Federal Impacts to Services
The federal government is currently in a shutdown, which is impacting some programs and services that Boulder County helps deliver. Also, new federal laws and orders are impacting programs and services.
See below for updates:
Benefits and Services
- SNAP (food assistance) benefits are on hold for November 2025. This affects all SNAP households.
- You can still use any SNAP benefits already on your EBT card at approved stores in November.
- Check your Colorado PEAK account for updates about future benefits.
- New applicants should still apply for benefits. Existing SNAP recipients should continue to renew.
- Boulder County will keep processing all new applications and renewals so that everyone who qualifies is ready to receive benefits as soon as funding becomes available. There may be some delays before benefits are issued.
- New SNAP work requirements take effect on Nov. 1, 2025. We will share more information about this when we have it.
- Additional updates on TANF (cash assistance), federal housing programs (including Housing Choice Vouchers), and Boulder County WIC benefits will be shared when information is available.
- People should visit Boulder County Findhelp to find free or low-cost services, including health coverage, food assistance, job training, housing and more.
Open Enrollment for Health Coverage Will Still Begin Nov. 1
Open enrollment for health coverage will still begin Nov. 1. The Boulder County Enrollment Center offers free assistance with enrollment. To schedule an appointment in English, Spanish, or other languages, visit boco.org/HealthCoverage, email HealthCoverage@bouldercounty.gov, or leave a voicemail at 303-441-4530.
Additional Information
- Programs like Social Security, Medicare, Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program), and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) are not currently affected by this shutdown. However, community members receiving payments may face delays if a government shutdown continues.
- For an update on upcoming Medicare dates, read the latest Area Agency on Aging newsletter.
Food Banks Need Help
If you’re interested and able, donate funds, time, or non-perishable foods to our local food banks or other non profits. Every amount helps. Visit the Colorado Gives web page at ColoradoGives.org to explore and support the many safety net providers serving our communities.