The Colorado Food Assistance Program operates under the Colorado Department of Human Services. The program offers a way for individuals and families to receive beneficial nutrition and healthy food. Benefits are sent monthly to recipients, who use the funds to purchase food necessary to achieve an adequate and wholesome diet. The program is apart of SNAP, the federal food assistance program. Approved low income families receive a quest card, which they receive benefits electronically to use in specified stores for a variety of food. There are some conditions for receiving benefits, specifically that you must be a resident of Colorado. There are also income and asset limitations that determine your eligibility. You can find more information about food assistance program at the Department of Human Services website located here.
You can download and print an Application for Public Assistance (PDF). The application will ask you questions about your income and residency. You need to prove your income and identity. When you turn in the application at a local food assistance office, you will also need identification and income proof. You can find your local office by calling the Colorado Department of Human Service Customer Service Hotline at 1-800-536-5298. Once you finish filling out the application, you also need to turn the application into your local office.
Eligibility depends on your income and assets as well as your residency. You must verify who you are with identification when you apply. You also need to confirm your citizen status and possess a social security number. Under the program's requirements, your income must be below certain requirements, which depend on household size. For example, if you have a household size of 4, then your income must be below a monthly gross income of $2422. Your eligibility will further be assessed during a necessary interview after you turn in your application. Once you are approved for benefits, you will receive a Quest card. Your benefits will be transmitted monthly to the card, and you use the card like cash at any location where SNAP is accepted.
SNAP is the federal name for the food assistance programs. Every state has multiple SNAP locations. In fact, every county should have multiple locations where you can use your card. You can find specific locations near you using the SNAP retailer locator on the federal website. You can also call (303) 866-3122 or 1-800-536-5298. If you have further questions or want to request an application by mail, you can write to:
Office of Economic SecurityFood Assistance Program1575 Sherman Street, Third FloorDenver, Colorado 80203- 1714