SNAP and Government Assistance Programs
Need help paying for groceries?
In partnership with , the Basic Needs Center can directly enroll you in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP provides nutrition benefits for qualifying families and individuals to support their food budget.
We can help you:
- Apply for SNAP food assistance
- Recertify your SNAP benefits
- Make a change to your existing SNAP case (address change, income change, etc.)
- Troubleshoot issues or delays with your SNAP case
Get started
If you want to fast track your SNAP enrollment, please to schedule an intake meeting with our Feed the Stampede Senior Coordinator.
Eligibility
Check your eligibility for SNAP and other benefit programs using the .
These guidelines will help you determine if you qualify for SNAP. If you鈥檙e unsure, we suggest you still apply.
To qualify as a student, you must:
Be between the ages of 18 and 49
Identify as a full-time student
NOT be using a meal plan to pay for the majority of your meals
Additionally, to qualify as a student, you must meet one of the following exemptions:
- Work 80 hours/month (20 hours/week)
- Have one of the following caregiving responsibilities for a child:
- Responsible for more than half of the physical care of a child under the age of 6
- A full-time student and single parent responsible for the care of a child under the age of 12
- Responsible for more than half of the physical care of a child age 6-12 and lacking adequate childcare
- Receive TANF (Colorado Works) benefits
- Have a disability or are 鈥減hysically or mentally unfit鈥 in a way that makes working while in school challenging (this could include if you are in a vocational rehab program or if you are experiencing homelessness)
- Participate in a workforce development program, such as Employment First
- Participate in work study
Note: There may be additional eligibility requirements you need to meet in order to qualify. SNAP is only available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.
Please read the following income limits for each household size. Your income cannot exceed the limits listed.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income (before taxes) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,430 |
| 2 | $3,288 |
| 3 | $4,054 |
Additional resources
There are several other programs provided by the federal and state government to support your access to food, housing, utilities and medical assistance.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides free and healthy food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education and referrals to care for Colorado families raising a child under the age of 5.
The Colorado Works Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program provides cash assistance, connections to job opportunities, training and resources to families with dependents.
The Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps families stay warm during the winter months (November - April) by providing assistance with heating costs, equipment repair and/or replacement of inoperable heating tools.
The Colorado Low-Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides funds to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills. Applicants must be enrolled in LEAP to qualify for this program.
HealthFirst Colorado provides physical health, dental health and behavioral health (mental and substance abuse) to low-income individuals in Colorado that meet qualifications. Benefits and services include provider visits, emergency services and transportation, pharmacy services, therapy, lab services, family planning and more.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) assists low-income individuals and families pay for internet services and connected devices. Eligible applicants can receive a monthly benefit for internet service, and a one-time benefit to purchase a laptop or tablet.
Questions?
If you are interested in any of these federal or state programs, please email us at basicneeds@colorado.edu.