While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy in the form of monthly benefits.
SNAP uses Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to distribute the benefits.
The Colorado SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Colorado Division of Food and Energy Assistance. Learn more about SNAP on the Colorado Division of Food and Energy Assistance website here.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase approved food items. These include:
See a more comprehensive list of what you can buy with SNAP benefits here and a list of approved snacks and meal supplements here.
There are also food items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, including alcoholic beverages and hot prepared food. See a comprehensive list of what you cannot buy with SNAP benefits here.
SNAP provides monthly benefits, known as an allotment, to eligible households. The allotment amount you can receive is based on 1) the number of people in your household and 2) your household income.
To calculate your allotment amount, multiply your household’s net income by 0.3 and then subtract that number from the federal maximum monthly benefit amount in the table below.
| Household Number | Federal Maximum Allotment Per Month |
|---|---|
| 1 | $194 |
| 2 | $355 |
| 3 | $509 |
| 4 | $646 |
| 5 | $768 |
| 6 | $921 |
| 7 | $1,018 |
| 8 | $1,164 |
| Each additional household member | +146 |
You have one year (365 days) to use your allotment or the benefits on your EBT card will be canceled.
To learn more about your benefit amount in Colorado, click here.
To qualify for SNAP in Colorado, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about Colorado’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Colorado Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply here. You can also view a copy of the application in English here, in Spanish here and in large print here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Colorado’s Peak here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Colorado county human services department location.
To apply for SNAP by phone, call 1 (855) 855-4626. If you are a senior, call 1 (855) 871-2696.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Colorado Department of Human Services Call Center at 1 (800) 536-5298. Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you have submitted your application, you will need to complete an interview. The interview may be in person or by telephone. If you applied in person, the interview can be scheduled. If you applied online, you will receive a letter with instructions on how to schedule your interview.
If documents are missing from your application or the Division of Food and Energy Assistance needs more information from you to finish processing your request, your application will be delayed.
If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days. You may be eligible for expedited food assistance if:
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 328-2656. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Colorado Division of Food and Energy Assistance, you can appeal your decision by submitting a written request to the Office of Administrative Courts by mail to:
1525 Sherman Street4th Floor
Denver, CO 80203
To file a claim by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You must also enclose a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail.
For more information on the appeal process, check out Colorado’s Initiating an Appeal page here.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 328-2656. You can also check you balance online here.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Colorado Division of Food and Energy Assistance EBT card brochure here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (800) 536-5298 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Colorado’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 328-2656.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Division of Food and Energy Assistance office in Colorado.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits or for any further questions about your application, call the Colorado Department of Human Services Call Center at 1 (800) 536-5298. Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
You can also visit or call a local Division of Food and Energy Assistance office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Colorado Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply here. You can also view a copy of the application in English here, in Spanish here and in large print here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Colorado’s Peak here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Colorado county human services department location.
To apply for SNAP by phone, call 1 (855) 855-4626. If you are a senior, call 1 (855) 871-2696.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Colorado Department of Human Services Call Center at 1 (800) 536-5298. Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you have submitted your application, you will need to complete an interview. The interview may be in person or by telephone. If you applied in person, the interview can be scheduled. If you applied online, you will receive a letter with instructions on how to schedule your interview.
If documents are missing from your application or the Division of Food and Energy Assistance needs more information from you to finish processing your request, your application will be delayed.
If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days. You may be eligible for expedited food assistance if:
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 328-2656. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Colorado Division of Food and Energy Assistance, you can appeal your decision by submitting a written request to the Office of Administrative Courts by mail to:
1525 Sherman Street4th FloorDenver, CO 80203
To file a claim by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You must also enclose a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail.
For more information on the appeal process, check out Colorado’s Initiating an Appeal page here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits or for any further questions about your application, call the Colorado Department of Human Services Call Center at 1 (800) 536-5298. Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
You can also visit or call a local Division of Food and Energy Assistance office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
