SNAP Eligibility Calculator – Colorado

SNAP Eligibility Calculator (Colorado)

Determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Colorado with our easy-to-use calculator. Enter your household details below to estimate your monthly benefits for 2025. This tool provides an estimate based on federal and state guidelines.

Include people you live with and buy food with.

Your household includes everyone who lives with you, shares meals, and buys food together in Colorado. This typically includes spouses, children, and other relatives or roommates who share food expenses. Count each person, including infants and elderly members.

In Colorado, urban areas (e.g., cities) may have different living costs compared to rural areas. Select 'Rural' if you live in a less populated area, which may affect utility deductions.

An elderly person is 60 or older. A disabled person in Colorado includes those receiving disability benefits (e.g., SSDI) or with a condition that limits daily activities. Households with elderly or disabled members may qualify for higher deductions and asset limits.

In Colorado, students enrolled at least half-time in higher education may not qualify for SNAP unless they meet exemptions, such as working 20+ hours/week, caring for a child, or being disabled. Select 'Yes' if any household member is a student.

Include wages before taxes.

Include all earned income in Colorado, such as wages, salaries, tips, or self-employment income before taxes or deductions. For hourly workers, estimate monthly income by multiplying weekly hours by your hourly rate and then by 4.33 (average weeks per month).

Include Social Security, disability, etc.

Other income in Colorado includes unearned income like Social Security, disability payments, pensions, unemployment benefits, or child support received. Do not include loans, gifts, or one-time payments.

Include bank accounts, exclude home.

Resources in Colorado include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and vehicles (excluding one primary vehicle). Do not include your home, retirement accounts, or personal property. The limit is $3,000 ($4,500 if elderly/disabled).

Include costs paid for childcare or care for disabled adults in Colorado to allow you to work, seek employment, or attend training. Examples: daycare, babysitters, or in-home care. Enter the total monthly amount paid.

Enter legally obligated child support payments you make in Colorado. This deduction only applies if you pay court-ordered child support to someone outside your household. Do not include voluntary payments.

Include your monthly rent or mortgage payment in Colorado. For homeowners, include principal and interest. Do not include utilities or other housing costs here; those are entered separately.

Include insurance, taxes, HOA fees.

In Colorado, housing costs include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees for homeowners, or renter’s insurance for renters. Do not include utilities like electricity or water; those are entered below.

You are considered homeless in Colorado if you lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes living in shelters, vehicles, or public spaces. Homeless households may qualify for a standard deduction and relaxed eligibility rules.

Select all utility bills you pay in Colorado. Heating/cooling includes gas or electric bills for HVAC or LIHEAP payments over $20. 'Other' includes garbage or sewer fees. These affect your shelter deduction, which can increase your SNAP benefits.

If your household includes an elderly or disabled member in Colorado, enter out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35/month. This includes prescriptions, doctor visits, medical equipment, or insurance premiums.

Does Colorado have different SNAP income limits than other states?

No. Colorado uses the federal SNAP income limits. The calculator checks both gross and net for your household size.

How much can 1 person get in food stamps in Colorado?

A 1-person household may receive up to about $291 per month in FY2025 maximum — but actual benefits depend on net income and deductions.

Does rent affect SNAP benefits in Colorado?

Yes. Shelter deductions are applied in Colorado. The calculator subtracts rent + utilities to estimate net income.

Can I qualify for SNAP in Colorado if I live with parents but pay for my own food?

Yes — if food is separate, you may be considered a separate household even if living in the same home.

Do Social Security and SSI count as income for SNAP in Colorado?

Yes — Social Security, SSDI, and SSI count as unearned income and must be included for accurate calculator results.

Are SNAP and Food Assistance the same thing in Colorado?

Yes. SNAP in Colorado is referred to as Food Assistance — same program, just Colorado naming.

Can gig workers like Uber drivers qualify for SNAP in Colorado?

Yes. Gig income is counted as earned income. The calculator accepts gig monthly averages for estimates.

Do college students qualify for SNAP in Colorado?

Students can qualify only if they meet exemption criteria like work hours, child, disability, or work-study participation.

Does child support paid reduce my SNAP income in Colorado?

Yes — legally owed child support is a deduction, lowering net income to increase SNAP benefits.

Do medical expenses increase SNAP benefits for seniors in Colorado?

Yes — households with a senior (60+) or disabled member can deduct medical expenses — helping increase benefits.

Do assets count for SNAP in Colorado?

Most Colorado households don’t have an asset test. Some elderly/disabled cases under federal rules may still have one.

Does Colorado require a net income test even if gross income is under the limit?

Yes — most households must still pass the net income test unless eligible under special elderly/disabled criteria.

Can I still get SNAP in Colorado if I have no income at all?

Yes — zero-income households can qualify. SNAP is based on income, not employment status.

Do SNAP benefits update every year in Colorado?

Yes. SNAP benefit amounts and income limits update every October 1. The calculator uses current FY numbers.

Where do I apply after using the Colorado SNAP calculator?

You apply online through Colorado PEAK or at your county Human Services office — interview and documents are required.