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Food Assistance (SNAP)

Eligibility

To see if you may be eligible, or to check current benefits, visit Colorado PEAK.  

SNAP benefits were reduced in March due to the ending of the max allotment, or COVID benefit.
View the fact sheet for more information: English Spanish

Additional resources that you may be able to take advantage of are listed below:

Eligibility for food assistance, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is determined by income limits set by the Federal Government. The assistance funds vary depending upon the household.  The determined amount is put into an account that is accessed with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, also known as a Colorado Quest card.  This card can then be used to make purchases.

Food assistance can only be used to buy food, not items like pet food, tobacco, paper products or alcohol.  Visit the USDA SNAP page for more details.     

If you cannot complete the application via the PEAK Website, you may print the Colorado Department of Human Services Application for Public Assistance here, in English or in Spanish.

Completed applications can be dropped off, emailed to benefits@larimer.org or mailed to any of our offices listed at the bottom of the page.  A face to face interview may be required in order to process your application.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is EA (emergency allotments), also known as maximum allotments (MA)? Colorado SNAP households have been getting an extra amount of benefits every month since March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. These extra benefits are called “Emergency Allotments or Max Allotments” and most households have been getting this on top of their regular SNAP benefits. These Emergency Allotments were authorized by Congress, but they are temporary, and will be ending in March, 2023.
  2. Why is the emergency/max allotment ending? SNAP Emergency or Max Allotment is ending with the benefit month of February 2023 due to recent congressional action. Colorado was approved to issue additional SNAP benefits due to the State and Federal emergency declarations that were in place during the pandemic. There is nothing the state or counties can do to extend the emergency allotment benefits once they have ended.
  3. How will this impact me? A final Emergency Allotment will be issued in February 2023. You will see a reduction in your monthly SNAP benefits beginning March 2023. This may have a significant impact on families. 
  4. Will I still get SNAP benefits after the emergency/max allotment ends? Yes, you will continue to receive your regular SNAP benefits as long as you remain eligible for this program. Your benefit amounts are based on a number of factors, including, household size, income, and your specific circumstances. 
  5. When will SNAP max allotment end? February 2023 will be the last month households will receive max allotment/emergency allotments. Beginning in March 2023 SNAP households will see a reduction in monthly SNAP benefits.
  6. I received a notice that my SNAP benefits will be reduced/closed. Can I appeal? CDHS and County offices cannot continue the additional benefits once maximum allotments have ended in March 2023, even if you appeal the action to end the additional benefits. You are able to appeal if you believe the base benefit calculation is incorrect. 
  7. How much will my benefits be after maximum allotment ends? You should receive a notice any time your benefit changes to inform you of your current benefit level. You can access your notices via the Colorado PEAK website and the MyCOBenefits app. 
  8. What can I do to help my family through this change? We know this change may have a significant impact on many SNAP families. 

A few tips for you are:

  • If you are able to, you can roll over your EBT benefits to the next month. This may help “cushion” the impact of the reduction in benefits. 
  • You can stock up on non-perishable items now, while you have the additional benefits.
  • You can stock up on non-perishable items now, while you have the additional benefits. Click on this link for tips on stocking your pantry: English ; Spanish
  • Stretch your ingredients and plan to use them in more than one meal. This helps to save money and reduce food waste. Click for more tips: English ; Spanish
  • Consider freezing your produce to make fruit and vegetables last longer English ; Spanish
  1. Who can I contact for additional information or questions? SNAP participants can call their local county human services office for questions about their benefits. For more information please visit https://cdhs.colorado.gov/snap 

 

 

News

  • Attention SNAP Clients: SNAP benefits will be reduced in March due to the ending of the max allotment or COVID benefit. See below to learn more click to the right for more information: English Spanish
  • Colorado SNAP recipients can use EBT cards online at Safeway and Albertsons. Read more...
  • Colorado SNAP recipients enjoy deeply discounted admission to Denver area museums and cultural centers just by showing their EBT card at the ticket counter. Read more...

2022 Nondisclosure Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. 

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to: 

1. mail: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA 1320 Braddock Place, Room 334 Alexandria, VA 22314; or 

2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or 

3. email: FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

Contact Us

For more information: 

  • 970-498-6300

Our Locations:

  • Fort Collins - 1501 Blue Spruce Drive
  • Loveland - 200 Peridot Avenue
  • Estes Park - 1601 Brodie Avenue