If you have arthritis in Colorado, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available for arthritis-related disabilities.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, your arthritis must be severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs use the Social Security Administration’s disability listings to decide if your condition qualifies[8].
For SSDI, you generally need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began[8]. For SSI, your monthly income must be below $1,620 (or $2,700 if blind) and your countable resources must be under $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples[2].
In Colorado, you must be a resident and meet federal criteria for SSDI or SSI. For state programs like the Health First Colorado Buy-In, you must be employed, have a qualifying disability (including arthritis), and your income after disregards must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level[3]. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program is for low-income adults with disabilities, including arthritis, who are actively pursuing SSI. AND-SO requires a disability expected to last at least six months, and resources must be under $2,000 for singles or $3,000 for couples[5].
Colorado ABLE accounts are available for those whose disability started before age 26, including arthritis[9]. These accounts help save for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits.
The main federal programs for arthritis in Colorado are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI provides monthly benefits and Medicare to those with a qualifying work history. SSI offers cash assistance to those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history[1]. Both programs can help cover medical and living expenses for those unable to work due to arthritis[8].
Colorado offers several state programs for people with arthritis. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if their income is too high for regular Medicaid[3]. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance while pursuing SSI[5]. Colorado ABLE accounts help save for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits[9].
Other programs include Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with in-home care and support services for those with arthritis[7].
Colorado ABLE accounts are available for people with disabilities, including arthritis, that started before age 26. These accounts allow you to save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits like Medicaid or SSI[9]. To apply, visit ColoradoABLE.org and complete the application[9].
For SSI in Colorado, the monthly income limit is $1,620 (or $2,700 if blind). Countable resources must be under $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples[2]. For the Health First Colorado Buy-In, income after disregards must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level[3]. AND-SO has similar resource limits and requires active pursuit of SSI[5].
It’s important to report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands and affect your eligibility for benefits. Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, and other programs as soon as possible[7].
Contact your local Social Security office or county human services office for help with your application. Many organizations offer free assistance for people with disabilities.
Yes, arthritis can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it prevents you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. You must meet federal and state eligibility criteria[8][2].
The monthly income limit for SSI in Colorado is $1,620 (or $2,700 if blind). Countable resources must be under $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples[2].
Apply for Medicaid at Colorado.gov/PEAK or your county office. If you have a disability determination from Social Security, you may not need a separate disability application[6].
The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if their income is too high for regular Medicaid. Income after disregards must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level[3].
Yes, there are work incentives for SSDI and SSI recipients. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program also allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid[3][7].
The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance to low-income adults with disabilities who are actively pursuing SSI. The maximum resource limit is $2,000 for singles or $3,000 for couples[5].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Apply for a Colorado ABLE account at ColoradoABLE.org if your disability started before age 26. These accounts help save for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits[9].
You need medical records from your doctor that show your arthritis is severe enough to prevent work and is expected to last at least one year or result in death[8].
Yes, programs like Section 8 and public housing can help with housing costs for people with disabilities, including arthritis[7].
You can appeal the decision. Contact Social Security or your county office for information on the appeals process and deadlines[1].
