Support for College and University Students

Most students in college or university are not aware they could qualify for SNAP. In fact, there are even more flexibilities in SNAP eligibility for students. Most students with low incomes who meet any of the following might be eligible for SNAP:

• Enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education
• Age 18 through 49
• Meets one of these student exemptions:*
  • Employed an average of 20 hours per week/80 hours per month
  • A single parent enrolled full time with responsibility for the care of a dependent child under age 12
  • Participating in a state or federally financed work-study program
  • Receiving Colorado Works (TANF cash grant) 
  • Responsible for more than half of the physical care of a dependent household member under the age of 6
  • Participation in Colorado’s Employment First Program
  • Responsible for more than half of the physical care of a dependent household member who is at age of 6 but is under the age of 12 where adequate child care is not available
  • Participating in an on-the-job training program while going to the institution of higher education
  • Be physically or mentally unfit (similar to general work requirements)

* A student enrolled less than half time in an institution of higher education, does not need to meet the additional student exemptions.

The information above is provided by the Colorado Department of Human Services and is subject to change.

You may qualify for Health First Colorado Medicaid if you:

• Meet certain income qualifications
• Are pregnant
• Are responsible for a child 18 years of age or younger, or
• Are blind or have a disability
• Or are 65 or older

If you don't meet those guidelines, healthcare coverage may be still be available to you.

You can apply for Medicare, as well as cash assistance (Colorado Works/TANF), food assistance (SNAP), child care assistance, and more through Colorado PEAK:

Apply for Benefits with Colorado PEAK

Are you a dependent? If someone can claim you as a dependent (usually a parent or caregiver) and you are under 26-years-old, you may be eligible to be on their health care plan. If you don't live in the same state as that person and you want to remain on their plan, check the plan details to ensure you'll be covered here in Denver.

If you don't live in the same state as the person who claims you as a dependent, you can apply for your own plan through Connect for Health Colorado.

WIC is The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC does not ask or keep information about visa status or citizenship. All responses are kept confidential.

WIC is available to children five years of age and younger, and to pregnant or breastfeeding women. It offers: 

• Free, healthy food
• Breastfeeding support
• Nutrition education
• And referrals to other types of care, including housing, health insurance, medical and dental care, and more.

See if you're eligible for WIC

Apply for WIC

In general, to qualify, you must:

• Meet income guidelines. These change every year. To review these:
  • Visit the New Clients section of the Denver CCAP website.
  • Then, click on the box labeled "Income Guidelines."
• Be a Denver county resident
• Enrolled in courses for your first Bachelor's degree*
• If another parent lives with you and your child/children, that person must be employed/self-employed, searching for a job, attending school, or participating in a training program

*If you are receiving a second or additional degree, you may qualify for child care assistance if you are also employed/self-employed, searching for a job, or participating in a training program.