top of page

UPDATED FOR 2026 • COLORADO SNAP GUIDE

Get Help Applying for SNAP Food Benefits in Colorado

Groceries are expensive. SNAP can help. Our friendly navigators walk you through the entire application at no cost to you, no strings attached. 

✓ 100% Free Service        ✓ Expert Navigators        ✓ Serving All of Colorado 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

What is SNAP and How Does it Work? 

SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamps) — is a federal program that puts grocery money on a card every month for eligible households. In Colorado, it's managed by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS).

Monthly Grocery Funds

Benefits are loaded each month onto an EBT card, which works just like a debit card at most grocery stores, farmers' markets, and online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. 

EBT Card Access

Your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is accepted at thousands of locations across Colorado and can be used for eligible food items at checkout.

Free to Apply

There is no cost to apply for SNAP. Benefits in Action navigators help through every step of the process from new applications to renewals at no cost to you. 

DO I QUALIFY?

2026 SNAP Income Limits & Benefit Amounts

Good News: Colorado uses a generous 200% of the Federal Poverty Level as its income limit (one of the highest in the country). If your household has high rent, childcare costs, or medical bills, deductions may bring your qualifying income even lower. If you're unsure, call us — we will help. 

Effective October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026

Household Size
Max Gross Monthly Income (200% FPL)
Monthly Benefit
1 person
$2,610
$298
2 people
$3,526
$546
3 people
$4,442
$785
4 people
$5,360
$994
5 people
$6,276
$1,183

Adults over 60 or living with a disability may qualify under different income and asset rules. Contact us to learn more. 

WHAT'S NEW WITH SNAP

Important SNAP Changes in Colorado

Two significant changes and requirements went into effect recently. Here's what you need to know:

Expanded Work Requirements

As of November 1, 2025, new federal and state work rules expanded who must meet work or volunteer requirements.

  • Most able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) up to age 64 must complete 80 hours a month or 20 hours a week.

 

Please visit the Colorado Department of Human Services' page on ABAWDs.

Citizenship Eligibility Changes

Effective April 9, 2026, eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants was reduced. 

 

  • No longer eligible: Refugees, asylees, parolees

  • Still eligible for SNAP: US citizens and nationals, green card holders, citizens of the Compact of Free Association nations, and certain Cuban and Haitian entrants

Please view the SNAP Eligibility Update Flyer for more information.

Not sure if these changes affect your benefits? Call our navigators, we'll review your specific situation at no charge. 

Find more information about SNAP and eligibility at the Colorado Department of Human Services

READY TO APPLY?

How to Get Your SNAP Benefits

Our navigators handle the hard part for you. Choose the way that works best for you. 

FREE • EXPERT HELP

Apply With a Benefits in Action Navigator 

Our trained navigators walk you through the entire process, help you gather and attach documents, and can submit the application on your behalf. This service is 100% free and unbiased – no fees, no catches. 

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

Visit Us In Person

Prefer face-to-face help? Our co-locations offer same-day service. Otherwise, call 720-221-8354 for an appointment.​​

BE PREPARED

Documents You'll Need to Apply 

Having these ready will speed up your application significantly.

Proof of Identity

Driver's license, state ID, or other government-issued photo ID

Proof of Income

Pay stubs from the last 30 days or benefit award letters

Housing Costs

Rent or mortgage statements and utility bills

Social Security & Immigration Numbers 

If applicable, provide for all household members who are applying for benefits

Check out our Document List for greater detail on documentation.

Not sure what to gather? Our navigators will walk you through it – call us and we'll tell you exactly what you need. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

The SNAP Application Process

The application process can feel daunting or overwhelming, but we are here to help reduce potential stress. Work with a Benefits in Action navigator to ensure your application is done correctly. Be prepared for an in-person or over-the-phone interview with a county worker after working with us.

Appointment With a Navigator

Schedule an appointment with our office to have a navigator apply on your behalf. The appointment is over the phone, and the navigator will call you from our main number (720-221-8354).

Submit an Application

Work with a Benefits in Action navigator to complete and submit your application. This can be done in person (if you are at one of our co-locations) or over the phone. 

County Interview

After the application is submitted, an interview will be scheduled. The county will call you to complete an interview. It is important you answer the call. If the interview is missed, you will need to reschedule with the county. 

Receive a Decision

Usually within 30 days (7 days for expedited SNAP) of the initial application, a decision will be made regarding eligibility. If approved, benefits will be issued on a monthly basis. If denied, there is an appeals process. 

Don't Leave Benefits on the Table 

Thousands of Coloradans who qualify for SNAP never apply because the process feels too complicated. That's exactly why we're here.

Free, friendly, and ready to help.

I have to say, our SNAP benefits navigator, Monica, was unbelievably helpful. I am a retired Air Force Commander and have had dealings with thousands of personnel in my career and Monica is the absolute BEST, most professional person I’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with. One can tell she has a big heart and wants to help people. I can’t say enough positive things about her.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About SNAP in Colorado

WE CAN HELP WITH MORE

Other Benefits We Help With 

SNAP is just one of many programs we can help you navigate. Our navigators assist with a wide range of Colorado assistance programs. 

Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Coloradans.

Federal health insurance for people 65+ and those with disabilities. 

From retirement to disability, we help with applications for SSR, SSI, and SSDI.

Speak with a navigator about any benefit questions you have. 

Grant Disclaimers

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

bottom of page