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Colorado • Speech/Language
If you have aphasia in Colorado, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and state-specific programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with aphasia, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Aphasia is considered a speech/language disorder and may qualify if it severely limits your ability to communicate and work [1].
SSA uses a list of impairments (Blue Book) to determine eligibility. Aphasia is evaluated under neurological disorders or speech/language impairments. You must provide medical evidence, such as speech therapy reports, neuropsychological evaluations, and doctor’s statements, to prove your condition meets the criteria [8].
In Colorado, you may qualify for additional state programs if you have aphasia. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid, even if their income is above standard limits. You must be employed, have a qualifying disability (including aphasia), and meet income requirements. There is no resource limit, and premiums are based on income [2].
Colorado also offers the Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program, which provides interim cash assistance to low-income residents with disabilities that prevent them from working. You must be between 18-59, have a qualifying disability, and be actively pursuing SSI benefits. The maximum resource limit is $2,000 for singles and $3,000 for couples [4].
If you are a public employee, you may qualify for the Colorado PERA Disability Program, which provides disability retirement benefits if you have at least five years of service credit and experience a loss of 25% of your earnings due to disability [3].
Colorado ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities, including aphasia, to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. To qualify, you must have a qualifying disability that began before age 26. You can open an account by self-certifying or providing proof of SSI/SSDI eligibility or a physician’s diagnosis [6].
If you receive disability benefits, you must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions. Always keep records of your reports and follow up with the agency if you have questions [4].
Contact your local Social Security office or Colorado Department of Human Services for assistance with your application. They can help you gather the necessary documents and complete the forms.
Yes, aphasia may qualify as a disability under Social Security rules if it severely limits your ability to communicate and work. You can apply for SSDI if you have a work history, or SSI if you have limited income and resources [1].
You need medical records, speech therapy reports, neuropsychological evaluations, and a doctor’s statement confirming your aphasia diagnosis and its impact on your ability to work [8].
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence [8].
Yes, Colorado offers the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for working adults with disabilities. You can buy into Medicaid even if your income is above standard limits [2].
AND-SO provides interim cash assistance to low-income residents with disabilities who are actively pursuing SSI benefits. The maximum resource limit is $2,000 for singles and $3,000 for couples [4].
Complete the Health First Colorado Disability Application and submit it with proof of income and disability. Premiums are based on your income after disregards [2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
A Colorado ABLE account allows individuals with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. You must have a qualifying disability that began before age 26 [6].
Yes, you must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions [4].
Yes, public employees may qualify for the Colorado PERA Disability Program if they have at least five years of service credit and experience a loss of 25% of their earnings due to disability [3].
The processing time varies, but it can take several months. Providing complete and accurate information can help speed up the process [1].
