Many college students qualify for SNAP to help buy food.
What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible low-income households buy food. Food benefits are issued monthly on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card and can be used to purchase cold food at most grocery and corner stores. Benefit amount is calculated based on factors like household size, income, and monthly expenses.
Am I Eligible?
Most college students must have a household income below 200% of the federal poverty level AND meet student criteria to qualify for SNAP.
Income:
See this table for income limits
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (work study income does not count) |
Monthly Maximum SNAP Benefit Amount |
| 1 | $2,430 | $291 |
| 2 | $3,288 | $535 |
| 3 | $4,054 | $766 |
| 4 | $5,000 | $973 |
| 5 | $5,858 | $1,155 |
Student Criteria*:
If you are aged 18-49 and attend a college or university more than half–time, you have to meet additional student criteria to qualify for SNAP. You may meet the SNAP student criteria if you:
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- Work 80 hours/month (20 hours/week);
- Have one of the following caregiving responsibilities for a child:
- Responsible for more than half of the physical care of a child under the age of 6;
- A full-time student and single parent responsible for the care of a child under the age of 12;
- Responsible for more than half of the physical care of a child age 6-12 and lacking adequate childcare;
- Receive TANF (Colorado Works) benefits;
- Have a disability or are “physically or mentally unfit” in a way that makes working while in school challenging (this could include if you are in a vocational rehab program or if you are experiencing homelessness);
- Participate in a workforce development program, such as Employment First; OR
- Participate in work study.
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*If you live on campus and your meal plan pays for more than half of your meals, then you are not eligible for SNAP.
The best way to find out if you qualify is to apply!
How can I apply?
- Apply: Visit colorado.gov/PEAK or download the MyCOBenefits app to apply online.
- Interview: Complete a phone interview with a county caseworker. Keep an eye out for a phone call from your county office. If you miss the call for your interview, call your county office to reschedule.
- Verify: Send your county any verifications they request. This will likely include proof of your income and proof that you meet the student criteria. If you apply online, you can upload verification documents at the end of the application through your PEAK or MyCOBenefits account. If you do not upload with the application, you can also drop off, mail, or fax it to your county office.
Help spread the word
Many college students don’t know they can qualify for SNAP. Use our SNAP for College Students Outreach Toolkit to help get the word out. The toolkit includes:
- Student Flyers
- Social Media Posts
- SNAP for Students Guide
Do you work on a college campus?
- Help connect your students with food help through SNAP with our SNAP for College Students Outreach Toolkit
- Learn more about Colorado SNAP frequently asked questions here
- Learn more about student SNAP eligibility here
- Become a Hunger Free Campus! Check out the Hunger Free Campus Checklist developed by the Colorado Department of Higher Education in partnership with Hunger Free Colorado and Young Invincibles