Temporary Emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (TE-SNAP)
The TE-SNAP is a program that provides short-term food assistance to families and individuals who are facing financial hardship due to temporary events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
TE-SNAP Benefits in Colorado
- Colorado has been approved to receive TE-SNAP benefits for the months of February and March 2023.
- Eligible households will receive a one-time supplemental food stamp benefit equal to the full monthly benefit amount for their household size.
- The TE-SNAP benefits are in addition to the regular SNAP benefits that households already receive.
Eligibility
To be eligible for TE-SNAP benefits, households must meet the following criteria:
- Meet the income and resource limits for SNAP.
- Live in a county that has been approved for TE-SNAP benefits.
- Have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to Apply
Households can apply for TE-SNAP benefits online or by calling their local human services office.
| Method | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Online |
|
| By Phone |
|
Questions
For more information about TE-SNAP benefits in Colorado, please visit the Colorado Department of Human Services website (https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/) or call your local human services office.
Emergency Allotment Boost for Colorado
In accordance with federal regulations, the state of Colorado will continue to offer emergency food stamp benefits through July 2023. This means that households that have been approved for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will get additional emergency funds to help them with their monthly food costs.
The emergency allotment boost amounts to $36 per person per month. This is in addition to the regular SNAP benefit amount that households receive. The extra money will be deposited directly onto EBT cards on the usual issuance date for each household.
The emergency allotment boost is being provided by the federal government as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response. It is intended to help families who are struggling financially due to the pandemic.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
- To apply for SNAP benefits, you can either submit an application online or contact your local SNAP office.
- You will need to provide proof of income, assets, and household size.
- If you are approved for benefits, you will receive an EBT card that you can use to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP Benefits
- To be eligible for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain income and asset limits.
- Income limits are based on the federal poverty level.
- Asset limits are based on the value of your car, bank accounts, and other assets.
SNAP Benefit Amounts
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $281 |
| 2 people | $516 |
| 3 people | $740 |
| 4 people | $939 |
Hunger Relief Aid for Coloradoans
Colorado offers various programs and resources to combat hunger and provide food assistance to individuals and families in need. These programs are designed to enhance food access, promote healthy eating habits, and reduce food insecurity within the state.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, previously known as food stamps, is a federally funded program that provides monthly benefits to low-income individuals and families to purchase food at authorized retailers. In Colorado, SNAP benefits are distributed through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used like debit cards at participating grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
- Eligibility for SNAP is based on income, household size, and other factors.
- The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives depends on its income and household size.
- To apply for SNAP, individuals can contact their local county human services office or apply online.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC is a federally funded program that provides nutrition assistance to pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. The program offers a variety of food items, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other health and social services.
- WIC benefits are distributed through EBT cards or vouchers that can be used to purchase authorized food items at participating grocery stores.
- To apply for WIC, individuals can contact their local county public health agency or visit the Colorado WIC website.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
TEFAP is a federally funded program that provides emergency food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program distributes food boxes or vouchers that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
- TEFAP food boxes typically contain a variety of non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and peanut butter.
- TEFAP vouchers can be used to purchase food at participating grocery stores.
- To find TEFAP distribution sites, individuals can contact their local food bank or pantry.
| Program | Eligibility | Benefits | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Low-income individuals and families | Monthly EBT benefits for food purchases | County human services office or online |
| WIC | Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 | EBT cards or vouchers for authorized food items, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support | County public health agency or Colorado WIC website |
| TEFAP | Low-income individuals and families | Emergency food boxes or vouchers for food purchases | Local food bank or pantry |
Temporary Food Benefit Expansion in Colorado
In response to the ongoing need for food assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado has implemented a temporary expansion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps.
Eligibility Criteria
- Households must meet the general SNAP eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits.
- The temporary expansion is available to current SNAP recipients and those who are newly applying for benefits.
Increased Benefit Amounts
- All SNAP households will receive the maximum benefit amount for their household size, regardless of their prior benefit level.
- The maximum monthly benefit amounts for Colorado households, effective from January 2023 to June 2023, are as follows:
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $722 |
| 4 | $895 |
| 5 | $1,058 |
| 6 | $1,221 |
| 7 | $1,384 |
| 8 | $1,546 |
Duration of the Expansion
The temporary food benefit expansion in Colorado is expected to continue through June 2023. However, the program may be extended or modified based on the evolving situation and federal guidance.
Applying for Benefits
- Individuals and families can apply for SNAP benefits online through the Colorado PEAK website or by calling the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) at 1-800-221-3943.
- Applicants will need to provide information about their household income, expenses, and assets.
- Once an application is submitted, CDHS will determine eligibility and issue benefits within 30 days.
The temporary expansion of SNAP benefits in Colorado provides critical food assistance to individuals and families during these challenging times. If you are facing food insecurity, I encourage you to explore your eligibility for SNAP benefits and take advantage of this important resource.
Well, folks, that’s the lowdown on whether Colorado is getting extra food stamps this month. I know it’s a lot to take in, but I hope it’s been helpful. If you have any lingering questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local SNAP office. And remember, if you’re struggling to put food on the table, you’re not alone. There are resources available to help you get the assistance you need. Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit again soon for more updates on the latest Colorado news and happenings. Take care!