Many non-citizens— including asylees, refugees, & parolees —will no longer be eligible for SNAP starting May 1st, 2026. A new federal law, H.R. 1, changes eligibility rules for SNAP. As a result, many lawfully present immigrants—including refugees and asylees—are losing eligibility for SNAP benefits. Affected individuals will receive direct communication from the Colorado SNAP program. Eligibility for U.S. citizens, including Naturalized individuals, remains unchanged. SNAP income eligibility requirements remain unchanged.

Summer EBT is a program that helps families buy food during the summer months. If you’re already receiving food benefits such as SNAP or TANF, and have school-age children, you will automatically be enrolled in Summer EBT summer grocery benefits. You also may be eligible if you received Medicaid and meet the NSLP income guidelines. If you are eligible you will receive a letter of eligibility and your card in the mail.

Eligible students will receive $120 to purchase groceries with funds placed on an EBT card where recipients can buy food like fruits, dairy, breads, meats/poultry/fish. Use Summer EBT at stores that accept SNAP, like grocery or corner stores, and online at King Soopers, Safeway, Walmart and Amazon.

Visit cdhs.colorado.gov/summer-ebt to learn more!

A federal court has blocked SNAP restriction waivers in Colorado and four other states, meaning Colorado’s proposed waiver cannot move forward. The ruling found that the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not have the authority to remove categories of food from SNAP, halting implementation of waivers that would have prohibited the purchase of items like soda and other sweetened beverages. This builds on months of advocacy from community members who spoke out from across the state to protect dignity and choice for SNAP participants.

Thank you to everyone who took action–this win shows the power of community voices! We’ll keep fighting to protect SNAP.

Read our full blog post here.