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Colorado Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Quick Facts
- Location
- Colorado
- Administering Program Name
- Colorado Department of Human Services
Are College Students Eligible for SNAP?
Students attending an institution of higher education, like a college, university, trade school, or technical school more than half-time are eligible for SNAP IF they meet a student exemption AND meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements. You can ask your school what qualifies as “half-time.”
First, What Are Student Exemptions?
COVID-19 Temporary Update
As of January 16, 2021, a student is exempt if they meet one of the qualifications:
1) They are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work study during the regular school year. You school determines if you are eligible for work study
OR
2.) They have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 0 in the current academic year (based on the FASFA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
In addition to the temporary COVID-19 exemptions, students can always meet one of the following exemptions to qualify for SNAP:
- Are under age 18 or are age 49 or older.
- Have a physical or mental disability.
- Work at least 20 hours a week (80 hours a month) in paid employment.
- Participate in a state or federally financed work study program.
- Participate in an on-the-job training program.
- Care for a child under the age of 6.
- Care for a child age 6 to 11 and lack the necessary child care for you to attend school and work 20 hours a week or participate in work study.
- Are a single parent enrolled full-time in college and taking care of a child under 12.
- Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF, Colorado Works) assistance.
- Are enrolled in a TANF Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program.
Second, What Are Income Requirements?
This chart shows the gross monthly eligibility standard based on family size considering 130% of the Federal Poverty Line, or FPL. The FPL is set by the federal government each year is calculated centered on family size and income. FPL determines eligibility for many federal and state public programs.
Household Size | Gross Monthly Income (130% of FPL) |
Net Monthly Income(100% of FPL) |
---|---|---|
1 | $1,396 | $1,074 |
2 | $1,888 | $1,452 |
3 | $2,379 | $1,830 |
4 | $2,871 | $2,209 |
5 | $3,363 | $2,587 |
6 | $3,855 | $2,965 |
7 | $4,347 | $3,344 |
8 | $4,839 | $3,722 |
Each Additional Member | + $492 | + $379 |
How Do I Apply?
You don’t need to go to an office! You can apply online, and receive your EBT card in the mail. The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through Colorado PEAK.
If you are eligible, you will be likely be able to access your SNAP benefits no later than 30 days from the date the office received your application. If you have very little or no income for the month and you need help right away, you may qualify for SNAP benefits within 7 days.
Where/How to Use
SNAP benefits can only be used to buy food, and plants and seeds to grow food for your household to eat. You can use your EBT card to purchase food at any grocery store, farmers’ market, or online website that accepts SNAP like Amazon and Walmart. Visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/online-purchasing-pilot to learn more about shopping for groceries online with your SNAP benefits and more.
You can also get free Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables with Double Up Food Bucks when you use SNAP at participating markets. Text your zip code to 1-844-383-2399 or visit DoubleUpColorado.org for a location near you.
Use the map on the FreshEBT app to find grocery stores and farmers markets near you.
This page was last updated on October 12, 2021.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Colorado
- Administering Program Name
- Colorado Department of Human Services
Outreach Organizations
- Hunger Free Colorado has bilingual Food Assistance Navigators to help people apply for SNAP and connect to other food resources. Call their food resource hotline at (855) 855-4626, Monday – Friday from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, or fill out a referral form online.
Resources & Contacts
- Hunger Free Colorado's Food Finder is your one-stop-shop for food resources across Colorado.
- SNAP for College Students During COVID-19