Colorado Benefits & Assistance Programs
Explore official Colorado government resources for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid (Health First Colorado), rental and housing support, cash assistance programs, and other essential help for Colorado residents.
🍎 Food Assistance in Colorado (SNAP)
Colorado provides food stamps and food assistance through its statewide SNAP program — including income limits, eligibility rules, and how to apply.
Colorado’s main food benefit program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It helps low-income individuals and families buy healthy food from grocery stores and local markets.
🍎 Food Stamps (SNAP) and Food Assistance in Colorado
Colorado’s main food assistance program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as “food stamps.” SNAP helps eligible individuals and families buy groceries at participating stores, supermarkets, and farmers markets.
What SNAP Provides
- Monthly funds on an EBT card to buy groceries
- Helps stretch your food budget during financial hardship
- Accepted at most grocery stores, some farmers markets, and select retailers
SNAP Income Limits in Colorado (Monthly Gross Income)
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,610 |
| 2 | $3,526 |
| 3 | $4,442 |
| 4 | $5,360 |
| 5 | $6,276 |
| 6 | $7,192 |
| 7 | $8,110 |
| 8 | $9,026 |
| Each additional member | + $918 |
*Income limits from the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Eligibility can vary based on expenses, household situation, and deductions.
How to Apply for SNAP in Colorado
- Online: Apply through the Colorado PEAK website.
- By phone: Contact your county human services office.
- In person: Visit your local county human services office.
Major Food Assistance Providers & Food Banks in Colorado
1. Food Bank of the Rockies
One of the largest hunger-relief organizations in Colorado, providing food to local food pantries, mobile markets, and community partners.
- Website: Visit Food Bank of the Rockies
- Find Help: Use their “Need Food” tool to locate pantries.
2. Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado
Supports Southern Colorado with food pantries, mobile markets, and emergency food programs.
- Website: Visit Care and Share
- Find Food: Look up pantry locations by ZIP code.
3. Regional Food Banks Across Colorado
Organizations such as Weld Food Bank, Community Food Share, and Food Bank for Larimer County provide services in specific regions.
- Directory: View Colorado Regional Food Banks
📝 Official SNAP Resources
- Colorado SNAP (CDHS) — program rules, eligibility, and updates.
- Colorado PEAK — apply for and manage your benefits online.
🥗 Hunger Free Colorado
A statewide organization helping people access food programs.
- Visit Hunger Free Colorado
- Food Resource Hotline: 855-855-4626 (free assistance)
📍 Find Food Help Near You
- Feeding America Food Locator
- Search your ZIP code + “food pantry” online.
- Check local churches and community centers for free meals.
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with any government agency or listed organization. Always confirm details with official sources.
🏥 Medical Assistance in Colorado (Health First Colorado)
You can find information about medical and health coverage in Colorado — including eligibility, income limits, and how to apply.
Colorado’s main public health program is called Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid), which provides free or low-cost medical services to individuals and families with limited income.
🏥 Medical Assistance in Colorado (Health First Colorado)
Health First Colorado — the state’s Medicaid program — offers free or low-cost health coverage to eligible residents. You can learn about coverage, eligibility rules, and how to apply through the official Medicaid website: Health First Colorado (Official Site).
🩺 What Health First Colorado Covers
Most services are free or have a very small copay.
- Doctor visits and primary care
- Hospital and emergency services
- Prescription medications
- Mental health & substance-use treatment
- Dental & vision care
- Pregnancy, maternity, and postpartum care
- Preventive screenings and vaccinations
👨👩👧 Who Can Get Medicaid
You may qualify if you live in Colorado and:
- Have low or moderate income
- Are pregnant, a parent, or a child
- Are a senior or have a disability
- Receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Are a lawful permanent resident or qualified immigrant
- Are under 19 — regardless of immigration status
📊 Income Limits
Colorado Medicaid uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules. Full eligibility details: Medicaid Income Requirements
- 1 person: $1,732/month
- 2 persons: $2,352/month
- 3 persons: $2,970/month
- 4 persons: $3,588/month
- 5 persons: $4,208/month
- 6 persons: $4,828/month
- Each additional: +$620
🧾 Documents You'll Need
- Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, W-2, or tax return)
- Social Security Number (if applicable)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
- Proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, etc.)
🖥️ How to Apply
Online:
- Apply through Colorado’s official benefits portal Colorado PEAK (Apply Online)
By Phone:
- Contact your county human services office (Find Your County Office)
In Person:
- Visit your county Human Services office to apply or get help
By Mail:
- You can download the form and mail it through your local county office
⏳ Processing Time
Most applications are processed within 45 days.
Pregnant individuals, children, or people with urgent medical needs may qualify for faster processing.
💡 If You Don’t Qualify for Medicaid
- CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus): Learn about CHP+
- Marketplace health plans with federal subsidies: Connect for Health Colorado
⚠️ Disclaimer
OBenefitFinder provides general information about Health First Colorado and is not affiliated with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. Always verify benefits through official state websites.
🏡 Housing Assistance in Colorado
You can find information about housing programs, rent help, and emergency shelter in Colorado — including basic eligibility, income limits, and how to apply for support.
Most housing assistance in Colorado is managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and community agencies, with additional support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and state housing programs. These programs aim to help low-income individuals and families find safe, stable, and affordable housing.
🏘️ Main Housing Programs in Colorado
1. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income families pay for safe, affordable housing. Rent subsidies are paid directly to the landlord while the family pays the remaining portion.
Who Can Qualify- Households with low income
- U.S. citizens or eligible immigrants
- Seniors, families, or individuals with disabilities
- Must meet income limits set by your local PHA
- You apply through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA)
- Your voucher can be used in approved private housing
- The program usually pays about 70% of your monthly rent
👉 Find your Colorado PHA: Colorado Public Housing Authority Directory (HUD PDF)
2. Public Housing
Public Housing provides government-owned rental units for qualified families and individuals. Rent is based on your income.
- Low-income individuals and families
- Seniors and people with disabilities
- Citizens or eligible noncitizens
3. Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance
Colorado offers rental assistance for renters behind on rent or facing eviction.
- Past-due rent
- Utility bills
- Relocation and move-in assistance
👉 Official CO Rental Assistance: Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Rental Assistance
4. Emergency & Transitional Housing
Colorado provides emergency shelters and short-term transitional housing for homeless individuals and families.
- Emergency shelters (short stay)
- Transitional housing (up to 24 months)
- Rapid rehousing services
👉 Colorado Homeless Programs: Colorado Division of Housing – Homelessness Services
📊 Income Limits
HUD sets annual income limits for housing assistance programs. Below are general low-income limits for Colorado:
- 1 person: $63,550
- 2 persons: $72,650
- 3 persons: $81,750
- 4 persons: $90,850
- 5 persons: $98,150
- 6 persons: $105,450
- 7 persons: $112,750
- 8 persons: $120,050
*Income limits vary by county. Check your local PHA for exact numbers.
🧾 Documents You’ll Need
- Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Proof of residency (lease, utility bill)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, W-2s)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Birth certificates (sometimes required)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
📝 How to Apply
1. Apply Through Your Local PHA- Check open waitlists
- Submit an online or paper application
👉 Find your local PHA: Colorado PHA Directory (HUD)
2. Apply Online (If Available)- Some Colorado PHAs accept online applications for Section 8 or Public Housing
- Colorado Housing Connects Hotline: 1-844-926-6632
- HUD Colorado Field Office: (303) 672-5440
☎ Helpful Contacts
-
Colorado Housing Connects — Help with rent, eviction prevention
Visit Colorado Housing Connects -
HUD Colorado Office
Visit HUD Colorado Office
⚠️ Disclaimer
OBenefitFinder is an independent resource and is not affiliated with HUD, Colorado PHAs, or any government agency. Always confirm details through official government websites.
💵 Cash Assistance in Colorado
You can find information about cash aid and financial assistance in Colorado — including eligibility, income rules, and how to apply.
The main cash support programs in Colorado include Colorado Works (TANF), Old Age Pension (OAP), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
These programs help low-income individuals and families meet basic needs like food, rent, utilities, clothing, and transportation.
📋 Colorado Works (Colorado’s TANF Program)
Colorado Works is Colorado’s version of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It provides monthly cash assistance and employment services to families with children so they can become more stable and self-supporting.
👨👩👧 Who Can Get Colorado Works
You may qualify if you:
- Live in Colorado
- Are pregnant or caring for a child under age 18
- Are a U.S. citizen, legal resident, refugee, or other qualified immigrant
- Have low income and limited resources (assets)
- Are willing to participate in work, training, or employment activities
Most Colorado Works cases are for parents or caregivers with children in the home, but in some situations children living with relatives can also qualify.
📊 Colorado Works Income Limits (Example)
Each county sets specific income standards based on state and federal rules. Below are sample monthly maximum gross income amounts used by one Colorado county to show how limits increase with family size (actual limits may vary in your county):
- 1 person: $253 / month
- 2 persons: $331 / month
- 3 persons: $421 / month
- 4 persons: $510 / month
- 5 persons: $605 / month
- 6 persons: $697 / month
- Each additional person: + $67 / month
*Income and resource rules can change. Always confirm the exact limits with your county human services office before applying.
💵 What Colorado Works Includes
- Monthly cash assistance (usually on an EBT card or direct deposit)
- Job preparation, job search and employment services
- Education, training and work-experience programs
- Help with basic needs like rent, utilities and transportation (in some cases)
- Support services such as child-care or referrals to other programs
🧾 How to Apply
- Online: Apply through the official Colorado PEAK benefits portal.
- Mobile app: Use the MyCOBenefits app to apply or manage your case.
- In person or by mail: Submit an application at your county human services office.
Most applications are processed within 45 days. You may need to attend an interview and complete a work-participation plan.
📌 Other Cash Programs in Colorado
In addition to Colorado Works, there are other state cash assistance programs:
- Old Age Pension (OAP) – monthly cash assistance for Colorado residents age 60+ with very low income.
- Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND) – small cash benefit for adults 18–59 with a qualifying disability who have little or no income.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – federal cash assistance for people with disabilities or low-income seniors (applied for through Social Security).
📞 Other Cash or Crisis Help in Colorado
- Call 2-1-1 Colorado or visit the 2-1-1 website to find local emergency financial help, utility assistance, and community programs.
- Some counties offer General Assistance / Emergency Assistance for one-time help with rent, utilities, transportation, or other urgent needs.
⚠️ Disclaimer
OBenefitFinder provides general information about Colorado cash assistance programs and is not affiliated with the Colorado Department of Human Services, county human services offices, the Social Security Administration, or any government agency. Always verify current eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and application steps through official government websites or your local county office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Colorado’s main food program is SNAP. Additional help includes food banks, WIC, and community food pantry programs available statewide.
Apply online using Colorado PEAK, the MyCOBenefits mobile app, or visit your county human services office in person.
Colorado offers Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and CHP+ for children and pregnant women with low income.
Income limits vary by household size and change each year. Check Colorado PEAK or your county office for updated figures.
Programs include Section 8, Public Housing, rental assistance, and homelessness support services from PHAs and county agencies.
Apply through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). Some offer online applications; others require in-person visits.
Colorado Works (TANF), Old Age Pension (OAP), Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND), and SSI help eligible individuals and families.
Some counties offer same-day emergency aid for urgent needs like eviction, homelessness, or lack of food. Standard processing takes 30–45 days.
Yes. You may receive food, medical, housing, and cash assistance if eligible. Programs do not disqualify each other.
No. OBenefitFinder does not determine eligibility or process applications. We provide informational resources only and are not affiliated with any government agency. Always verify details through official state or federal websites.