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Colorado • Chronic Illness
If you have cancer in Colorado, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, health coverage, and financial help. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get support.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. You generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and a qualifying disability. Cancer can qualify if it meets Social Security’s medical listings or prevents you from working for at least 12 months. Both programs require U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status and residency in the U.S. [^1]
In Colorado, adults with cancer may qualify for state programs if they have a qualifying disability and meet income and resource limits. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance for low-income adults aged 18-59 with a disability that prevents work, while they pursue SSI benefits. Applicants must be actively pursuing SSI and have exhausted other public assistance. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if their income is above regular Medicaid limits but below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You do not need to apply for Social Security disability to qualify for the Medicaid Buy-In, but a disability determination is required using Social Security’s criteria [^2][^3].
Colorado ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities that started before age 26 to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. You can contribute up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit). To qualify, you must be entitled to SSI or SSDI based on blindness or disability, or self-certify with a physician’s diagnosis of a similarly severe disability. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, including medical care, housing, and education [^6].
For SSI in Colorado, individuals can have up to $2,000 in countable resources, and couples can have up to $3,000. For SSDI, there is no asset limit, but you must have a qualifying work history. For the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program, income after disregards must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. For AND-SO, the maximum resource limit is $2,000 for an unmarried person and $3,000 for a married person [^3][^4].
It is important to report changes in income, employment, or medical status to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, and state programs as soon as possible. Keep records of all communications and changes reported [^7].
Contact your county human services office or call Ability Connection Colorado at 1-303-691-9339 for benefits counseling and application support.
Yes, cancer can qualify for SSDI and SSI if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. You must meet Social Security’s medical criteria and work or income requirements.
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For state programs like Medicaid or AND-SO, apply online or at your county human services office.
The Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities, including cancer, to buy into Medicaid if their income is above regular Medicaid limits but below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You pay a monthly premium based on income.
AND-SO provides interim cash assistance to low-income adults aged 18-59 with a disability that prevents work, while they pursue SSI benefits. You must be actively pursuing SSI and have exhausted other public assistance.
Yes, SSDI and SSI have work incentives that allow you to work and keep some benefits. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program is for working adults with disabilities. Report any changes in income to avoid overpayments.
A Colorado ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities that started before age 26. You can save up to $18,000 per year without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Contact your county human services office, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or reach out to Ability Connection Colorado at 1-303-691-9339 for benefits counseling.
If you already receive SSI or SSDI, you do not need a separate disability determination for Medicaid. If not, you may need to complete a disability application for Medicaid, which uses Social Security’s criteria.
You need medical records from your doctors, including diagnosis, treatment plans, and how your cancer affects your ability to work. Social Security will review this evidence to determine eligibility.
Yes, you may qualify for Section 8, public housing, or other housing programs if you have a disability and meet income requirements. Contact your local housing authority for more information.
