property.

 

How to Apply

Pick up an application from our office, call to have one mailed to you, or apply online. Bring the completed application for assistance and all required documents into our office. Applications cannot be processed without all required documents, which include:

• Proof of age (driver's license, U.S. passport, birth certificate, state ID card, etc.)

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, U.S. passport, Social Security card, etc.)

• Proof of Colorado residency (driver's license, lease, utility bill, voter registration, etc.)

• Proof of income (pay stubs, verification of Social Security or SSI, etc.)

• Proof of any resources (bank statements, statements for investment accounts, stocks, bonds, vehicle registration for all vehicles, boats, motor homes, life insurance policies, etc.)

 

 

Application Process Period

OAP applications will be processed within 45 days from the date our office receives your completed application and all required documents.