Asthma Benefits in Colorado: Your 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your asthma must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI, or have enough work credits for SSDI. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability, which includes medical evidence and how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work. Children with asthma may also qualify if their condition meets SSA’s criteria for disability.

• SSI is for people with limited income and resources.
• SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Both programs require medical documentation showing your asthma is disabling.

For more details, see the SSA’s disability qualification page [1].

In Colorado, if your asthma is severe enough to qualify for SSI or SSDI, you may also be eligible for Health First Colorado (Medicaid). If you already receive SSI or SSDI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid in Colorado. If you don’t, you can apply for Medicaid and may need to complete a disability determination. Colorado also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including asthma, if you became disabled before age 26 and are entitled to SSI or SSDI. These accounts let you save money without losing benefits.

• You must be a U.S. citizen and Colorado resident to open a Colorado ABLE account.
• Accounts must be opened by June 30, 2026, to receive a $25 bonus.
• Funds are dispersed the following month after the account is opened.

For more details, see the Colorado ABLE website [2].

• Check if your asthma is severe enough to qualify for SSI/SSDI or Medicaid.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply online for SSI/SSDI at SSA.gov or for Medicaid at Colorado.gov/PEAK.
• Contact your local county human services office for help.
• Consider opening a Colorado ABLE account if you qualify.

• Step 1: Review the SSA’s disability criteria for asthma. Make sure your condition meets the requirements for SSI or SSDI.
• Step 2: Gather medical records, proof of income, and other required documents.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid (Health First Colorado) at Colorado.gov/PEAK. If you already receive SSI/SSDI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid.
• Step 5: If you qualify for SSI/SSDI and became disabled before age 26, consider opening a Colorado ABLE account for tax-advantaged savings.
• Step 6: Contact your local county human services office or the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for help with applications and work incentives.
• Step 7: Report any changes in your income or health to avoid overpayments.

For more details, see the SSA’s disability application page [3] and the Colorado ABLE website [2].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides cash support to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Provides cash support to people with disabilities who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits.
• Medicare: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who have received SSDI for 24 months.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provide home and community-based services to people with disabilities who would otherwise need institutional care.

For more details, see the SSA’s disability benefits page [4] and the Medicaid waivers guide [5].

• Health First Colorado (Medicaid): Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits. If you receive SSI or SSDI, you automatically qualify.
• Colorado ABLE Accounts: Let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Accounts must be opened by June 30, 2026, to receive a $25 bonus.
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): Helps people with disabilities find jobs and understand how work affects benefits.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provide home and community-based services to people with disabilities who would otherwise need institutional care.

For more details, see the Health First Colorado website [6] and the Colorado ABLE website [2].

• Colorado ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• To qualify, you must be entitled to SSI or SSDI and have become disabled before age 26.
• Accounts must be opened by June 30, 2026, to receive a $25 bonus.
• Funds are dispersed the following month after the account is opened.
• You can contribute to the account and use the funds for qualified disability expenses.

For more details, see the Colorado ABLE website [2].

• SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual.
• SSDI has no income limit, but you must have enough work credits.
• Medicaid has income and resource limits that vary by program.
• Colorado ABLE accounts have annual contribution limits of $18,000 and a lifetime limit of $550,000.

For more details, see the SSA’s SSI page [7] and the Colorado ABLE website [2].

• Report any changes in your income, resources, or health to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if your circumstances change.
• If you receive an overpayment, you may have to repay the money.
• Contact your local county human services office or the Social Security Administration for help with overpayments.

For more details, see the SSA’s overpayments page [8].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Monday – Friday

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI questions and applications.
• Colorado Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-221-3943

  Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday

  Website

  For Medicaid and other state benefits.
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  Phone: 1-303-866-4300

  Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday

  Website

  For work and benefits planning.

• Can asthma qualify for disability benefits in Colorado?

  Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid. You’ll need medical documentation showing your condition is disabling.

• How do I apply for SSI/SSDI with asthma in Colorado?

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. You’ll need medical records and proof of income. Contact your local county human services office for help.

• Do I need to complete a disability application for Medicaid if I get SSI/SSDI?

  No. If you already receive SSI or SSDI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid in Colorado. Just report your SSI/SSDI status to your county or through Colorado.gov/PEAK.

• What is a Colorado ABLE account and who can open one?

  A Colorado ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You must be entitled to SSI or SSDI and have become disabled before age 26 to open one.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Colorado?

  Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits. There are work incentives and programs to help you keep benefits while working. Contact DVR or a benefits counselor for help.

• What are Medicaid waivers and how do I apply?

  Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services to people with disabilities. You can apply through your local county human services office or the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.