The Propel Guide To EBT In Colorado

SNAP, sometimes called food stamps or just EBT, can be an essential tool for low-income households in Colorado to help supplement their grocery budget every month.

SNAP is federally funded and operates under national rules, but each state manages its own program under those guidelines. That means application steps, benefit schedules, renewal processes, and customer service details can vary depending on where you live.

Here’s what to know about EBT and SNAP benefits in Colorado.

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How does SNAP work in Colorado?#how-does-snap-work-in-colorado

In Colorado, about 612,700 people receive SNAP benefits.

If you’re looking for help covering groceries, SNAP provides monthly support through an EBT card, called the Colorado Quest card in your state. Your benefits are loaded onto the card each month and can be used at stores that accept food stamps.

After you apply, a caseworker from your local county office will typically contact you for a phone interview to verify details like your household size, income, and expenses. Once your case is approved, benefits continue as long as you remain eligible and complete any required renewals.

How to apply for food stamps in Colorado#how-to-apply-for-food-stamps-in-colorado

There are several ways to apply for food stamps in Colorado.

Apply for SNAP online

You can apply through the official state SNAP website below.

Apply for SNAP by phone or in person

If you need help applying or prefer speaking with someone, you can

• Call the Colorado’s SNAP assistance partner Hunger Free Colorado at 1-855-855-4626 or contact Benefits in Action at 1-888-496-4252
• Apply in person at a county or local benefits office or fill out a paper application and return it to your local office

SNAP application assistance is also available through your local food bank.

What you’ll need to apply for SNAP#what-youll-need-to-apply-for-snap

When you apply, you’ll usually be asked for:

• Proof of identity
• Information about everyone in your household, like birthdays and immigration status
• Income details, like pay stubs or benefit letters from SSI, SSDI, or Social Security Retirement
• Housing and utility costs

You do not need every document to start an application; you can submit missing information later.

Who is eligible for SNAP in Colorado?#who-is-eligible-for-snap-in-colorado

SNAP eligibility is mostly determined by your household size and income, but some applicants may have to meet additional requirements.

In general, you may qualify for SNAP if:

• Your household income is at or below state limits
• You meet work requirements (if it applies to you)
• You are a U.S. citizen, or you meet immigration requirements

When are SNAP deposits issued in Colorado?#when-are-snap-deposits-issued-in-colorado

SNAP benefits are sent out once per month in Colorado, over the first 10 days of the month. Your exact deposit date is on the same day every month depending on the last digit of the primary account holder’s social security number (SSN). For example if the last digit of your SSN is 1 then your deposit is on the 1st of the month.

The primary account holder is usually the person who was listed first on the household’s SNAP application. You may be able to find the last four digits of your SSN in the Colorado PEAK benefits portal, or by reviewing a past year's tax return, your social security card, or visiting SSA.gov.

Your SNAP approval letter may also have information about your deposit schedule. You can log into the Colorado PEAK benefits portal to your past SNAP notices.

If your SNAP deposit doesn't arrive when expected, review these common reasons why deposits are delayed.

How do I renew my food stamps in Colorado?#how-do-i-renew-my-food-stamps-in-colorado

SNAP benefits don’t last forever—you’ll need to renew your case (also called recertification) to keep getting them.

When to renew

Households in Colorado are approved to receive SNAP benefits for a set period of time, called a certification period. The length of your certification period depends on your household situation.

Most households in Colorado must renew every 6 or 12 months.

Some households are assigned 24-month certification periods, with a Periodic Report Form due at the 12th month to keep receiving SNAP benefits. Households are assigned a 24-month certification period for SNAP in Colorado if all household members are aged 60 and older and/or have a disability and have no earned income.

Your SNAP office should send you a letter in the mail when it’s time to reapply or complete a Simplified Report. To be safe, you could also put a note in your calendar or wherever you keep important reminders.

How to renew

You can usually renew:

• Online through the Colorado PEAK benefits portal
• By phone
• By mail or in person

To find out the easiest way to renew in your area, call your caseworker, local office, or on of Colorado’s SNAP assistance partners: Hunger Free Colorado at 1-855-855-4626 or Benefits in Action at 1-888-496-4252

What can I buy with EBT in Colorado?#what-can-i-buy-with-ebt-in-colorado

Under federal SNAP rules, you can use your Colorado Quest card to buy most food items meant to be prepared and eaten at home.

While SNAP benefits are strictly for groceries and related food items, some people also receive TANF, which provides cash on an EBT card for household needs, including rent, bills, and other expenses.

SNAP‑eligible foods in Colorado include:

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, dried, or canned)
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products, like milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Bread and cereals
• Snack foods, like popcorn, chips, pretzels, and candy
• Seeds and plants that grow food
• Drinks like >50% fruit or vegetable juice and water
• Pantry staples like flour, olive oil, and spices
• Infant formula and baby food

What you can’t buy with SNAP in Colorado:

• Alcohol, tobacco, or vapes
• Vitamins, supplements, and medicine
• Hot food that is sold prepared and ready to eat, like rotisserie chicken or soup from a deli
• Pet food
• Cleaning supplies and household items
• Diapers and wipes
• Live animals (except certain seafood and animals slaughtered before pickup)
• Soft drinks

Colorado has restrictions in place starting in October 2026, which means there are certain things you can no longer buy with your SNAP benefits. This includes items like soda, sweetened iced teas, sports drinks with added sugar or artificial sweeteners, energy drinks, and other “soft drinks.”

Where are EBT cards accepted in Colorado?#where-are-ebt-cards-accepted-in-colorado

You can use your Colorado Quest card at:

• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores
• Farmers markets
• Some online retailers

What SNAP changes do I need to report?#what-snap-changes-do-i-need-to-report

You may be required to report changes to your SNAP case.

In Colorado, most households are assigned to simplified reporting. This means changes are reported during your regular SNAP renewal or on your Periodic Report Form when the state asks for it.

However, some changes must be reported sooner to help avoid delays or issues with your benefits. If required, you must report changes by the 10th of the month after the change (for example if the change happened in March, you must report it by April 10).

Changes you should report by the 10th:

• Income goes over the limit: If your household's total gross monthly income goes over 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for your household size. Exceeding that limit does not automatically mean you’ll lose your benefits.
• Work hours drop: If you are an "able-bodied adult without dependents" (ABAWD) and your work or training hours drop below 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month.
• Lottery or gambling winnings: If someone in the household wins $4,500 or more in a single game from the lottery or by gambling.

How to report changes

To report a change, you can do one of the following:

• Use the Colorado PEAK online benefits portal
• Call your local SNAP office
• Call your caseworker

To find out the easiest way to renew in your area, call your caseworker, local office, or one of Colorado’s SNAP assistance partners: Hunger Free Colorado at 1-855-855-4626 or Benefits in Action at 1-888-496-4252.

If you’re unsure whether a change needs to be reported right away, contacting your SNAP office is the safest option.

How do I report a lost or stolen EBT card in Colorado?#how-do-i-report-a-lost-or-stolen-ebt-card-in-colorado

If your Colorado Quest EBT card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should report it as soon as possible so you can get a new one and protect yourself from EBT theft.

Here's what to do:

• Call the EBT customer service number 1-888-328-2656 (1-800-659-2656 — TTY)
• Follow the prompts to cancel your card or request a replacement

Frequently asked questions#frequently-asked-questions

Can I get any discounts with my Colorado Quest EBT card?#can-i-get-any-discounts-with-my-colorado-quest-ebt-card

Yes. In Colorado, your Colorado Quest card can unlock discounts and perks like:

• Free or reduced price entry to museums and attractions through Museums for All. Find participating museums nationwide or view Colorado’s list of discounted locations.
• Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus which provides up to $60 per month of dollar for dollar matching for SNAP benefits spent on eligible fruits and vegetables from participating retail locations
• Double Up Food Bucks Colorado, which can match your SNAP spending on fruits and vegetables dollar for dollar at participating farmers markets and grocery stores, up to $20 per day

You can even qualify for low–cost internet and discounted memberships to online retailers, like Amazon or Walmart.

Can I use my SNAP benefits at restaurants in Colorado?#can-i-use-my-snap-benefits-at-restaurants-in-colorado

No, in Colorado, you generally cannot use SNAP benefits to buy hot, prepared food or to eat at restaurants.

While some states have a Restaurant Meals Program for the elderly, disabled, or those experiencing homelessness, Colorado does not participate in this program.

You can only use your Colorado Quest card at authorized retailers (like grocery stores and farmers markets) for food items intended to be prepared and eaten at home.

Can I get more food stamps if I’m pregnant or a new parent?#can-i-get-more-food-stamps-if-im-pregnant-or-a-new-parent

Yes, once your child is born, you should report your new family member to your county. More household members mean more benefits.

If you're pregnant or have a child under five years old, consider applying for the WIC program, which gives you extra benefits on top of food stamps—including things like support with breastfeeding and extra grocery benefits.

Can I use my Colorado Quest card in another state?#can-i-use-my-colorado-quest-card-in-another-state

Yes, your Colorado Quest card works in all 50 states, as well as most U.S. territories, at any store displaying the Quest® symbol or EBT/SNAP/food stamps accepted sign.

Keep in mind that while your card will work nationwide, some states have restrictions that may prevent you from using SNAP benefits to buy items like soda or candy at local stores.

Using your card exclusively outside of Colorado for an extended period may trigger a residency review by your SNAP agency. If you move to another state permanently, you must close your Colorado SNAP case and reapply in your new state to keep receiving benefits.

Do food stamps roll over in Colorado?#do-food-stamps-roll-over-in-colorado

Unused SNAP benefits roll over to the next month and stay on your Colorado Quest card to be used later. However, if benefits sit unused for a long period of time without activity, usually 9 months or more, they may be permanently removed from your account under federal SNAP rules.

What other benefits are available to me in Colorado?#what-other-benefits-are-available-to-me-in-colorado

In addition to SNAP, you may qualify for other programs that help cover basic needs, including:

• Colorado Works: Known as TANF at the federal level, this program provides monthly cash assistance, called Cash EBT, and workforce training, education, and career opportunities
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Extra food assistance, breastfeeding support, and nutrition or health screenings for pregnant women, new moms, and children under age five.
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP): Free or reduced price school meals for children and Summer EBT for cash food assistance during non-school months
• Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP): Free or low-cost healthcare or discounts for private health plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace
• Child care assistance programs like Head Start and other free or low cost childcare options
• Energy or utility assistance programs like LIHEAP
• Housing support programs like Section 8 housing vouchers and emergency assistance

To find out what you qualify for apply through the Colorado PEAK benefits portal. You can also talk to a local caseworker, benefits office, or community agency.