MyFriendBen simplifies access to 40+ benefits and support programs
PUEBLO, Colo. (June 10, 2025) — A new online tool that has already helped more than 40,000 Coloradans uncover an average of $1,500 in monthly savings is now available to Pueblo County families.
MyFriendBen, a free and mobile-friendly resource, helps users quickly check their eligibility for over 40 public benefits, tax credits and nonprofit programs in just six minutes. Through a new partnership between MyFriendBen, United Way of Pueblo County and the Pueblo County Department of Human Services, this powerful tool is now accessible to residents across Pueblo County.
“At a time when many in our community are facing rising costs, a tool that can uncover $1,500 in support each month is a game changer,” said Lee Hodge, Pueblo County Department of Human Services Assistant Director. “This partnership is all about simplifying what is often a complex process so the Pueblo community no longer needs to search multiple websites or complete unnecessary paperwork just to learn if they might qualify for these critical supports.”
After checking eligibility through MyFriendBen, users receive personalized reports of the benefits they are likely eligible for as well as the programs’ estimated dollar value, time required to apply, and which documents they’ll need. The report provides individuals with the information they need to make a plan before they apply. Watch a 30-second demo video.
While most current users of MyFriendBen are based in the Denver metro area, the new launch in Pueblo County marks the tool’s first major expansion into southern and rural Colorado.
“We are thrilled to bring MyFriendBen to Pueblo County,” said Shanna M. Farmer, President and CEO of United Way of Pueblo County. “Through our community resource navigation and community resilience efforts, we’ve seen just how complex the benefit system can be. Unfortunately, many people in our community are missing out on valuable programs, like child development support or property tax relief simply because they don’t know they exist.”
To support the rollout, staff at both the Department of Human Services and United Way of Pueblo County have been trained on how to use the tool and are integrating it into their community engagement. Each organization has embedded MyFriendBen on their websites to make it even more accessible.
“Pueblo County is the first in Southern Colorado to make it easier for everyone — from community members to seasoned caseworkers — to find benefits,” said Sekhar Paladugu, Lead Entrepreneur for MyFriendBen. “We think there is a significant opportunity to use technology to help families find the support they need to be financially independent.”
Visit co.myfriendben.org to try MyFriendBen. The tool is free to use, mobile-friendly and available in 12 different languages.
About MyFriendBen
MyFriendBen, incubated at Gary Community Ventures, increases access to public benefits, tax credits and nonprofit programs by making key information about the social safety net more transparent, accessible and actionable. We envision a social safety net that builds financial stability, increases economic mobility and empowers individuals. MyFriendBen partners with local organizations to bring its open-source tech platform to communities across the country and to the professionals who serve them. Learn more at myfriendben.org.
United Way of Pueblo County
Since 1923, United Way of Pueblo County has served as a trusted community leader, dedicated to leveraging resources to support collaborative solutions that drive lasting change. We work closely with over 75 nonprofit partners annually to expand our impact and ensure vital services reach those who need them most. Over the past five years, through strategic partnerships, we have successfully leveraged nearly $20 million through fundraising, emergency assistance, in-kind contributions, volunteer time, and reinvested dollars from our outreach efforts and programs. Guided by our four pillars (Economic Mobility and Opportunity, Youth Success, Community Resilience, and Nonprofit Capacity Development), we work to provide essential resources and programs that foster a stronger, more equitable future for our community. We remain deeply committed to driving measurable results that uplift individuals, families, and communities across our region.
Pueblo County Department of Human Services
Pueblo County Department of Human Services strives to improve the quality of life in our community by offering programs and services to eligible individuals and families that promote self-sufficiency, assist in protecting vulnerable populations, and provide assistance to people with demonstrated needs.
