Boulder, Colorado residents who haven’t yet applied for the food tax rebate program need to act quickly, as the application deadline is approaching. Eligible individuals can receive a rebate of $318. The program is available to seniors, people with disabilities, families with children under 18, and those without permanent shelter.
How to Apply for the Boulder Food Tax Rebate
Applications for the Boulder food tax rebate opened in March, with the deadline set for June 30. Eligible participants include residents aged 62 or over, people with disabilities, and families with children under 18. Qualifying individuals can receive a rebate of $104, while families are eligible for $318.
To qualify, applicants must have lived in Boulder for the entire 2023 calendar year and meet specific income requirements. Those without permanent shelter must provide documentation from a city-recognized homelessness services agency to verify their eligibility.
Income requirements vary based on family size. For example, the income limit for an individual is $46,500, and for a family of two, it is $53,150. More information on income limits is available online.
The application is accessible online in both English and Spanish and can also be downloaded for physical submission. Individuals who applied for the rebate last year will automatically receive an application by mail.
For more information, applicants can call 303-441-4261 or email foodtaxrebateprogram@bouldercolorado.gov.
Background of the Boulder Food Tax Rebate Program
Boulder’s food tax rebate program was initiated in 1967 through a voter-approved measure aimed at reducing the financial burden on lower-income residents.
In 2023, Boulder distributed approximately 1,100 rebates, totaling around $162,000. These included 679 rebates to seniors, 267 to families with children, and the remainder to people with disabilities.
Since 2014, Boulder has distributed 8,000 food tax rebates, amounting to over $900,000. Of these funds, 53% were allocated to older adults, 38% to families, and 9% to individuals with disabilities. In 2015, the average rebate for seniors and people with disabilities was $77, while families with children under 18 received an average of $236.
In 2015, all 827 applications were approved. By 2023, 1,093 applications were approved, with 148 being rejected.
Additionally, Boulder is seeking volunteers to assist with the Food Tax Rebate program. Volunteers will work five hours per week, helping process applications and providing administrative support.