Autism Spectrum Disorder Benefits in Colorado

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your Autism Spectrum Disorder must be severe enough to prevent you from working. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For SSI, your income and resources must be limited. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses specific medical criteria to decide if your condition qualifies. You must provide medical evidence showing your disability has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[1].

• SSDI: Requires 40 credits, 20 earned in the last 10 years[8].
• SSI: No work history needed, but strict income and resource limits[8].
• Both programs require a qualifying disability as defined by SSA[8].

In Colorado, adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder may qualify for several state programs. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy Medicaid coverage if their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level[2]. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program offers interim cash assistance for those actively pursuing SSI, with a maximum grant of $248 per month[3]. To qualify for these programs, you must have a qualifying disability as determined by SSA or the state’s disability determination vendor, and meet age and income requirements[2][3].

• Health First Colorado Buy-In: Must be 16+, employed, have a qualifying disability, and income below 450% FPL[2].
• AND-SO: Must be 18-59, have a qualifying disability, and be pursuing SSI[3].

• Check if you meet federal and state eligibility for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or Colorado PEAK for SSI/SSDI.
• For Medicaid, apply at Colorado.gov/PEAK.
• For AND-SO, contact your county human services office.
• For ABLE, apply at ColoradoABLE.org[6].

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state programs. Autism Spectrum Disorder must meet SSA criteria for disability[8].
• Step 2: Collect medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or in person at a local Social Security office. You can also apply for Medicaid (Health First Colorado) at Colorado.gov/PEAK[2][4].
• Step 4: If you are working and need Medicaid, apply for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program. You may need to complete a separate disability application if you don’t have an SSA determination[2][4].
• Step 5: For interim cash assistance, apply for AND-SO through your county human services office. You must be actively pursuing SSI[3].
• Step 6: For ABLE accounts, apply at ColoradoABLE.org if you became disabled before age 26[6].
• Step 7: Report any changes in income or status to avoid overpayments[3][4].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash benefit for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources[8].
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly benefit for those with a work history and enough Social Security credits[8].
• Medicare: Health coverage for SSDI recipients after 24 months of disability[1].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities, available through SSI or state programs[1].

• Health First Colorado Buy-In Program: Allows working adults with disabilities to buy Medicaid coverage if their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You pay a monthly premium based on income[2].
• Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO): Provides interim cash assistance ($248/month) for those actively pursuing SSI. Must be 18-59, have a qualifying disability, and meet income/resource limits[3].
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): Offers employment services and benefits planning for people with disabilities[5].
• Colorado ABLE Program: Allows savings for people with disabilities who became disabled before age 26[6].

Colorado ABLE accounts let people with Autism Spectrum Disorder save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. To qualify, you must have a qualifying disability that started before age 26. You can self-certify if you don’t receive SSI or SSDI, but must provide a physician’s diagnosis[6].

• SSI: Strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943/month for an individual, but Colorado may have additional rules[8].
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial gainful activity (SGA)[8].
• Health First Colorado Buy-In: Income must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level[2].
• AND-SO: Must have limited income and resources ($2,000 for single, $3,000 for married)[3].

Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much, you may have to repay it. For SSI/SSDI, report changes online or by phone. For Medicaid and AND-SO, report to your county human services office[3][4].

• Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  Phone: 1-303-981-1236

  Website

  For help with SSDI/SSI applications and employment services.
• Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
  Phone: 1-800-221-3943

  Website

  For Medicaid and Buy-In Program questions.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI questions.

• Can Autism Spectrum Disorder qualify for SSI or SSDI in Colorado?

  Yes, if your Autism Spectrum Disorder is severe enough to prevent you from working and meets SSA criteria. You must provide medical evidence showing your disability has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[8].

• What is the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program?

  It allows working adults with disabilities to buy Medicaid coverage if their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You pay a monthly premium based on income[2].

• What is the AND-SO program in Colorado?

  AND-SO provides interim cash assistance ($248/month) for those actively pursuing SSI. You must be 18-59, have a qualifying disability, and meet income/resource limits[3].

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Colorado with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

  Apply online at Colorado.gov/PEAK. If you have an SSA disability determination, you don’t need a separate disability application. If not, you may need to complete a disability application[4].

• Can I work and still receive disability benefits in Colorado?

  Yes, you can work and apply for or receive disability benefits. There are work incentives and programs to help you maximize your income[5].

• What is an ABLE account and who qualifies in Colorado?

  ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You must have a qualifying disability that started before age 26[6].