How to Renew or Recertify SNAP Benefits in Colorado

If you get SNAP food assistance in Colorado, you must renew (recertify) your benefits regularly to keep them. This article explains how SNAP renewal usually works in Colorado, what to expect, and how to move forward through official state and county agencies.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office or application site. This guide is only to help you understand the process so you can use the official channels with more confidence.

SNAP Renewal in Colorado: The Basics

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps eligible households buy food each month with an EBT card. In Colorado, SNAP is managed through county human services departments and the state’s Colorado PEAK / online benefits portal.

When you first get approved, you’re given a certification period (a set number of months). Before that period ends, you must renew or recertify so the state can confirm you are still eligible.

If you do not complete renewal on time, your SNAP benefits can stop, and you may have to submit a new application instead of a simple renewal.

How Often You Need to Renew SNAP in Colorado

The exact recertification period can vary by household, but common timeframes include:

• 6 months – common for many working households
• 12 months – sometimes for households with more stable income or circumstances

You can find your recertification deadline:

• On your approval or renewal notice from your county
• In your online account on the official benefits portal
• By calling your county human services office or the state SNAP hotline

If you are not sure of your renewal date, it is important to contact your local county office as soon as possible.

How You’ll Know It’s Time to Renew

Typically, Colorado SNAP households receive a notice by mail (and sometimes by text, email, or portal message if you agreed to electronic notices) before their certification period ends.

The notice usually includes:

• Your recertification due date
• The last day you can turn in the renewal form
• Whether you need an interview
• How to submit your renewal (online, mail, fax, drop-off, or in person)

Do not wait for a reminder if you already know your end date. Renew early to avoid gaps in benefits.

Ways to Renew SNAP in Colorado

Most households in Colorado can renew SNAP benefits in one of these ways:

1. Online Through the Official Benefits Portal

Many people renew through the state’s online benefits system (often called Colorado PEAK or a similar name, depending on current branding).

Typical process:

1. Log in to your official state benefits account.
2. Look for a section labeled something like “Recertify,” “Renew Benefits,” or “My Cases.”
3. Complete the SNAP renewal form online.
4. Upload any required documents (if the system allows uploads).
5. Submit and save or print confirmation for your records.

If you’re unsure you’re on the correct website, look for:

• A “.gov” in the web address
• Clear references to Colorado state government or Colorado Department of Human Services
• Customer service or help numbers that match those given on mailed notices from your county

2. By Mail or Fax

You can also usually:

1. Fill out the paper recertification form your county sends.
2. Add copies of supporting documents.
3. Mail it to your county human services office or fax it to the number listed on your notice or the form.

If you choose this method, send it early. Mail can be delayed, and your renewal is generally considered on time only when received, not when sent.

3. In Person at Your County Human Services Office

You can typically:

• Visit your county human services or social services office
• Request a SNAP redetermination/recertification form
• Fill it out and submit it with documents at the front desk or drop box

Some counties may have kiosks or computers available if you need help submitting online. If you need any accommodation (such as language help or disability-related support), inform the staff at the office.

Information and Documents to Gather for Colorado SNAP Renewal

Colorado usually requires that you update your information so they can confirm you are still eligible. Having documents ready can make renewal faster.

Common items include:

• Identification

  • Driver’s license, state ID, tribal ID, or other government-issued photo ID

• Income details for everyone who works or receives income

  • Recent pay stubs (often 30 days’ worth)
  • Letters for unemployment benefits
  • Proof of Social Security, SSI, SSDI, pensions
  • Any self-employment records (profit/loss, invoices, etc.)

• Household expenses (these can help determine your benefit amount)

  • Rent or mortgage statement or lease
  • Utility bills (electric, gas, water, trash, internet if countable)
  • Property tax and homeowner’s insurance (if applicable)

• Childcare or dependent care costs

  • Receipts or statements from daycare or babysitters

• Medical expenses (especially for people who are elderly or have disabilities)

  • Prescription receipts
  • Doctor or hospital bills
  • Health insurance premiums

• Immigration status documents (if applicable)

  • Green card, immigration papers, or other documentation for non-citizens applying for SNAP

Not every household will need every document, but having them makes it easier to respond if your county requests proof.

Snapshot: Common Ways to Renew SNAP in Colorado

The SNAP Recertification Steps in Colorado

While details can vary slightly by county, the process usually follows these steps:

Step 1: Watch for Your Notice

• Your county sends a renewal/recertification notice.
• Note the due date and interview information.

Step 2: Complete the Renewal Application

• Fill out all sections that apply to your household.
• Update any changes since your last approval, such as:
  • Income changes
  • Job status changes
  • New or fewer people in your household
  • Address changes or new housing costs

Being accurate and complete reduces the chance of delays.

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

• Upload, mail, fax, or hand in needed verification documents.
• If you cannot get a certain document, tell your worker; sometimes they can use alternate verification (like a written statement) in certain situations.

Step 4: Complete the Interview (If Required)

Colorado typically requires an interview when you first apply and often at renewal. Some households may qualify for an interview to be waived, but that is decided by the agency.

• Interviews are commonly done by phone.
• Some counties may also offer in-person appointments.
• The notice will often give:
  • A time window where they will call, or
  • Instructions to call in to complete the interview.

During the interview, they may:

• Review your household members
• Confirm income and expenses
• Ask about any changes since your last application
• Tell you if they still need any documents

If you miss the scheduled call, call your county office as soon as possible to reschedule.

Step 5: Wait for the Decision

After your renewal form, documents, and interview are complete:

• Your county reviews your case.
• You should receive a written notice that:
  • Approves your benefits for a new certification period, or
  • Denies or closes your case, with a reason.

If approved, you generally keep using the same EBT card; new benefits load each month for the new certification period.

Deadlines and How to Avoid a Gap in Benefits

To prevent your SNAP from stopping:

• Submit your renewal before the due date on your notice.
• If you can, submit it as soon as the window opens (often about a month before your certification ends).
• Respond quickly to any requests for more information or documents.

If you submit everything late, you may experience:

• A temporary stop in benefits, or
• A requirement to start over with a new application instead of a simpler renewal.

If your benefits stop and you believe you did everything on time, contact your county office immediately to ask what happened and what you can do next.

Common Reasons SNAP Renewal Gets Delayed or Denied in Colorado

People often run into problems for reasons like:

• Missing deadline for submitting the renewal form
• Missing interview or not calling back to reschedule
• Incomplete forms (skipping pages or questions)
• No verification documents when the county requested them
• Unreported changes (income, household members, or address) that affect eligibility
• Income now above program limits

If your case is delayed, you can:

• Call your county SNAP or human services office
• Ask if they need additional documents or clarification
• Provide what is requested as soon as possible

If Your SNAP Renewal Is Denied or Your Case Is Closed

If your Colorado SNAP recertification is denied or your benefits are ended, the notice sent by your county should explain:

• Why your case was closed or denied
• The effective date of closure
• Your rights to appeal (often called a fair hearing)
• How long you have to request a hearing

Requesting an Appeal or Fair Hearing

If you disagree with the decision:

1. Follow the instructions on your denial or closure notice.
2. You may be able to request a hearing by:
   • Mailing or faxing a written request
   • Calling your county office
   • Visiting the county office in person

There is usually a deadline to request a hearing, so act quickly.

At a hearing, you can:

• Explain your situation
• Bring documents or witnesses that support your case
• Ask the agency to review any errors or misunderstandings

If you need help, you can ask about legal aid organizations or community agencies in Colorado that assist with public benefits appeals.

If You No Longer Qualify for SNAP in Colorado

If your renewal shows that you no longer qualify for SNAP because of income changes or other reasons, you may still have options:

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) – for eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children
• Food pantries and community food banks – offered by nonprofits, faith organizations, and community groups
• Meals programs – including school meals for children and senior meal programs
• Cash assistance – such as Colorado Works (TANF) for some families with children
• Utility or housing assistance – through local nonprofits or county agencies

You can dial 211 in Colorado to reach an information and referral line that often connects people with local food, housing, and other assistance resources.

How to Make Sure You’re Using an Official SNAP Channel

Because SNAP involves personal and financial information, it’s important to confirm that you are dealing with real government offices, not third-party companies or scams.

Here are some tips:

• Look for “.gov” in website addresses for state portals.
• Check that mail is from your county human services department or Colorado Department of Human Services.
• Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone—county workers do not need your PIN.
• Be cautious if someone:
  • Asks for upfront fees to “guarantee” or “speed up” SNAP
  • Contacts you through social media offering benefits help in exchange for money
  • Asks for your full Social Security number or documents through unofficial messaging apps

If you are unsure, contact your county human services office or the state SNAP hotline using a phone number from an official notice or directory—not one provided by a random website or message.

Getting Help With the Colorado SNAP Renewal Process

You do not have to handle the recertification process alone. For help:

• Call your county human services / social services office and ask for:

  • Help understanding your recertification notice
  • Instructions for online, mail, fax, or in-person renewal
  • Information about interview scheduling and document requirements

• Contact 211 to ask about:

  • Local organizations that provide application and recertification help
  • Community centers, food banks, or nonprofits with staff trained in benefits navigation

Remember:
HowToGetAssistance.org is not able to process applications, renewals, or appeals. To renew or recertify SNAP in Colorado, you must go through your official state benefits portal, your county human services office, or the program’s official phone lines.