The Food Assistance Program provides a basic level of nutritional well-being for eligible low-income families and individuals.
Changes to SNAP Benefits
SNAP Households Will See a Reduction in Benefits to the Pre-pandemic Monthly
Amount Beginning March 2023
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress authorized Emergency Allotments to help
meet food needs. These Emergency Allotments are temporary and will be ending in
March 2023, decreasing the total amount of benefits each month for SNAP households
in Colorado.
We know this change may have a significant impact on many SNAP families. To help
reduce the impact on households, families can:
● Roll over EBT benefits to the next month, if they are able to. This may help
cushion the impact of the reduction in benefits.
● Stock up on non-perishable items now, while households have the additional
benefits. (View tips on stocking your pantry in English or Spanish.)
● Stretch food ingredients and plan to use them in more than one meal. This helps
to save money and reduce food waste. (View tips on stretching ingredients in
English or Spanish.)
● Consider freezing produce to make fruit and vegetables last longer. (View tips on
freezing food in English or Spanish.)
● Look at unit prices to compare similar products at the grocery store. (View tips on
comparing prices in English or Spanish.)
If you or someone you know needs help with food resources, you can visit
https://www.foodpantries.org/st/colorado to find the closest food pantry to you.
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
Disclaimer: The state and counties are not able to extend emergency benefits.
To find out if you are eligible, please visit the Colorado PEAK website or go directly to the "Am I Eligible" screening tool HERE.
To start and application process and establish your application date for the Food Assistance Program, you must fill out the application and return it to a local food assistance office.
There are several ways to get an application form:
- Pick one up at the local Human Services office (Otero County Courthouse, Human services, Rm 102 13 W 3rd St, La Junta CO 81050)
- Call the local office and ask for it to be mailed to you (719) 383-3166
- Apply online at the Colorado PEAK website.
Fill out the application as completely as you can. Be sure that your name, address, and social security number are listed and that you have signed the application. Let us know if you need help completing the application and a worker will assist you.
When you are ready to turn in your application, you will need to make an appointment for an interview with a Food Assistance Technician. Your interviewer may be in person at the office or by phone, depending on your situation.
Once your interview is completed and all verification received, your worker will process your application.
You will receive a notice in the mail about your eligibility.
If you are not eligible for food benefits and you feel you have been denied in error, you may request a local County Conference or a State Fair Hearing.
Most questions about your application can be answered by contacting the eligibility worker or the supervisor for an explanation.
Information regarding your rights is included in the notice mailed to you.