DENVER (Aug. 25, 2025) — The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) reminds students who are eligible for the Summer EBT program to use their benefits before time runs out. Unlike other food assistance programs, Summer EBT benefits do not carry over. Most benefits, with a few exceptions, will expire on Aug. 31.
For the 2025 season, CDHS provided Summer EBT cards to nearly 450,000 students. Participants receive a one-time $120 lump-sum payment on a pre-loaded Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that can be used to purchase healthy food.
“Even though most schools are already back in session, students and families can still use these benefits to purchase things like healthy school snacks,” said CDHS Executive Director Michelle Barnes. “When children are not hungry, they can concentrate on learning, ensuring they thrive for years to come.”
Students can use their benefits to buy most fresh, canned and frozen food items like:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, dairy and eggs
- Rice, beans and dry goods
- Snack crackers and bakery cakes
- Seeds and plants that produce food
Participants should have recently received a letter in the mail detailing how much remained for the 2025 season and when their benefits expired. Benefits are good for 122 days from the date they are issued.
CDHS and its State partners and community organizations have been reaching out to make sure eligible students and their families know about the Summer EBT program and when their benefits expire.
“There has been a tremendous effort made to make sure everyone who is eligible for Summer EBT knows about the program, receives their benefit, and most importantly uses it,” said Office of Economic Security Director Shelley Banker. “Our partners have been amazing in helping us, and through their hard work we are reaching as many people as possible.”
If you should have received benefits and didn’t, contact the Summer EBT Support Center at 1.800.536.5298 or email cdhs_sebt_supportcenter@state.co.us. In some cases, CDHS may be able to help students receive benefits after Aug. 31.
Students who are eligible for Summer EBT include those who qualify for free or reduced-price meals while attending a school participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program. Students who are receiving other assistance benefits — including SNAP and Colorado Works (TANF), or who meet National School Lunch Program income guidelines and are receiving Medicaid — can also receive Summer EBT.
Participants should hold on to their Summer EBT card, as future benefits may be applied to them. As of this time, the program is fully funded for the 2026 season.
Visit the Summer EBT web page for more information about the program.
The CDHS Food and Energy Assistance Division administers programs designed to safeguard the health and well-being of low-income, financially eligible households, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).
Media Contact:
John Rosa
Communications Manager, Office of Economic Security
john.rosa@state.co.us