The Basics

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps you pay for food; it is Colorado’s part of the federal SNAP program and is managed by the Colorado Department of Human Services.

You may qualify for SNAP if your family has low income. If you get Colorado Works or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you could automatically qualify.

When you get SNAP, you get an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that looks and works like a debit card. Colorado puts money on the EBT card each month and you use the card to pay for food.

Once approved for SNAP, you can use your EBT card at grocery stores, some restaurants, and farmers markets. The amount of money you get each month depends on your family size and income. With Colorado’s Double Up Food Bucks program, you may be able to get twice the food for the same price at partnering stores and farmers markets.

This article introduces SNAP, explains eligibility rules, and answers frequently asked questions about the program.