Colorado is expected to receive extra food stamps this month due to the federal government’s extension of emergency allotments through September 2023. This extension, known as the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, was passed by Congress and signed into law in December 2022. The extra food stamps will provide much-needed assistance to Colorado families struggling to afford groceries amid rising inflation and economic uncertainty. The Colorado Department of Human Services will automatically issue the additional benefits to all current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that provides food assistance to millions of low-income individuals and families in the United States. In Colorado, SNAP benefits are commonly referred to as “food stamps”.
SNAP Emergency Allotments
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has been providing additional SNAP benefits, known as emergency allotments, to all SNAP recipients.
- These emergency allotments are in addition to the regular SNAP benefits that recipients normally receive.
- The emergency allotments have been provided on a month-to-month basis, and the amount of the additional benefits has varied over time.
For the month of March 2023, the federal government has authorized the issuance of emergency SNAP allotments in Colorado.
How Much Will I Receive?
The amount of the emergency allotment that you will receive depends on the size of your household. The following table shows the maximum emergency allotment amounts for different household sizes:
| Household Size | Emergency Allotment Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $95 |
| 2 | $190 |
| 3 | $285 |
| 4 | $380 |
| 5 | $475 |
| 6 | $570 |
| 7 | $665 |
| 8 | $760 |
| Each additional person | $100 |
For households with more than eight members, the emergency allotment amount is $100 for each additional person.
When Will I Receive My Emergency Allotment?
Emergency allotment benefits will be issued to Colorado SNAP recipients on the same day that they normally receive their regular SNAP benefits. The exact date will vary depending on your county of residence.
How Can I Use My Emergency Allotment?
Emergency allotment benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers that accept EBT cards. You can use your EBT card to purchase most food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and bread.
You cannot use your EBT card to purchase alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, or supplements.
Contact Information
If you have questions about the emergency SNAP allotments, you can contact the Colorado Department of Human Services at 1-800-440-3010.
Colorado Food Stamp Benefits
Colorado residents who receive food stamps (also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits) may have received extra benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these extra benefits ended in February 2023, and it is unclear whether they will be extended.
Current Extra Food Stamp Benefits in Colorado
- There are no extra food stamp benefits available in Colorado at this time.
- The regular maximum SNAP benefit amount for a one-person household in Colorado is $281 per month.
- The maximum benefit amount for a family of four is $835 per month.
Eligibility for Food Stamps in Colorado
To be eligible for food stamps in Colorado, you must meet certain requirements, including:
- Be a Colorado resident.
- Have a Social Security number.
- Meet income and asset limits.
How to Apply for Food Stamps in Colorado
To apply for food stamps in Colorado, you can:
- Apply online at the Colorado Department of Human Services website.
- Call the Colorado SNAP hotline at 1-800-676-1922.
- Visit your local county human services office.
Table of Maximum SNAP Benefits in Colorado
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $835 |
SNAP Eligibility and Application Process
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal assistance program that provides food-purchasing assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits are distributed through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers. To be eligible for SNAP in Colorado, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
- Meet income and resource limits
- Be unemployed, working, or receiving certain types of benefits, such as Social Security or disability
To apply for SNAP in Colorado, you can:
- Online: Apply online through the Colorado Department of Human Services website.
- By mail: Download and complete the SNAP application form and mail it to your local county human services office.
- In person: Visit your local county human services office and ask for a SNAP application.
Once you submit your SNAP application, it will be reviewed by the Colorado Department of Human Services. If you are approved, you will receive an EBT card within 30 days. The amount of SNAP benefits you receive will depend on your household size, income, and expenses.
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers. Eligible food items include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, fish, and poultry
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Snacks and sweets
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, pet food, or non-food items.
| Eligibility Criteria | Application Process |
|---|---|
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