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Colorado EBT Card Balance: Everything to Know About Quest EBT card

It is the responsibility of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to implement the Colorado Food Stamp or food assistance program.

The food aid system helps families bring safe, nutritious food on the table by supplying them with it. Food assistance is available to low-income households that meet the eligibility requirements for federal income.

When you are eligible for food assistance in Colorado, the payments must be automatically deposited on an EBT (Electronic Payments Transfer) card.

The Colorado EBT card is similar to a standard ATM or debit card, also known as the Colorado Quest Card. Every month, food stamp benefits will be deposited on your EBT Card the same day.

Colorado EBT Card benefits can be available on your EBT Card account by 5 AM the morning after they are released.

Benefits can be used to make approved purchases of food at qualifying retail locations. Most grocery stores in Colorado accept the Quest Card as their payment.

What’s the Colorado Quest Card?

  • The Colorado Quest Card is Colorado’s EBT card.
  • EBT = electronic benefits transfer.
  • EBT card = a card that looks and works like a debit or credit card but is loaded with food stamps and/or cash benefits. You can use it at stores that accept EBT.
  • A Quest EBT card works like a debit card and can be used for purchasing groceries and withdrawing cash from ATM’s with your provided pin number. Most grocery stores display the Quest EBT card logo in their window.
  • You’ll get the Colorado Quest Card once you’re approved for benefits.
  • Colorado’s EBT customer service number is 1-888-328-2656.

Eligibility

Food assistance eligibility, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is determined by the Federal Government’s income limits. The help funds vary depending on the household.

The amount determined is put into an account accessed by an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, also known as a Colorado Quest card. You can then use that card to make transactions.

Food assistance can only be used to buy food, not items like pet food, tobacco, paper products, or alcohol.  To see if you may be eligible, or to check current benefits, visit Colorado PEAK.

Colorado EBT Payment Schedule

The plan below is for Food Stamps and Cash Rewards programs in Colorado. Make sure you find the appropriate schedule for the benefits you are getting.

Food stamps Each month’s benefits are deposited from the 1st to the 10th. Cash Benefits are deposited every month from the 1st through the 3rd. The last digit of your Social Security Number depends on when your money is paid. Here is the schedule according to the two programs:

Food Stamps

 
If your Social Security Number ends inBenefits are deposited on the
11st of the month
22nd of the month
33rd of the month
44th of the month
55th of the month
66th of the month
77th of the month
88th of the month
99th of the month
010th of the month
  

Cash Benefits

 
If your Social Security Number ends inBenefits are deposited on the
7, 8, 9, or 01st of the month
4, 5, or 62nd of the month
1, 2, or 33rd of the month
  

Once your benefits are deposited into your account, you can begin using them with your Colorado EBT card to purchase eligible food items.

List of Stores That Take EBT Online for Delivery

As you may know, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA) has launched a pilot program (Online Purchasing Pilot) to allow selected grocery stores to begin accepting online EBT cards for grocery shopping, including delivery to your doorway.

The grocery stores listed below have been approved for the pilot which will give EBT cardholders the opportunity to buy food for delivery online.

  • Amazon
  • Dash’s Market
  • FreshDirect
  • Hart’s Local Grocers
  • Hy-Vee, Inc.
  • Safeway
  • ShopRite
  • Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
  • Wright’s Markets, Inc

Where can’t I use my Colorado EBT Card?

You cannot use your Colorado EBT Card at the following locations:

  • Casinos
  • Poker Rooms
  • Card Rooms
  • Smoke & Cannabis Shops
  • Adult Entertainment Businesses
  • Nightclubs/Saloons/Taverns
  • Tattoo & Piercing Shops
  • Spa/Massage Salons
  • Bingo Halls
  • Bail Bonds
  • Racetracks
  • Gun/Ammo Stores
  • Cruise Ships
  • Psychic Readers

Foods and Products Not Eligible for Purchase with the Quest EBT Card

  • No hot foods from deli/food to be eaten in store
  • No vitamins or medication
  • No pet food
  • No paper or cleaning products
  • No alcohol/tobacco products.

For a full list of approved food items, see the Food Stamps Eligible Food List here.

How to Check Colorado EBT Card Balance

Here’s how to check the balance on your Colorado Quest Card.

Option 1 – Check your Last Receipt

The first option to check your balance with Colorado Quest Card is to check your last receipt. This is the quickest and easiest way to find the current balance on your Colorado EBT Card.

Your balance will be listed at the bottom of your most recent grocery store or ATM receipt. You should get in the habit of keeping your most current EBT receipt

Option 2 – Login to your Edge EBT Account

The second option for checking your Colorado EBT Card balance is online through the Edge EBT website. To log in, visit the Edge EBT website, then enter your User ID and Password.

Once logged in, you’ll be able to view your current balance and transaction history. If you do not have an Edge EBT account, you can create a User Account.

Option 3 – Check by Phone

The last way to check the balance on your Colorado EBT Card is by phone. Call the card back with the EBT Customer Service number (1-888-328-2656).

The Customer Service Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After you call, enter your sixteen (16) digit EBT card number and you will hear your current food assistance or cash account balance(s).

How Do I Protect My Quest Card Information Online?

Never share any personal information via e-mail, especially Social Security numbers, account numbers, login and PIN.

The human resources department will never request personal information via email. Look out for phishing e-mails. Such e-mails advise you to use the connection given to check or change your account in some way.

The CDHS will never send you an e-mail requesting information of this type. Beware of suspect text messages demanding information about your Quest Card account via your mobile device.

The CDHS will never send a text message to your mobile device requesting this kind of information. Keep the passwords and PINs for your Quest account secret and do not leave them in an unsecured location.

Keep your Quest account passwords and PINs secret and do not leave them in an unsecured area. If you suspect suspicious activity related to your EBT account, immediately call Customer Service toll free at 1.888.328.2656 or 1.800.659.2656 (TTY).

Colorado EBT Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the Colorado EBT Card.


Can I Use My Colorado ebt Card in Other Counties and Other States?

The Colorado EBT card can operate at any store or ATM in the United States that accepts EBT cards, as well as in the District of Columbia, the United States.

And Guam and the Virgin Islands. Furthermore, there are no rules against using your EBT card outside of your home state. Nevertheless, you are expected to inform your local county public assistance office of any change of address.


Can I Go to A Bank Teller and Withdraw Money from My Ebt Account? 

No, you may only withdraw money from an ATM or through a cash-back/cash-only withdrawal at a participating store. Additionally, bank tellers do not have information or access to EBT accounts.


If I Don’t Use All of The Benefits I Received This Month, Will These Benefits Still Be Available to Me Next Month?

Yes, benefits that are not used in the month issued will stay in the EBT account. You may use these benefits in the following months.


Are There Any Fees for Using My Colorado ebt Card?

There is never a charge for using your card to buy food. However, any Bank surcharges (if any) for using cash machines will be taken from your account.


How Do I Buy Food and Items with My Ebt Card?

Here’s how to use your EBT Card to purchase food items:

  1. Swipe your card at the store’s payment machine.
  2. Then select “EBT” from the card options.
  3. Next, enter your 4-digit PIN.
  4. Complete the transaction and take your receipt – it will show your current EBT Card balance at the bottom.

How Much Will I Get on My Ebt Card Each Month?

The amount of benefits you receive on your EBT Card each month is determined by your income and household size.


I Have Seen People Purchase Non-Food Items with An Ebt Card. I Thought Snap Was only For Food?

Yes, the SNAP benefits are for food only. Some people have an EBT card for their TANF (cash help) benefits, however.

You can use the TANF advantages to buy food and non-food products. Contact your local government Benefit Assistance office for information on eligibility for TANF.


How Do I Report a Store or Person that I Think Is Misusing Food or Cash Benefits (committing Fraud)?

Misusing benefits on purpose is a federal crime. If you misuse benefits, your benefits can be taken away. To report a store or person misusing benefits, click here.


Can I Have Someone Else Help Me Shop Using My Ebt Account?

Ask your local caseworker Colorado Food Stamps about setting up an Approved Representative (AR). The AR will have a separate card that includes its own account number and PIN.

Additionally, the EBT device will monitor at any time which card is being used. The AR will be granted access to all of your benefit account.


What Do I Do if I Suspect Someone Has Stolen Benefits from My Ebt Card Account?

If your card is lost, stolen or damaged, call the Colorado EBT Card Customer Service Call 1-888-328-2656 immediately. After claiming that your card was lost, stolen or destroyed, a new card will be mailed to you.

Replacement cards are to be issued within three to five business days. You may also contact your nearest CDHS caseworker or the county social services department.


We hope that this article has been helpful on how to test your Colorado EBT Card Balance.

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