Summer EBT update
Aug. 6, 2024: The Summer EBT program has sent benefit cards, pre-loaded with a one-time lump sum payment of $120 each, to eligible families.
For more information, read our press release.
Contact information
Contact the Summer EBT Support Center if you have questions. The operating hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
- Phone: 800.536.5298
- Text: 720.741.0550
- Email: cdhs_sebt_supportcenter@state.co.us
Support Center holiday schedule
The Support Center will be available from 8 a.m. to noon on the following holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day abd Frances Xavier Cabrini Day.
The Support Center will be closed on New Year's Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT is a new program that provides nutritious food to eligible students in the summer months when they are not in school.
Who is eligible for Summer EBT?
Students who may be 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
- Those who are receiving other assistance benefits, including SNAP and Colorado Works. You may qualify through Medicaid if your income is within the National School Lunch guidelines.
How do I get Summer EBT?
Many families will automatically receive Summer EBT if their student qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals or if they participate in SNAP, Medicaid or Colorado Works.
An EBT card will be mailed to each eligible student. To prepare for this, make sure your student's school has a current address and parent/guardian information. If you are receiving SNAP, Colorado Works or Medicaid, make sure your case has a current address on file.
When will Summer EBT be available?
Summer EBT payments will begin being sent in summer 2024. If you are approved for benefits you will receive a notice of action stating approval and a card will be mailed to you shortly after. No action is needed.
How much will I receive?
You will receive a single payment of $120 for each eligible child in your family.
Nondiscrimination statement
Read the USDA Nondiscrimination Statement.
Toolkit for outreach partners
CDHS has created an outreach toolkit to help government and community partners get the word out about Colorado's Summer EBT program.
- Waiver request for Colorado Summer EBT Plan for Operations and Management
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service requires each state to submit a yearly Plan for Operations and Management (POM) for the Summer EBT program. Colorado is requesting a waiver seeking approval to extend the submission date for this year's POM.
View the 2025 POM waiver request form.