The Colorado Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly food benefits to help eligible low-income households purchase nutritious groceries. Benefits are distributed via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, select online retailers, and even some restaurants that accept EBT. This program ensures access to essential nutrition, particularly during financial hardship. You can double your benefits’ value for fruits and vegetables by shopping at participating vendors through the Double Up Food Bucks program.
This guide covers SNAP eligibility in Colorado for 2025, including income guidelines, deductions, benefits, and application steps. You can also use the Colorado PEAK pre-screening tool to estimate eligibility and potential benefits or check how to monitor your SNAP balance to manage your EBT funds effectively.
Who Is Eligible for Colorado SNAP Benefits?
Eligibility for SNAP in Colorado depends on several factors:
- Income Level: Household income must meet federal poverty guidelines.
- Household Size: Determined by the number of people who live and eat together.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified legal resident (e.g., lawful permanent residents with 5+ years in the U.S., refugees, asylees, or parents applying for U.S. citizen children).
- Residency: Must live in Colorado.
- Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18–54 must meet work criteria unless exempt.
- Asset Limits: Most households are not subject to asset limits due to Colorado’s broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), but households with seniors or disabled members exceeding gross income limits may face asset caps.
Households with seniors (60+) or individuals with disabilities may have relaxed income and asset rules. Contact your local county human services office for a precise eligibility assessment.
Income Guidelines for Colorado SNAP (2025)
Colorado uses gross and net income tests to determine eligibility. Gross income is total income before taxes or deductions, while net income is calculated after allowable deductions. The following thresholds apply from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Gross Income Test (200% of Federal Poverty Level)
Colorado has expanded eligibility, allowing households with gross monthly income up to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) to qualify, higher than the federal standard of 130%.
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,608 |
| 2 | $3,525 |
| 3 | $4,441 |
| 4 | $5,358 |
| 5 | $6,275 |
| 6 | $7,191 |
| 7 | $8,108 |
| 8 | $9,025 |
| Each Additional | +$916 |
Net Income Test (100% of Federal Poverty Level)
If your household exceeds the gross income limit, you may still qualify if your net income (after deductions) is below these amounts:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,304 |
| 2 | $1,762 |
| 3 | $2,220 |
| 4 | $2,679 |
| 5 | $3,137 |
| 6 | $3,595 |
| 7 | $4,054 |
| Each Additional | +$459 |
What Counts as Income?
All earned and unearned income is considered, including:
- Wages and salaries (before taxes)
- Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Unemployment benefits
- Child or spousal support
- Cash assistance (e.g., Colorado Works, TANF)
- Workers’ compensation
- Private retirement or pension withdrawals (depending on frequency)
Asset Limits in Colorado SNAP
Due to Colorado’s broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), most households are exempt from asset limits. However, households with a senior (60+) or disabled member who exceed the gross income limit (200% FPL) must meet an asset cap of $4,500.
Countable Assets:
- Bank accounts
- Property (other than your primary home)
- Stocks, bonds, or mutual funds
Non-Countable Assets:
- Primary home and lot
- Personal belongings
- Most retirement accounts
- Most vehicles
SNAP Household Definition
A SNAP household includes individuals who live together and purchase and prepare food together, such as:
- Spouses
- Children under 22 living with a parent
- Personal care or live-in attendants (if they are a spouse, child under 22, or a child under 18 under parental control)
If you buy and cook food separately from others you live with, you may qualify as a separate household, unless legally required to be included. Seniors or disabled individuals may qualify as a separate household if the combined income of others they live with is below 165% of the FPL.
Work Requirements for Adults (ABAWDs)
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18–54 must:
- Work at least 80 hours per month (paid, unpaid, or in-kind work, such as working off rent)
- Participate in an approved work or training program (e.g., Employment First)
Without meeting these requirements, ABAWDs are limited to 3 months of benefits in a 36-month period. Counties can connect ABAWDs with local work opportunities to meet these requirements.
Exemptions:
- Under 18 or over 54
- Pregnant
- Caring for a dependent
- Disabled or medically unfit to work
- Enrolled in school or a workforce development program
Allowable Deductions
Deductions lower your net income, increasing eligibility chances and benefit amounts. Allowable deductions include:
- Standard Deduction: $204 for households of 1–3, $217 for 4, $251 for 5, or $291 for 6+.
- Earned Income Deduction: 20% of income from work or self-employment.
- Dependent Care: Costs for childcare or care for disabled dependents needed for work, training, or education.
- Medical Expenses: Out-of-pocket costs over $35/month for seniors or disabled members (or a standard $165 deduction if verified).
- Child Support: Court-ordered payments (excluded from gross income).
- Excess Shelter Costs: Rent, mortgage, or utilities exceeding half of net income, capped at $712 unless the household includes a senior or disabled member.
- Homeless Shelter Deduction: Up to $190.30 for homeless households.
Monthly SNAP Benefit Amounts (2025)
SNAP benefits are calculated by subtracting 30% of your net income from the maximum benefit for your household size. Households with no net income receive the maximum allotment.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly SNAP Allotment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| Each Additional | +$220 |
Example: A household of 3 with $600 net monthly income would receive $768 (max benefit) minus 30% of $600 ($180), equaling $588/month.
How to Apply for SNAP in Colorado
You can apply for SNAP through the following methods:
- Online: Use the Colorado PEAK website to submit an application.
- In-Person: Visit your local county human services office (e.g., Boulder County: 3460 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304; or 515 Coffman St., Longmont, CO 80501).
- By Mail or Fax: Download and print an application (English, Spanish, or large print) from the Colorado PEAK website or request one from your county office (e.g., Pueblo County DHS: 320 W. 10th St., Pueblo, CO 81003).
- By Phone: Call the Hunger Free Colorado hotline at 855-855-4626 for assistance in over 150 languages.
Required Documentation:
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, state ID)
- Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease)
- Income verification (e.g., pay stubs, Social Security award letter)
- Expense documentation (e.g., rent receipts, utility bills, medical expenses)
- Social Security numbers or proof of application for all household members
After applying, you’ll need to complete an interview (in-person or by phone) with a county worker. You’ll receive a notice with the interview date and time. If you qualify for expedited benefits (e.g., less than $100 in cash and $150 in monthly earnings, or housing costs exceed income), you may receive benefits within 7 days. Otherwise, eligibility decisions are made within 30 days.
What Happens After Approval?
If approved, you’ll receive an EBT card by mail, which functions like a debit card at authorized retailers, including select restaurants that accept EBT in Colorado and other states. Benefits are loaded monthly, and receipts show your remaining balance. Check your balance online at Colorado’s EBT portal, call 1-888-328-2656, or learn more about how to check your SNAP balance.
Note: The federal authority to replace SNAP benefits stolen via electronic theft (e.g., card skimming) ended on December 20, 2024. Claims for theft occurring on or before this date can be filed within 30 days of discovery.
Extra Perks for EBT Cardholders
- Double Up Food Bucks: Double your SNAP benefits for fruits and vegetables at participating markets and stores.
- Online Shopping: Use your EBT card at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Aldi.
- Museums for All: Free or reduced admission to participating museums, zoos, and cultural sites.
- Amazon Prime Discount: 50% off for EBT cardholders.
What You Cannot Buy With SNAP
SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Hot or prepared foods (unless purchased at restaurants that accept EBT under specific programs)
- Pet food, household supplies, or hygiene products
- Vitamins, medicines, or supplements
Work Requirements and Employment First Program
All non-exempt SNAP applicants must register for work and participate in the Employment First program if required. This includes accepting suitable job offers or engaging in work-related activities. Counties can assist with job placement or training programs.
Additional Notes
- Income limits are updated annually on October 1.
- Recertification: Most households recertify every 6–12 months; seniors and disabled individuals may recertify every 12–24 months.
- Apply even if unsure: You may qualify due to deductions or categorical eligibility (e.g., receiving TANF or SSI).
- Fraud Protection: Check for card-skimming devices at point-of-sale terminals and report suspected EBT card compromise to your county office immediately.
Additional Resources
- Colorado PEAK – Apply or manage benefits
- Hunger Free Colorado – Application assistance (855-855-4626)
- USDA SNAP Eligibility – Federal guidelines
- Feeding America Food Bank Locator
- Colorado DHS Food Assistance – Program details
- How to Check SNAP Balance – Guide to monitoring EBT funds
- Restaurants That Accept EBT – Where to use EBT for prepared meals
This guide is based on federal and Colorado state resources, including USDA, Colorado Department of Human Services, and Hunger Free Colorado, accurate as of October 1, 2024. Always verify with your local county human services office for the most current information.