$158/month

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or CDHS case worker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Colorado SNAP:

1. Check your eligibility: Use this free screening tool from the state to see if you can get SNAP benefits.
2. Fill out an application: You can apply for Colorado SNAP online, in person, or by mail or fax. You can also get help applying over the phone. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process and secure a benefit start date, and you must create a Colorado PEAK account in order to apply online. 
3. Have an interview: You may be asked to take part in a phone interview with a CDHS case worker once your local county office receives your application. 
4. Wait for a decision: Most Colorado SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
5. Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your new EBT card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

These figures are effective for 2024 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.'

If you’re not sure whether you can get SNAP benefits in Colorado, you can use the state's free online screening tool to see if you may qualify. When you do apply, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month.

Before you start, gather some basic information to make your application process easier: 

• Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
• Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members 
• Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs 
• Child care or dependent care costs 
• Medical costs (if you are age 60+ or have a disability)

Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

• Driver's license or other government-issued ID 
• Birth certificate 
• Bank statements
• Pension statements
• Social Security statements 
• Pay stubs
• Tax returns
• Social Security card
• Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)
• Marriage license or divorce decree
• For those age 60+ or with a disability: billing statements, mileage or transportation costs to/from medical appointments, itemized receipts for medical expenses (prescription drugs, medical supplies, etc.)

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application. 

There are several ways to apply for Colorado SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

 

Tips for success:

• Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information. You can save your application progress in the system and return later to finish it, if necessary. 
• If your primary language is Spanish, click ‘Español’ at the top right of your screen.
• Visit the Colorado PEAK Frequently Asked Questions for additional guidance.

Download, print, and complete a paper SNAP application: 

• SNAP Application (English)
• SNAP Application (Spanish)
• SNAP Application (Large Print)

There are several ways to get help filling out your Colorado SNAP application. You can:

• Contact a Colorado SNAP Application Assistance provider.
• Find and contact your local CDHS office.
• Call Hunger Free Colorado at 1-855-855-4626 or info@hungerfreecolorado.org.
• Contact the Senior Resource Development Agency SRDA (SRDA) at 1-719-545-8900 or alopez@srda.org.
• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area. 

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-543-7892.

It can take up to 30 days for CDHS to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After your application is received, you may be contacted to have an interview with a CDHS case worker. These are usually done over the phone, but can also be done face-to-face at your request. To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from your local office, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers). 

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your CDHS case worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing. 

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

• What is your full name and birthday?
• What is your Social Security number?
• Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
• Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
• What is your monthly income?
• Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
• What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

Check your SNAP application status by calling the SNAP support line at 1-800-816-4451.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for Colorado SNAP, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most households in Colorado, that period is 6 to 12 months. Households with older members or people with disabilities may have a longer certification period, up to 36 months.

Shortly after you are approved for SNAP, you will receive your Colorado Quest EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. The card will be pre-loaded with your first month of benefits. Going forward, benefits will be deposited onto your EBT card between the 1st and 10th of every month, depending on the last digit of your Social Security Number (SSN).