Special SNAP Services in Colorado

Colorado provides special SNAP services for residents in specific situations. These include expedited benefits for those with very low income, disaster assistance, replacement benefits for lost food, and energy cost support.

Expedited SNAP

Colorado offers Expedited SNAP to provide food benefits within seven days to households with extremely limited resources. This service helps bridge the gap for those in immediate need while their full application is processed.

Eligibility is based on specific financial criteria. This includes households with under $100 in cash and less than $150 in gross monthly income. It also applies if monthly housing costs exceed income or if the applicant is a migrant farmworker with little money.

To apply, use the standard SNAP application. Every submission is automatically screened for expedited eligibility. If criteria are met, the county issues benefits within seven days, requiring only proof of identity upfront. Other documents can be submitted later.

Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)

Disaster SNAP, or D-SNAP, offers short-term food aid after a presidential disaster declaration. It is designed for low- and moderate-income households that do not already receive regular SNAP benefits but have been impacted by a disaster.

For example, after the Marshall Fire, the USDA approved D-SNAP for Boulder County residents. When a D-SNAP period is announced, applicants must apply in person or by phone within the specified enrollment window. They must provide a photo ID and proof of residence or employment in the disaster area.

Applicants also report disaster-related income and expenses. If approved, the household receives an EBT card loaded with the full disaster allotment to help with immediate food needs following the event.

Replacement SNAP Benefits For Food Lost In A Disaster

Current SNAP households can request replacement benefits if food purchased with SNAP is destroyed. This applies to situations like wildfires, floods, or extended power outages that cause food to spoil or be lost.

Typically, a household must file a replacement request within 10 days of the loss. However, this deadline can be extended. The request (Form CDHS-SNAP-38) can be filed with the county or through the state's PEAK website.

You must list the value of the food that was lost. The county will then issue a replacement for up to the amount of your last monthly benefit. More information on disaster nutrition assistance is available from the USDA.

Energy EBT

Energy EBT is a one-time state payment to help SNAP households with heating costs. This payment can also increase a household's ongoing SNAP benefits by qualifying them for the highest utility allowance in benefit calculations.

Eligibility is automatic for households that receive SNAP and have not received LEAP or Energy EBT in the last 12 months. No separate application is necessary. The benefit is a single $21 cash deposit loaded directly onto the EBT card.

New SNAP households receive the payment with their first benefit issuance. The funds can be withdrawn as cash from an ATM or spent like other EBT funds at participating retailers to cover various household expenses.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Colorado

With your SNAP benefits approved, understanding how to use them effectively means knowing what you can buy and where you can shop.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and spend your SNAP benefits. It functions much like a debit card, holding your monthly food assistance funds electronically. The card is mailed to you once your application is approved.

To use your EBT card, you swipe it at the checkout counter of authorized stores and enter a personal identification number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance, just like a transaction with a regular bank card.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing staple food items for your household. These are generally grocery items that you would prepare at home, covering the core components of most meals and ensuring access to basic nutrition for your family.

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Non-alcoholic beverages

Conversely, certain items cannot be purchased with your EBT card. The program specifically excludes non-food goods, alcoholic beverages, and foods that are sold hot and ready to eat, as the benefits are meant for unprepared grocery items.

• Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, or liquor

• Hot foods that are ready-to-eat

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Non-food items such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet foods

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

Your EBT card is accepted at most major grocery stores, supermarkets, and corner stores. Look for the Quest or SNAP logo at the entrance. Many farmers’ markets also accept EBT, allowing you to purchase fresh, local produce with your benefits.

Online shopping is also an option. Major retailers like Amazon and Walmart accept EBT for eligible grocery orders. Some local stores may also offer online purchasing with EBT for pickup or delivery, expanding your shopping options from home.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

You can make your grocery budget go further with the Benny app. It gives you cash back when you shop at stores including Walmart, Target, and Dollar Tree. You can also earn rewards on services like Uber and Lyft, adding extra value to your EBT benefits.

Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.