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Colorado • Neurological/Developmental
Adults and children in Colorado with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may qualify for federal and state disability benefits if their condition severely limits their ability to work or function. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key programs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with ADHD, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses specific medical criteria to decide if ADHD is disabling. Children with ADHD may also qualify if their condition severely limits their functioning compared to peers.
In Colorado, adults with ADHD may qualify for state programs if they meet federal disability criteria and state-specific rules. For example, the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance for low-income adults with disabilities who are pursuing SSI. To qualify, you must be a Colorado resident, have a qualifying disability (such as ADHD), and meet income and resource limits. Children with ADHD may also qualify for state Medicaid or other support programs if they meet federal and state criteria.
Gather medical records showing ADHD diagnosis and how it limits your ability to work or function.
Check if you meet income and resource limits for SSI or SSDI.
Apply online at SSA.gov or in person at a local Social Security office.
For state programs, apply through Colorado PEAK or your county human services office.
Report all changes in income or health to avoid overpayments.
SSA: Apply for Benefits (2025-11-05)
Colorado PEAK Application Portal (2025-11-05)
Get Medical Documentation: Ask your doctor for a detailed letter or report that explains your ADHD diagnosis, symptoms, and how it limits your ability to work or function. Include treatment history and any functional limitations.
Check Eligibility: Review federal and state eligibility rules. For SSI, your income and resources must be below the limits. For SSDI, you need enough work credits. For state programs, check income and disability requirements.
Apply for Federal Benefits: Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical records.
Apply for State Programs: If you need Medicaid, cash assistance, or other state benefits, apply through Colorado PEAK or your county human services office. You may need to complete a separate disability application if you do not have an SSA determination.
Follow Up: Respond to any requests for more information. Attend medical exams if requested. Report any changes in income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
Appeal if Denied: If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Ask for help from a disability advocate or attorney if needed.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for people with disabilities who have a work history.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
Medicare: Health insurance for people who receive SSDI after 24 months.
Medicaid: Health insurance for people who receive SSI or meet state criteria.
SSA: Disability Programs (2025-11-05)
Health First Colorado Buy-In Program: Allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You pay a monthly premium based on income.
Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO): Provides interim cash assistance for low-income adults with disabilities who are pursuing SSI. The grant is $248 per month.
Colorado ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities that started before age 26. You can use funds for qualified disability expenses.
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for people with disabilities who need support to live independently.
Health First Colorado Buy-In Program (2025-11-05)
AND-SO Program, Colorado Department of Human Services (2025-11-05)
Colorado ABLE Plans (2025-11-05)
Medicaid Waivers in Colorado (2025-11-05)
Colorado ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. To qualify, you must have a disability that started before age 26 and meet SSA criteria. You can use funds for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits.
For SSI in Colorado, the income limit is $1,620 per month for most people ($2,700 if blind). The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. For the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program, income must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. For AND-SO, you must be low-income and actively pursuing SSI.
You must report changes in income, resources, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. Keep records of all reports and communications.
Contact your local Social Security office or Colorado Department of Human Services for help with your application. Disability advocates and legal aid organizations can also assist.
Save copies of all applications, medical records, and correspondence. This will help if you need to appeal a decision or report changes.
Yes, ADHD can qualify for SSI or SSDI in Colorado if it severely limits your ability to work or function. You must provide medical documentation and meet income and resource limits. Children with ADHD may also qualify if their condition meets SSA criteria.
You need a detailed letter or report from your doctor that explains your ADHD diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and how it limits your ability to work or function. Include any functional limitations and treatment history.
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical records. For state programs, apply through Colorado PEAK or your county human services office.
The income limit for SSI in Colorado is $1,620 per month for most people ($2,700 if blind). The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. These limits may change each year.
Yes, Colorado has programs like the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program that allow working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You may also qualify for SSI or SSDI work incentives.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult official sources or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance for low-income adults with disabilities who are pursuing SSI. The grant is $248 per month. You must be actively pursuing SSI to qualify.
If you do not have an SSA disability determination, you can apply for Health First Colorado and complete a disability application. The state will determine if you qualify using SSA criteria, regardless of your ability to work.
A Colorado ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities that started before age 26. You can use funds for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits.
Yes, children with ADHD may qualify for SSI or state Medicaid if their condition severely limits their functioning compared to peers. You must provide medical documentation and meet income and resource limits.
If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Ask for help from a disability advocate or attorney. Gather more medical evidence and explain why you believe you qualify.
