In Colorado, SNAP is called Food Assistance and is administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services through county departments of human services, using the Colorado PEAK online portal for applications. Colorado has adopted Broad Based Categorical Eligibility at 200 percent of the federal poverty level, generally eliminating the asset test for most households.
This guide is independently written and is not affiliated with USDA, OPM, the Colorado Department of Human Services, or the official federal Feds Feed Families campaign.
What SNAP in Colorado Is Called and Who Runs It
Colorado officially calls the program Food Assistance, administered by CDHS through county human services offices across all 64 counties. Benefits are delivered on a Colorado EBT card, accepted at authorized retailers statewide and nationwide.
Income Limits
- What SNAP in Colorado Is Called and Who Runs It
- Income Limits
- Maximum Benefit Amounts
- How to Apply
- A New Sugary Drink Restriction
- Work Requirements
- What Colorado SNAP Can Be Used For
- FAQ
- What is SNAP called in Colorado?
- What is Colorado's SNAP income limit?
- Is there a new restriction on sugary drinks for Colorado SNAP?
- Does Colorado's EBT card offer any benefits beyond groceries?
Colorado's Broad Based Categorical Eligibility policy raises the gross income limit from the federal minimum of 130 percent up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, meaning many working households that wouldn't qualify in a stricter state can qualify in Colorado. Households with a member 60 or older or living with a disability who exceed the 200 percent gross limit may still qualify under the net income test, and generally must have countable resources under $4,500, with a home and one vehicle excluded from that calculation.
Maximum Benefit Amounts
Colorado households use the same federal maximum allotment table applied across the 48 contiguous states, ranging from $298 a month for one person to $994 a month for a family of four for federal fiscal year 2026.
How to Apply
- Online through Colorado PEAK
- Mobile app through MyCoBenefits
- By phone through the Hunger Free Colorado Hotline at 855-855-4626, available in multiple languages
- In person at your local County Human Services office
- By mail using a paper application downloaded from the CDHS website
Most households have a phone interview scheduled within 30 days, and some counties offer walk-in same-day interviews for applicants who need benefits urgently.
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A New Sugary Drink Restriction
Colorado has introduced a new state waiver restricting SNAP purchases of soft drinks and other sugary beverages, though sources describe conflicting effective dates for this change, with some citing March 1, 2026 and others citing October 30, 2026. Milk, 100 percent juice, and infant formula are reported to remain purchasable under this new restriction regardless of the exact start date. Given the date discrepancy, confirming the current status of this restriction directly through Colorado PEAK or your county office before assuming it is or isn't yet in effect is worth doing.
Work Requirements
Colorado enforces the ABAWD work requirement, generally requiring able-bodied adults without dependents to work or participate in an approved training program for 20 hours a week, with a limit of receiving benefits for only 3 months within any 3-year period if the requirement isn't met and no exemption applies. Exemptions generally cover pregnant individuals, caregivers, students, and people medically unable to work.
What Colorado SNAP Can Be Used For
Beyond standard grocery purchases, Colorado's EBT card offers access to Museums for All, providing discounted admission at hundreds of participating museums and zoos, a distinctive non-food benefit tied to SNAP enrollment in the state.
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FAQ
What is SNAP called in Colorado?
Colorado calls the program Food Assistance, administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services through Colorado PEAK.
What is Colorado's SNAP income limit?
Colorado uses Broad Based Categorical Eligibility at 200 percent of the federal poverty level, notably higher than the federal minimum of 130 percent.
Is there a new restriction on sugary drinks for Colorado SNAP?
Yes, though sources report conflicting effective dates, either March 1 or October 30, 2026. Confirm the current status directly through Colorado PEAK or your county office.
Does Colorado's EBT card offer any benefits beyond groceries?
Yes. Colorado's EBT card provides access to Museums for All, offering discounted admission at hundreds of participating museums and zoos statewide.
Sources: Colorado Department of Human Services, Colorado PEAK, USDA Food and Nutrition Administration.