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Colorado • Mental Health
If you have Bipolar Disorder in Colorado, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI with Bipolar Disorder, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working and expected to last at least one year or result in death. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict medical criteria to decide if your Bipolar Disorder qualifies as a disability [1].
Common qualifying conditions include Bipolar I and II, especially if symptoms like mood swings, depression, or mania severely limit your ability to work or do daily activities. You must provide medical records showing your diagnosis and how it affects your life [2].
In Colorado, adults with Bipolar Disorder may qualify for several state programs. 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, even if they earn too much for regular Medicaid [3]. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program offers temporary cash help for low-income adults with disabilities who are pursuing SSI benefits. To qualify, you must be 18-59, have a qualifying disability, and meet income and resource limits [4].
Colorado also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities that started before age 26. These accounts let you save money without losing benefits [6].
Colorado ABLE accounts let people with Bipolar Disorder save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. To qualify, your disability must have started before age 26 and be severe enough to limit major life activities. You can open an account with a doctor’s diagnosis or proof of SSI/SSDI [6].
For SSI in Colorado, individuals can have up to $2,000 in countable resources; couples can have up to $3,000. The monthly income limit for SSI is $1,620 in 2025 (higher if blind). For Health First Colorado Buy-In, income must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level after disregards [2][3].
If your income, resources, or health changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Use Colorado.gov/PEAK or call your county office. Overpayments can lead to repayment demands or loss of benefits [4].
Contact your county human services office or call 1-800-772-1213 for help with federal disability applications.
Yes, if Bipolar Disorder prevents you from working and is expected to last at least one year. You must provide medical records showing your diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work [2].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require a qualifying disability [1].
You can apply online at SSA.gov for SSI/SSDI, or through Colorado PEAK for state programs. You’ll need medical records and proof of income and resources [1][4].
Colorado offers Health First Colorado Buy-In for working adults with disabilities, AND-SO for temporary cash help, and ABLE accounts for saving money without losing benefits [3][4][6].
No, you can work and still qualify for some programs. For example, the Health First Colorado Buy-In is for working adults with disabilities. However, your earnings must be below certain limits [3].
Individuals can have up to $2,000 in countable resources; couples can have up to $3,000. Some assets, like your home and one car, don’t count [2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, if you qualify for SSI or SSDI, you usually get Medicaid. You may also qualify for Health First Colorado Buy-In if you work and earn too much for regular Medicaid [3][5].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. You must have a qualifying disability that started before age 26, shown by SSI/SSDI or a doctor’s diagnosis [6].
Report changes in income, resources, or health through Colorado.gov/PEAK or by calling your county office. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits accurate [4].
You can appeal the decision. Ask for a reconsideration, then a hearing if needed. Get help from a disability advocate or attorney if possible [1].
