How To Apply For Colorado Food Stamps
View the information below if you are interested in applying for food stamps in Colorado. It is important that you have all the documentation and information needed so the application process is not delayed. If you still have questions or issues about applying for food stamps, known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), then you can call the Colorado SNAP hotline at 800-536-5298 or 303-866-3122. The department that handles this program is called the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the Food Assistance program in Colorado. SNAP provides food benefits to low-income households. Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards are issued and are used at most grocery stores to buy food, ensuring that families have access to a healthy diet.
Am I eligible for Colorado SNAP benefits?
To see if you qualify for food assistance, you can first use the online pre-screening tool. This pre-screening tool is not an application for food assistance. Applications must be completed and returned to your local food assistance office. Most low-income households can get food assistance. Below are some of the basic rules and a list of verification that you might need to bring to your interview:
Identity: The identity of the person applying must be verified. Identity may be verified through a variety of documents, including Department of Motor Vehicles ID or driver's license, work or school ID, voter registration card or birth certificate.
Citizenship Status: US citizens and many non-citizens are eligible for the program. Even if some members of the household are not eligible, those who are may be able to get food assistance benefits.
Social Security Numbers: Everyone in the household that is applying for benefits must have or provide proof of application for a SSN.
Income: Under Food Assistance Program rules, almost all types of income are counted to determine if a household is eligible. Most households must have income at or below certain dollar limits before and after deductions are allowed. However, households in which all members are getting public assistance or SSI do not have to meet the income eligibility tests. You must provide proof of the income of all household members. Examples of proof include the latest pay stubs or a statement from your employer, or benefit letters from Social Security, Veterans Administration, unemployment compensation, or pensions.
Deductions: After adding all of your household's countable income, the food assistance worker will subtract certain deductions. The income after deductions must fall below a certain dollar amount for your household to get food assistance benefits. This dollar amount will depend on the number of people in your household.
Work Rules: All individuals who apply for food assistance in Colorado and who do not meet federal exemption criteria must register for work, accept an offer of suitable work and take part in the Employment First program. The activities in the Employment First program include: workfare, adult basic education, GED preparation, literacy, college, vocational training, vocational rehabilitation, job search classes, and part-time work.
How to apply for Colorado food stamps
The fastest way to apply for Colorado food stamps is to apply online at Colorado PEAK. Or if you prefer, applicants can fill out one of the applications listed below and return it to your local county human services office:
It is recommended to fill out the application you download above as much as you can. If you need help or don't understand a question, a staff member can help you complete your food stamp application.
Colorado EBT Card
If approved, Food Assistance benefits are issued on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, called the Colorado Quest Card. It looks like a credit or bank card and can be used at any authorized store across the country. Each month your benefits will be deposited into your Colorado Quest account on the same day, even if it falls on a weekend or holiday.
A personal identification number (PIN) is assigned to access the account. Keep this number safe. If your card is lost or stolen, it can't be used by anyone who does not know the PIN number. You can learn more about how to use your EBT card by calling the EBT customer service center at 888-328-2656 or 800-659-2656 (TTY).
- How to use your EBT card, English version - Spanish version
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