Food, Cash, and Medical Assistance

Learn more about food, cash and medical assistance on the pages linked below.

Urgent: SNAP benefits on pause (Updated Nov. 8, 2025)

There is a federal court case underway to determine whether SNAP benefits must be restored. A federal court ordered the Trump administration to restore full SNAP benefits, and some Colorado SNAP customers began receiving November benefits on Nov. 7. However, the Trump Administration has appealed the court order and the Supreme Court ordered SNAP to pause once again. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide an update as soon as the legal process is concluded.

We are informed that Denver food pantries have fresh food available. If you need immediate food assistance, the following referral services can direct you to your closest food pantries: 

  • MyFriendBen - government benefits and tax credits screening tool

Important to know:

  • Households should continue to submit SNAP applications and redetermination forms so their benefits are processed smoothly when SNAP funding is restored.
  • Customers can continue to spend their remaining October SNAP balance at eligible retailers in November.
  • After the shutdown ends, customers will retroactively receive benefits that were frozen in November. 
  • Medicaid benefits will not be impacted by the shutdown at this time.
  • Updates will be posted on this page and our social media channels as they become available.

If you can help:

  • Monetary donations to Food Bank of the Rockies make a great impact. They have wholesale purchasing power and distribute food to hundreds of local pantries.
  • Monetary donations to the Denver Foundation’s Critical Needs Fund are distributed to neighborhood food pantries and food assistance nonprofits outside of the Food Bank of the Rockies network.
  • Additionally, food donations can be dropped off at certain Denver recreation centers. (Dry, nonperishable goods only.) Volunteer opportunities are also available. Visit the Denver Food Resources page for more information on receiving support or helping out:

Denver Food Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will clients be able to use existing SNAP benefits during November?

A: Yes, SNAP retailers will continue to accept SNAP benefits during November.

Q: Will retailers continue to accept EBT?

A: Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) communicated to CDHS on 10/17 that there are no changes to retailers’ ability to accept SNAP benefits during the shutdown. There is no current interruption to reimbursement at this time.

Q: How long will the shutdown last?

A: There is no set timeframe; it depends entirely on when Congress and the White House reach a funding agreement.

Q: If/when the Government reopens, will SNAP recipients receive any benefits they may have missed during the shutdown?

A: Yes, the federal government has stated that households shall receive retroactive benefits once the suspension is lifted upon the availability of federal funding.

Q: Does this also impact USDA tribal commodities?

A: This hold does not have an impact to USDA Tribal Commodities. This is a separate program.

Learn more (Colorado Department of Human Services)

Changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility (Updated Oct. 15, 2025)

Recent federal legislation will change SNAP and Medicaid eligibility for some Denver Human Services customers

For SNAP, beginning Nov. 1, 2025: 

  • Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) ages 64 and under may need to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. Some exceptions apply.
  • Parents whose youngest child is 14 years old or older may also need to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. Some exceptions apply.

For Medicaid, the same groups will be required to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. However, changes to Medicaid eligibility will be implemented no earlier than December 31, 2026. 

Additionally, noncitizen immigrants should be aware of the following:  

  • Noncitizen immigrants who are NOT Legal Permanent Residents (noncitizens without green cards) will remain ineligible for SNAP.  
  • Some immigrants with humanitarian relief such as asylum or refugee status will no longer be eligible for Medicaid starting October 1, 2026.  
  • All noncitizen immigrants will remain eligible for Emergency Medicaid.

More information can be found at the websites of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing for Medicaid and the Colorado Department of Human Services for SNAP.

Get Started: Apply for Food, Cash and Medical Assistance

You can apply for food, cash, and medical assistance at the same time online through Colorado PEAK. You may also download an application (en español) and mail it to us. If you do not have reliable access to the internet, give us a call at 720-944-4DHS (4347) to have an application  mailed to you.

Apply for benefits on Colorado PEAK

Answer the call - it's Denver Human Services! Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will be contacted for renewals and to set up interviews from the number 720-944-4347 (DNVR Human SVC may appear on the caller ID).

Do I qualify for benefits?

MyFriendBen helps you understand the government benefits, programs and tax credits you’re eligible for. Benefits include programs uniquely available to Denver residents. On average, in 6 minutes, you will know the cash value of those programs and the time it takes to apply so you can quickly make a decision that’s right for you.

Visit our MyFriendBen information page to learn more, or click on the MyFriendBen button below to get started.

my friend ben

Find out what benefits you're eligible for

Scam / Fraud Alerts

Watch out for EBT scams! Visit these webpages for information and videos on protecting against EBT fraud, how to report fraud on EBT cards, and what to do if your benefits are stolen:

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are these the only assistance programs you offer?

No. Learn more about the other types of assistance we offer at our Additional Assistance page.

If I don't qualify for these programs, are there other ways I can get help?

If you don’t qualify for food, cash, or medical assistance, we encourage you to contact our GIVE Center by emailing DHSresourcehub@denvergov.org or calling 720-944-1250. GIVE Center staff can connect you to vital document fee waivers, clothing referrals, and monthly hygiene items, and connect you to community partners for additional support.

Can I get assistance if I'm an immigrant or refugee?

Yes. Denver has a history of welcoming immigrants and refugees and will continue to act as a welcoming city and an ally for all new arrivals. Our mission is to protect those in harm’s way and help all people in need, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

What if I need help applying for benefits or checking my application status?

Our staff can help you apply for benefits by phone; call 720-944-4DHS (4347).

In addition, Colorado PEAK offers a virtual chatbot that is always available, 24/7. It can provide help signing into PEAK, making a payment, or providing application status updates. To use the chatbot, visit Colorado PEAK and click on the circle labeled "CHAT."

If you need language interpretation services, our staff will make those arrangements for you. A sign language interpreter or open captioning via CART will be provided upon request by contacting  DHSADASupport@denvergov.org.

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